The effect of certain topical medications on healing of cutaneous wounds in the common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis).

Abstract

The effects of four topical medications on the rate and character of healing of cutaneous wounds were studied in six common garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis) held at an ambient temperature of 30 degrees C. Two sets of five 6 to 8 mm round excisional wounds, four test and one control site in each set, were created on the dorsolateral body wall of each snake. Wounds were examined daily and treated for ten days, then the snakes were killed and sections of all wounds were examined by light microscopy. Composite scores, derived by ranking each treatment group in relation to the control group (control score = 0) for each of 22 characteristics associated with wound healing, were used to compare the overall effects of each treatment. Statistical comparisons were made between groups for 20 characteristics. Wounds treated with a polyurethane film merited a score of +12 and had significantly more advanced healing than untreated controls for three characteristics. Wounds treated with an ointment containing scarlet red scored +6 but healing was not significantly greater than controls. Wounds treated with an antibacterial spray powder and an antibacterial ointment healed more slowly than controls and had scores of -6 and -12 respectively.