The healing process

If the wound is superficial, or only the epidermis is affected, healing should occur within 24 to 48 hours. The cells of the deep layers of the epidermis (the most superficial layer) multiply and migrate in order to “mend” the lesion. This is the case for superficial cuts or scrapes. If the wound has not healed within 48 to 72 hours or if the area becomes red, warm, swollen or painful to the touch, you are advised to consult your veterinarian.

In the case of larger wounds, there are different phases:

• the cleansing or inflammation phase: just after the event, blood escapes from the blood vessels. This phenomenon “washes” the wound and brings various elements necessary for the wound to heal. Blood then coagulates and an inflammation appears (redness, warmth to the touch, swelling). This phase lasts from 1 to 4 days.
• forming of the granulation tissue or burgeoning: new blood vessels are created and initial scar tissue is formed. This granulation tissue will remain for 10 to 15 days.
• epidermisation: phase where the granulation tissue is progressively covered by new skin. The process is the same as for a superficial wound. This phase lasts for approximately a week.

Finally, in the case of wounds that are deep or that take long to scar, it is important to keep in mind that the scar will continue evolving for 6 months to a year after the wound has fully closed. This is called the maturation phase, when the scar progressively becomes smoother, more supple and softer to the touch.

Healing process