An Interview with an Equine Vet, Dr. Zach Bruggen DVM
Brandon: Where are you located?
Dr. Bruggen: Elite Equine is in Cabot Arkansas which is NE of Little Rock. We service Little Rock and the surrounding central Arkansas area.
Brandon: What type of practice is Elite Equine?
Dr. Bruggen: We are a mobile general wellness practice with a significant focus on equine sports medicine.
Brandon: What brought you to the EquusCell line of products?
Dr. Bruggen: I attended an AAEP Summer Focus Conference in Ashville, North Carolina at the Veterinary College. I was able to talk with some of the senior clinicians on staff and they explained their fantastic success stories with the AniCell products on wounds and other various cases. This intrigued me to look further into the company and try some of their products.
Brandon: What AniCell products have you used?
Dr. Bruggen: Pretty much all of them. I started off using the StemWrap line to promote granulation of second intention wounds and then decided to experiment. I started using the StemWrap and BioScaff in dirty wounds and then would suture them up. I found that unlike traditional dirty equine wounds that would devitalize, these wounds would neo-vascularize so quickly, they would heal and not fall apart. My initial heel bulb that I sutured healed up in 16 days.
- Injury Dates: May 9, 2019
- Treatment Dates: May 21, 2019
Dr. Bruggen: Well, after reading more about the angiogenesis and anti-microbial properties of amnion, I wondered if we could overcome the typical tissue devitalization by introducing the amnion bioscaffold and suturing over the top.
- Inspection: Day 37
- Inspection Date: June 28, 2019
- Injury Dates: May 11, 2019
- Treatment Dates: May 11, 2019
Dr. Bruggen: I have now treated a thoracic wound, a very chronic shoulder wound as well as countless distal limb wounds with the StemWrap and BioScaff line.
- Inspection: Day 47
- Inspection Date: June 28, 2019
For surgical closures of the smaller wounds, I use the BioScaff’s long narrow strips of amnion and suture over the top. I have also just started using the AniMatrX D product on some ligament issues including an enlarged, thickening suspensory and a collateral ligament case with really good results in both. I have also had two successful cases with very severe corneal ulcers and the application of the amnion contact and suturing the eyelids shut.
Brandon: What other observations have you made?
Dr. Bruggen: Many of the benefits that I have realized in using the AniCell products have been non-animal related. I find that I am significantly more efficient in not having to baby sit wounds by driving up and down the road to do bandage changes. Also, due to the natural anti-microbial capabilities in the product, I can rest easier doing bandage changes every 5-10 days and get significantly better results than I was. I am able to reduce my owner compliance issues because the product is a “one and done” treatment and they just have to leave it alone. This translates to a reduced total cost of wound ownership even though the price up front may be a little more. All of this translates to more time for my family, additional patients and a better return on my time. I now do not worry about what types of wounds, acute or chronic, or soft tissue injuries I may encounter throughout my day with the AniCell products on my truck. My clients have been beyond thrilled with the rapid healing time and success of these products that they have earned a permanent spot on my truck!
Contact us to find out how AniCell treatments are extending the ACTIVE life of animals.
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