Hydroactive Wound Dressings in Cats

Hydroactive wound dressings combine with moisture and fluid from the wound exudate at the wound site and swell to contain the exudate moisture. Exudate is the fluid and cells produced by the body that accumulate at the site of a wound. Exudate aids in healing by providing a substance on which cells can grow and providing nutrition for new skin cells. It also plays a role in immune functioning at the site of an open wound. If too much or too little exudate exists at a wound site, healing may not progress properly. Capturing and regulating moisture from exudate at a wound site results in several conditions that assist in healing certain types of wounds. Moisture prevents the formation of scabs which would impede the growth of new cells that may be required to cover an open wound. In addition to providing a moist environment, hydroactive wound dressings have a structure within the dressing, also referred to as a matrix, which provides support for new epithelial cells to migrate across the wound opening. 

Hydroactive dressings also provide several other benefits; they do not adhere to the wound, they are water resistant, have antibacterial properties, and provide flexibility to allow comfort at wound sites where discomfort from traditional bandaging may occur. Reduced scarring is also a benefit of these types of dressings. They are only appropriate for certain types of wounds and should be used under the advice of a veterinarian. Your veterinarian can demonstrate correct usage and provide you with instructions for home usage if appropriate.

A wound should be examined by a veterinarian, who will determine the type of wound and treatment required. Your veterinarian will control bleeding by applying pressure and will clean the wound. If antibiotics or other medications are required to prevent secondary infections they will be prescribed. There are several different types of hydroactive dressings available commercially. Application of the dressing may vary depending on the brand; your veterinarian will follow instructions specific to that brand. In general, a dressing slightly larger than the wound is applied. If a wound cavity exists the dressing will be carefully inserted into the cavity. The hydroactive dressing combines with the open wound and the margins of the dressing adhere to healthy surrounding tissue to form a water and bacteria-proof barrier and seal exudate in the wound. As the exudate combines with the bandage the bandage will swell, keeping the exudate moisture at the wound site to aid healing. The hydroactive dressing can remain in place for several days. Your veterinarian will provide follow up veterinary care to change the dressing or instruct you regarding home usage.

These dressings are effective when used on open wounds that require continued exudate exposure. The exudate allows for cell granulation and epithelial cells to migrate across the open wound surface and prevents scarring and irritation that may occur with traditional dressings.

Hydroactive dressings may remain in place for several days. The bandage and wound area should be monitored for signs of infection. Watch your cat for signs of discomfort, lack of appetite or lethargy that may indicate an issue and address with veterinary care. The bandage will need to be removed and new dressings applied as necessary. Your veterinarian can advise you on a treatment schedule and will book follow-up appointments or may instruct you on appropriate application of the hydroactive dressing. 

The cost of hydroactive dressings is comparative to traditional bandaging supplies.  Depending on the size of the wound and the length of time dressings are required, they can cost from $30 to $300 plus the cost of veterinary care, if required, to change dressings. Because hydroactive dressings are effective at reducing complications in healing and reducing the incidence of infection, they may be less expensive in the long run, if complications are avoided through their usage. 

Hydroactive wound dressings are not appropriate for all wounds, where low levels of exudate or bacterial infections are present they are not recommended.

Some materials contained in the dressing could cause allergic reactions in your cat; you and your veterinarian will need to monitor your cat to ensure that this is addressed if it occurs and the dressing is removed. 

Excessive exudate being trapped at the wound surface may result in complications such as maceration, the breaking down of skin due to overexposure to moisture, which can result in sloughing of skin and enlargement of the wound as opposed to closure. Achieving the correct balance of exudate exposure requires the advice and care of your veterinarian.

Ensuring your cat has a safe environment where they are unlikely to experience trauma resulting in a wound will greatly decrease the requirement for wound management. Treatment of skin conditions and sores before they experience complications or become ulcerated will also prevent the requirement for specialized wound dressings. Routine grooming of your cat and monitoring by a veterinarian will result in the discovery of conditions requiring medical care at an earlier stage when treatment may be more routine.