Elanco Animal Health has launched Vulketan, a POM-V sterile topical gel developed to encourage the healing of equine wounds.Elanco Animal Health has launched Vulketan, a POM-V sterile topical gel developed to encourage the healing of equine wounds.

Vulketan contains ketanserin - a serotonin-S2 antagonist.2 Elanco says that although serotonin is more widely known as a neurotransmitter in the brain, it is also found in platelets and released during platelet aggregation where it can have negative effects on wound healing.4, 7

Managing equine wounds is an everyday occurrence in equine practice1 and can be difficult and time-consuming, with many potential complications such as infection or the development of proud flesh which could delay healing or lead to reduced functionality. Repeated dressings can be a hassle for owners, and if used inappropriately can lead to their own complications.5

Elanco representative Kirsty Prudon said: "Vulketan gel is easy to use and is designed to be applied to undressed wounds, although it has been demonstrated that wounds may be dressed, if required, without affecting Vulketan's efficacy 2,6.

Elanco also points to studies which it says demonstrate that Vulketan has been shown in client owned horses to be highly effective in preventing the formation of hypergranulation tissue and may facilitate the control of secondary infections.2,3,6. In addition, owners expressed satisfaction with Vulketan in over 90% of cases.6

Practising equine vet Linda Belton MRCVS said: "Vulketan is easy to use, well tolerated by horses and produces an excellent end cosmetic result and return to function. With the reduction in the need for dressings and proud flesh control Vulketan has proven to be an advantageous product which owners value."

Vulketan is suitable for use in all horses including pregnant and lactating mares. It is supplied in 75 gram tubes and should be applied twice daily.

For more information, contact your Elanco territory manager call Elanco on 01256 353131.

References

  • Elanco. Market Research: Vulketan Gel in horses. A survey of 153 Vets across France, Germany and UK. 2011
  • Elanco. Vulketan Summary of product characteristics. Dec 2013
  • Engelen M, Besche B, Lefay M-P, Hare J, Vlaminck K. Effects of ketanserin on hypergranulation tissue formation, infection, and healing of equine lower limb wounds. Can Vet J 2004; 45: 144-9
  • Janssen PAJ, Janssen H, Cauwenbergh G, De Doncker P, De Beule K, Lewi P et al. Use of topical ketanserin in the treatment of skin ulcers: a double-blind study. J Am Acad Dermatol 1989; 21: 85-90
  • Stashak TS, Selected factors that negatively impact healing. In: Equine Wound Management 2nd Ed. Eds. TS Stashak and CL Theoret. Wiley-Blackwell, 2008, pp. 71 - 84
  • van Gulik IB,Vinke HE,Cieslicki M. Effect of ketanserin on wound healing in horses, Der Praktische Tierarzt Heft 9, S. 802 ff. 93. Jahrgang 2012
  • Vlaminck K. Effects of the S2-antagonist ketanserin on wound repair in horses. Proc 1st World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology, Dijon, France. In: Advances in Veterinary Dermatology 1. Eds. C von Tscharner, REW Halliwell, Ballière Tindall, 1989 pp. 221-5.

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