Use of Biocomposite Films Impregnated with Silver Nanoparticles along with Therapeutic Ultrasound for Management of Metacarpal Fracture in a Pony

A 7 month old female pony was presented with history of limping of left forelimb following an automobile accident. Clinical examination revealed an infected open wound with exposure of fractured fragments of metacarpal bone. Under anaesthesia, the wound was cleaned, debrided and fractured fragments were reduced. Therapeutic ultrasound massage was given on periwound skin region for 10mts @ 0.5 watts/cm² area. Silver nano-chitosan and sago starch composite film soaked in normal saline was applied to cover wound and protected with a bandage. The limb was immobilized using PVC splint and bandaged. Post-surgery antibiotic care was advocated. The same procedure was repeated once a week and progress was evaluated. Granulation of wound was observed by 7^th day and completely covered the metacarpal bone by 21^st day of treatment. The animal made an uneventful recovery and started bearing weight after 2 months.