EFFECT OF FLUNIXIN MEGLUMINE ON SURGICAL SKIN WOUND-HEALING IN THE RABBIT

The effect of flunixin meglumine on surgical wound strength, contraction and healing was studied in rabbits. Rabbits were randomly alloted into 3 groups (5 animals/group). Groups A and B were given flunixin meglumine (1.1 mg/kg I.M. daily) during 5 days and 14 days, respectively; the control group did not receive flunixin meglumine. Wound strength, contraction and hystologic evaluation were determined on days 5, 10 and 15 after surgery. No significant difference in wound contraction was found between the groups with flunixin meglumine and the control group, in the tissues evaluated. Flunixin meglumine significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the breaking strength of wounds on day 10, but no significant difference was found on days 5 and 10. Flunixin meglumine did not adversely influence the breaking strength. However, it did have an adverse influence on the first part of the proliferative stage. It had no influence on wound contraction.