Vet Tips 2025: Carbon Dioxide Therapy for Horse Wounds—Does It Work? 🐴💨

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

New technologies often spark excitement in equine medicine—but not every promising therapy lives up to expectations. One of the newest approaches in wound care is carbon dioxide (CO₂) therapy, a method borrowed from human medicine. But does it actually work for horses? Let’s take a closer look. 🔍

What Is Carbon Dioxide Wound Therapy? 🧬💉

CO₂ therapy involves exposing wounds to carbon dioxide gas to promote healing. In humans—especially those with chronic diabetic wounds—this approach has shown promise in improving blood flow and reducing wound size. 🧠

The theory is that CO₂ increases oxygenation by vasodilation (expanding blood vessels) and improving tissue perfusion. 💡

Why Horse Wounds Are Tricky to Heal 🐴🩹

Equine lower limb wounds are notoriously difficult to manage. That’s because:

• 📉 There’s limited soft tissue under the skin
• 🤕 The skin is under tension—especially near joints
• 🚶 Horses move constantly, which disrupts healing
• 📈 There’s a tendency to develop excessive granulation tissue (proud flesh)

So while new wound therapies are welcomed, they need to be proven effective for the unique challenges of equine patients. ⚠️

What the Research Shows: A Controlled Study 📊🧪

Dr. Angela Gaesser, DVM, DACVS-LA, presented recent findings at the American Association of Equine Practitioners convention. In a blinded study, researchers examined CO₂ therapy's impact on wound healing and skin graft success in horses. 🧠

Study Design:

• 🐴 6 horses received —one large and one small on each front leg
• 💨 One leg was treated with CO₂ gas for 20 minutes per session
• 🌬️ The other leg (control) was treated with room air
• 📆 Total of 11 treatments over 28 days
• 🧫 On Day 7, skin grafts were applied to large wounds on both legs

Results on Day 28:

• 📉 No difference in wound healing rates
• 🩺 No reduction in proud flesh formation
• 🧪 Skin graft success was equal between CO₂ and room air groups

Bottom line? CO₂ therapy did not significantly improve healing in horses compared to basic air exposure. ❌

Is It Worth Trying CO₂ Therapy in Horses? 🤷‍♂️

Based on the current study, the answer is: not yet. While CO₂ has potential in human wound care, horses present different biological and mechanical challenges. 💭

• 🦵 High-motion limbs resist healing
• 🌿 Proud flesh remains a major complication
• 🧠 Basic wound management still outperforms fancy tech—for now

Proven Ways to Support Equine Wound Healing 🧰📋

While we wait for more breakthroughs, stick to what works:

• 📦 (chlorhexidine or saline)
• 🧊 to reduce swelling
• 📆 for debridement
• 💊 only when prescribed
• 🧠 for large or slow-healing wounds

When to Call the Vet 🩺🚨

• 📈 Wound isn't healing or is worsening after 7–10 days
• 🩸 Signs of infection—heat, swelling, or discharge
• 📉 Skin edges aren't closing or proud flesh is growing
• 🧪 You’re considering experimental therapies

Early intervention is always better than waiting. 🧠⏱️

Need Help Managing a Stubborn Wound? Ask A Vet 📱🐴

If you’re dealing with a wound that’s not improving or want to explore advanced care options, talk to an equine wound expert through Ask A Vet.

Download the Ask A Vet app for 24/7 access to equine wound management advice, second opinions, and treatment planning. 🐎💬

Final Thoughts: Stick With What Works—for Now 🧠🩹

Carbon dioxide therapy sounds promising, but current studies don’t support its use in equine wound care just yet. For now, focus on proven healing strategies—. 💡

Need help getting a wound under control? Visit Ask A Vet and get expert support today. 🐴🩺