Comparative trial evaluating the efficacy of ketanserin 0.25-percent gel in small animal dermatology

The efficacy of a ketanserin 0.25 % gel formulation intended for use in wound treatment in horses, was evaluated in small animal dermatology during a comparative trial under field conditions. The dermatological problems were restricted to ''traumatic lesions'', ''ischemic or necrotic lesions'' and ''dermatitis due to licking or scratching''. The efficacy of ketanserin gel as only therapeutic was compared to the efficacy of the routine treatment used in the practice and to the efficacy of the combination of both treatments. When comparing the outcome of the 3 treatment groups, the percentage of wounds that healed was comparable for the ketanserin treatment and the conventional treatment with regard to the treatment of traumatic lesions and ischemic or necrotic lesions; the percentage of wounds healed was much higher in the ketanserin-treated group compared to the conventional therapy in cases of dermatitis due to licking or scratching. The percentage of wounds healed in the combination therapy was comparable (ischemic/necrotic lesions, dermatitis due to licking/scratching) or inferior (traumatic lesions) to the conventional treatment. When the percentage of wounds that improved are considered together with those that healed, then the overall outcome was in favour of the ketanserin treatment. The healing process in the ketanserin treated groups had some favourable aspects compared to the conventional treatment : rapid in-growth of healthy granulation tissue, rapid wound closure, minimal scar formation. Side-effects were rare in the 3 treatment regimens