Prescription gel aims to replace Elizabethan collar

Photo courtesy of KeraVet Bio

A new alternative to the cone-shaped Elizabethan collar has been introduced on the veterinary market for helping companion animals heal from surgical incisions and wounds. The prescription topical wound product (KeraVet Gel, KeraVet Bio) contains keratin protein and is used to improve the management of partial thickness wounds that are dry, light, and moderately exuding. The gel promotes accelerated healing time and discourages wound licking with an added lick deterrent.^1,2

A study by KeraVet Bio looked at 34 healthy dogs and 12 healthy cats that underwent ovariohysterectomy or orchiectomy procedures, and 6 healthy dogs who received a repeat tape-strip insult to both forelimbs. The animals were randomly assigned to receive either KeraVet Gel or a triple antibiotic ointment. The clinical findings showed that in dogs, wounds treated with KeraVet Gel exhibited notably reduced wound edema, chronic inflammation, and more than an 85% reduction in wound licking compared to the dogs treated with the triple antibiotic ointment. In cats, wounds treated with KeraVet Gel showed significantly less edema than wounds treated in the control group. With a P value of 0.07, a decrease of chronic inflammation in cats was insignificant. Both dogs and cats the received KeraVet Gel application demonstrated decreased licking behaviors—85% and 87%, respectively.^1,3

A video by KeraVet Bio revealed that approximately 65% of veterinary visits involve wound assessment or care. “Clients can struggle with multistep treatment plans that decrease compliance,” Natalie Marks, DVM, CVJ, FFCP,-Elite, a KeraVet Bio advisor and animal health expert, said in the video.²

In the video, Marks outlined the instructions for KeraVet Gel use, which consists of applying a thin layer of the gel to the wound, ensuring the entire wound is covered, and reapplying every 4 to 6 hours. “For some excessive lickers, more applications may be necessary,” Marks said. “KeraVet Gel can be applied as needed on day 1 to break the licking behavior. With a safe toxicity profile, no harm is anticipated with additional applications to stop the lick.”

Cherice Roth, DVM, MS, and author, talked about how pets that wear a cone are distressed and depressed, leading to similar feelings among the pet owners. As a result, aftercare compliance tends to taper off, causing wounds to linger.¹ "This product will put the pet and the pet parent out of their misery," Roth said in a news release. "By minimizing the use of the cone, we will change the wound healing standard of care for veterinarians and pet owners."

References

1. New wound care product aims at eliminating the dreaded cone of shame. News release. KeraVet Bio. May 23, 2024. Accessed May 23, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-wound-care-product-aims-at-eliminating-the-dreaded-cone-of-shame-302154348.html
2. Introducing the next generation of wound care – KeraVet Gel. YouTube. January 13, 2024. Accessed May 23, 2024. https://youtu.be/GbAaJc79dnU?si=fXvuiMzL0lk2WobOhttps://keravetbio.com/keravet-gel/clinical-studies/
3. KeraVet Gel Clinical Studies. KeraVet Bio. Accessed May 24, 2024. https://keravetbio.com/keravet-gel/clinical-studies/