In the present experimental study, the use of the equine amniotic membrane preserved in glvcerol 98%, at room temperature, in wounds with secound intention healing of equine limbs were evaluated. Surgical wounds of the size of 9.6cm² were made on the fetiock joint, medial aspect of the proximal third of the metacarpus and lateral aspect of the medium third of the metatarsus ofboth limbs offive adult horses, making a total of thirty wounds. Two experimental groups were made with fifteen wounds in each group, where one of these groups was treated with amniotic membrane, and the other, the control group, treated only with a damp gauze changed every 48 hours. In all the wounds the procedure was to evaluate the measurement of the área, degree of secretion, development of exuberant granulation tissue and the complete time of epitheliazation. Bacteriologic and histopatologic exams were made in a sample of the treated and contrai groups. The biochemical determination of proteins and the identification of fibroblastic growth factor were realized in the amnionic membrane. In all the treated wounds were observed shorter healing time, less formation of exuberant granulation tissue, smaller incidence of pathogenic bacterias and a smaller increase of the wound area.
wounds; amniotic membrane; tissue granulation
