The effect of equine recombinant growth hormone on second intention wound healing in horses.
Authors: Dart Andrew J, Cries Lucile, Jeffcott Leo B, Hodgson David R, Rose Reuben J
Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Recombinant Equine Growth Hormone and Wound Healing Researchers investigating whether intramuscular recombinant equine growth hormone (rEGH) might enhance second-intention healing of equine limb wounds conducted a two-phase study in nine Standardbred horses, creating standardized full-thickness skin defects (2.5 × 2.5 cm) over the cannon bone. Six horses received a 56-day course of rEGH (10 µg/kg daily for 7 days, escalating to 20 µg/kg daily for the remaining 49 days), whilst three received saline control injections, with healing progression monitored via video analysis twice weekly. Growth hormone treatment did increase initial wound retraction during the active treatment phase and accelerated contraction after treatment cessation, yet produced no clinically meaningful improvements in overall healing outcomes compared to untreated wounds. For equine practitioners managing limb wounds, these findings suggest that despite rEGH's theoretical benefits in tissue repair and anabolism, the substantial cost and treatment duration are unlikely to justify clinical use for second-intention healing in this location, particularly given the excellent natural healing capacity of equine skin through contraction and epithelialisation. The modest physiological effects observed—increased retraction and post-treatment contraction—do not translate into accelerated wound closure or superior cosmetic or functional results worth pursuing in routine practice.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Recombinant equine growth hormone administration (10 µg/kg for 7 days then 20 µg/kg for 49 days) does not improve clinical outcomes for equine limb wound healing and cannot be recommended for routine use
- •While growth hormone may increase wound retraction during treatment, this does not translate to faster overall healing or better clinical results
- •Standard wound management protocols remain the evidence-based approach for equine limb wounds
Key Findings
- •Recombinant equine growth hormone increased wound retraction during treatment but showed no beneficial clinical effect on overall healing
- •After treatment cessation, growth hormone-treated wounds contracted faster than control wounds
- •No differences were detected in primary wound healing variables between growth hormone-treated and untreated groups