Comparison between acellular ovine skin and acellular bovine pericardium on the induced skin loss healing in local breed cats

This study aimed to compare the effects of acellular ovine skin and acellular bovine pericardium on healing of large skin loss in cats. Eighteen local breed adult cats were used and divided into two equal groups. A full-thickness square of 4x4 cm dimensions wounds were created on the backs of all cats. In the first group, acellular ovine skin of a 3x3 cm patch was used to close these full-thickness back wounds and sutured with wound edges and bandaged, while acellular bovine pericardium of the same size was used in the second group. Wounds were observed macroscopically and assessed physically and clinically daily, while histopathological examination was achieved on days 7, 14, and 21 post-operations. The clinical results showed a significant difference (P˂0.05) between both groups in the rate of wound healing. The physical evaluation using Doppler ultrasound exhibited the presence of good cutaneous blood perfusion since day 12 in the first group and day 14 in the second experimental group. The histopathological manifestations revealed significant differences in most of the observed histopathological parameters, especially interwoven with the wound beds, angiogenesis, well-developed granulation tissue, and good tissue architecture associated with acellular ovine skin group. The immunohistochemistry results of vascular endothelium growth factor expression detected that 1st group exhibited more staining intensity than 2nd group. In conclusion, acellular ovine skin is much better than acellular bovine pericardium as dressing for extensive wound healing in cats.