The effect of ambient temperature and type of wound on healing of cutaneous wounds in the common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis).

The effects of ambient temperature (13.5 degrees C, 21 degrees C, 30 degrees C) and type of wound on healing of skin wounds were evaluated in common garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis). Linear unsutured incisions and circular excisional wounds were evaluated grossly and microscopically in three snakes held at each temperature at each of two, five and ten days after surgery. Linear sutured and unsutured incisions and circular and square excisional wounds were similarly evaluated three and six weeks after wound production in groups of six snakes held at each temperature. The rates of stabilization of wound margins, scab formation, migration and maturation of the regenerating epithelium, resolution of dermal inflammation, and fibroplasia varied directly with temperature. The inflammatory reaction to wounding was similar in character and intensity in snakes held at all three temperatures two days after surgery. Unsutured linear incisions, compared to sutured incisions, tended to have more rapid epithelial maturation and a less intense inflammatory response. Healing of square and circular excisional wounds was similar; contraction of round wounds was slightly more irregular and, at a few observations, dermal maturation was slower and inflammation more widespread. It was concluded that healing of skin wounds can be accelerated by holding reptiles at the upper end of their voluntary temperature range. Wounds, if possible, should be created along the axis of lines of skin tension. Suturing small incisional wounds may not be advantageous.