Effects of fish scales extracted collagen biocasings on cutaneous wound healing in dogs

Dogs with cutaneous wound were selected and randomly divided into two groups, to study the efficacy of fish scales extracted collagen biocasings on cutaneous wound healing. The wounds in both groups of dogs were protected with sterile external bandage after cleaning with normal saline to prevent infection. The efficacy of biocasings on wound healing was studied based on gross, physiological, hematological, biochemical and histological findings at different time intervals of observation. The changes in gross, physiological, biochemical and hematological parameters were due to stress in control group and due to presence of foreign body reaction in biocasings applied group. The histological sequences such as inflammatory reaction, edema, fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, capillary vascularization and re epithelialization were more evident in collagen biocasings applied wounds. Fish scales extracted collagen biocasing did not allow accumulation of wound fluid compared to non applied wounds. Healing time was significantly low in collagen biocasing applied wounds (15.00±0.82 days) compared to untreated group (23.67±0.99 days). The fish scales extracted biocasings were moderately adherent to wound surface but produced good haemostatic effect and resorption was evident in 48 hrs of post application. The biocasings applied wounds gained nearly normal tensile strength at 28th post operative day. The use of fish scales extracted collagen biocasings for cutaneous wound healing in dogs was effective and helped in augmentation of wound healing activity.