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Treatment



equitrX® Wound Healing Spray Gel & equitrX® Corneal Repair Gel Drops


The Cross-linking Technology of equitrX

equitrX is a hyaluronic acid (HA) based product. The HA is derived from a biofermentation process and purified through microfiltration. However the difference between this HA and most others on the market is that the HA molecules are modified so they can be chemically cross-linked together. This cross-linking technology provides a molecular matrix that facilitates enhanced wound healing.


The Molecular Matrix Effect of equitrX

The normal extra-cellular matrix (ECM) which provides support to the epithelial cells has HA as a major constituent. During injury the mediators of inflammation in the ECM stimulate cells to repair the damage. However this often leads to exuberant granulation and scarring. Some wounds are very slow to heal and the proud flesh or granulation tissue will have to be surgically trimmed to allow the epithelial edges to close over the top of the wound. The "molecular matrix" created by the HA based equitrX functions to promote cell migration while providing an environment conducive to healing.


The Normal Extracellular Matrix


This illustration shows the normal extra-cellular matrix. This is the space between the cells which is rich in hyaluronic acid, fibronectin and other components that support the surrounding cells.


A skin wound with equitrX Wound Healing Spray Gel covering the wound defect


This illustration shows a full-thickness wound filling with fibrocytes and blood vessels (granulation tissue) with the overlying epithelium beginning to contract over the defect. The equitrX Wound Healing Spray Gel is covering the wound defect providing the molecular matrix to enhance wound healing by facilitating that cellular migration from the wound edges to the center.


The hyaluronic acid in equitrX® is Naturally Occurring

Crosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA), the main component in equitrX, is:

  • Non-immunogenic
  • Non-irritating


Some of the properties of HA in wound repair include2

  • Steric exclusion property which helps prevent destructive proteolytic enzymes and free radicals from entering the wound site and thus providing an anti-inflammatory effect
  • Viscosity which helps prevent bacteria from passing into the HA rich area
  • Hydrophilic property which facilitates cell proliferation and migration during wound repair

Caution: Federal (USA) law restricts this product to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. For animal use only, not for use in horses intended for human consumption.


Treatment with equitrX® Wound Healing Spray Gel

equitrX Wound Healing Spray Gel is designed to be used on fresh or debrided wounds. Because this product needs access to fibroblasts and other cells necessary for healing, it does not work when applied to a mature, scabbed wound. equitrX Wound healing Spray Gel should be applied directly and completely over the entire wound surface. In young, healthy horses with a fresh, uncomplicated wound, a single daily application at the time of bandage change will be sufficient to enhance wound closure. For older animals or ones that are in poor health, or for wounds that have been chronically unresponsive to various therapies, multiple applications for weeks or months may be necessary. At the veterinarian's discretion, additional dressing or bandages may be used though dressing is not necessary for the product to work. Apply at each bandage change or if unbandaged, once daily. When re-applying wound treatment DO NOT debride the wound site. However, in chronic wounds, especially those that have not responded well to other treatments, the wound may need removal of proud flesh (the common term for the out-growth of fibrous tissue and blood vessels that occurs on lower leg wounds of horses) followed by frequent re-treatment.



Treatment with equitrX® Corneal Repair Gel Drops

For the treatment of corneal ulcers place 1-2 drops directly onto the injured cornea. To accomplish this, some horses may need to be restrained because corneal ulcers are very painful. The natural movement of the eyelid will distribute the gel over the eye surface. The gel drops should be applied 3 times each day until corneal repair is complete. These products should be stored at room temperature, away from a heat source or they may be stored in a refrigerator. Remember that if the product is stored in a refrigerator, it should be allowed to warm to room temperature prior to use. Do not allow these products to freeze as this will affect the cross-linking.


Features & Benefits

Features Benefits
Cross-linked hyaluronic acid Creates molecular matrix to enhance wound healing by facilitating cell migration1
Physical properties of hyaluronic acid (HA) Steric exclusion helps prevent destructive proteolytic enzymes and free radicals from entering the matrix thus providing an anti-inflammatory effect2
Viscosity helps prevent bacterial passage into the HA rich area2
Facilitates cell proliferation and migration during wound repair because of its hydrophilic properties2
HA produced via natural bio-fermentation HA is non-immunogenic and non-irritating
Many application options Aids healing in a variety of wounds and corneal ulcers 3,4
  1. Theoret C: Tissue Engineering in Wound Repair: The three "R"s –Repair, Replace, Regenerate.Veterinary Surgery 2009: 38:905-913
  2. Chen, WY, Abatangelo G, Functions of hyaluronan in wound repair, Wound Rep Reg 1999: 7:79-89
  3. Data on File
  4. Yang G, Espandar L, Mamalis N, Prestwich g: A cross linked hyaluronan gel accelerates healing of corneal epithelial abrasion and alkali burn injuries in rabbits. Veterinary Ophthalmology 2010:13,3, 144-150

Caution: Federal (USA) law restricts this product to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. For animal use only, not for use in horses intended for human consumption.