Evaluation of the antiseptic and healing properties of green clay on horses with open septic wounds

The following article is from Argiletz Laboratoire in France. It explains the results of a study of Argiletz French green clay that was conducted on horses with open septic wounds. It outlines the antiseptic and healing properties of green clay on horses with open septic wounds.

Findings

Compared with other studies we reviewed, green clay shows potent adherent properties which yield excellent results on wounds that are severe and difficult to heal, while many conventional antiseptic products fail to adhere to the skin and are drained away by biological secretions without any healing effect, resulting in persistent infection. Wound size is significantly reduced by the 15th day, demonstrating the effective healing properties of green clay. Horses are particularly prone to scarring problems, and a high percentage of them develop cheloid scars: in this study only one horse (6.6%) in the total population developed hypertrophic scarring (cheloid), confirming the powerful healing properties of green clay. The standard treatment for healing wounds includes prior disinfection with antiseptic products. This is not necessary if you are using green clay, as it is a natural antiseptic. Not only does this save time and money, but it also yields equal and sometimes even superior results compared to wounds that are disinfected with other products. Clinical studies show better results on large deep wounds, especially if oozing is present, compared to superficial wounds which can sometimes become irritated when exposed to long-term treatment with clay. Generally speaking, a longer period of time is required to allow for the proper healing of leg wounds, because of secretions and environmental contaminants such as manure, urine, sawdust, etc, which generate a higher risk of infection and contamination. In addition to the common complications that affect leg wounds, and when suturing is carried out in the best of cases, these sutures invariably split open and the wound heals by second intention. Using clay on clean wounds for a prolonged length of time (over 30 minutes) can sometimes cause skin irritation, something that doesn’t happen if wounds are contaminated. On deep contaminated wounds, clay works in a number of different ways while it is being absorbed. Thanks to its microscopic particles, it has the capacity to drain wounds of gas, toxins, micro-organisms and other pathogens. There is no contraindication to animals ingesting clay, as it can also be used to cleanse the intestinal tract. The potent hemostatic properties of Clay have been demonstrated on wounds presenting complications relating to blood vessels or significant haemorrhaging due to wound location. Animals do not manifest anger or fear when they are being treated with clay which tends to demonstrate it has an analgesic and pain relieving effect. The tension on the surface of the wound is an essential concern as it can interfere with the scarring process and alter skin structure, although leg wounds are not usually prone to hypertrophic scarring. One of the beneficial properties of green clay in helping with the healing process, is its capacity to regenerate tissue and soften scars thanks to its high content in silica, aluminium and zinc. It also gets rid of necrotic tissue thereby preventing the need for scar tissue debridement. See more evidence of wounds management with green clay.

LILIANA PATRICIA FUQUEN MORA, Code 14991046

MARÍA ANDREA ORO ZCO CÁRDENAS, Code 14991083

Doctoral thesis for qualification as a Doctor in Veterinary Medicine

Dr. María Hilda Trebert H. Veterinary Medicine National University of Colombia

Homeopath Homeopathic Institute Luis G. Páez.

UNIVERSITY DE LA SALLE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

VETERINARY MEDICINE TRAINING BOGOTA D.C. 2009