Four healthy adult horses were used in this study. Sixteen limbs were divided into four groups, in a latin square design (4x4). In lateral aspect of metacarpus or metatarsus region of each limb, a 50 cm2 (SxlO) full-thickness wound was induced. The wounds were stimulated to produce exuberant granulation tissue using tap-water and povidone-iodine 10% solution. Exuberant granulation tissue was formed 35 days after wounding in all wounds. Four methods of treating exuberant granulation tissue were evaluated. The following treatments were used : Group A curettage (blunt debridement), Group B: sharp debridement with scalpel, Group C : blunt debridement with non-adhesive bandage, Group D : Sharp debridement with non-adhesive bandage. All wounds were cleaned and photographed twice every week up to 7 weeks. The wounds of Group D were healed completely during 42 days. Other wounds had unhealed area 42 days after commencement of treatment, except two wounds of Group C. The best cosmetic appearance was observed in Group D. The wounds were treated with scalpel healed significantly faster than wounds were treated with curefte. Also healing rate in groups C and D was significantly faster than groups A and B. It seems that sharp debridement with non-adhesive bandage for treating exuberant granulation tissue of lower limb open wounds in horses could be recommended.
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