The Science of Keratin
KeraVet Gel uses clinically backed, keratin science to support healing at every stage of wound repair—from immune regulation to tissue remodeling.
Keratin is best known as the protein that gives structure to skin, hair, and nails. But its role extends far beyond structural support. Research has shown that keratin actively participates in the wound healing process by helping regulate inflammation, support cellular activity, and promote tissue regeneration.
3 Ways Keratin Supports Wound Healing
1. Helps Guide the Immune Response
Inflammation is a critical part of healing, but prolonged inflammation can delay recovery and contribute to tissue damage. Keratin helps encourage macrophages to transition from a pro-inflammatory (M1) phenotype to a reparative (M2) phenotype. This shift helps reduce excessive inflammation while supporting the body’s natural repair processes.
2.Supports Balanced Cytokine Activity
Acute wounds are characterized by elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-a. Keratin has been shown to help modulate these inflammatory signals while supporting the production of anti-inflammatory mediators such as IL-10. The result is a wound environment that is better positioned for progression into the proliferative phase of healing.
3.Provides a Scaffold for Tissue Repair
Successful wound healing depends on cell attachment, migration, and proliferation. Keratin mimics components of the extracellular matrix, providing a biologically active scaffold that supports cellular movement and tissue remodeling. This scaffold helps facilitate re-epithelialization and the formation of healthy new tissue
Beyond Keratin: The KeraVet Gel Advantage
KeraVet Gel combines keratin-based technology with practical features designed for veterinary patients.
Maintains a Moist Healing Environment
A moist wound environment supports cellular activity, minimizes scab formation, and promotes efficient healing.
Helps Reduce Self-Trauma
A powerful but safe bitterant helps discourage licking, protecting wounds from repeated injury and contamination that can interfere with healing.
Uses Human Wound Care Science
The keratin technology in KeraVet Gel is derived from the same scientific platform used in human wound care applications. By combining biologically active keratin with a veterinary-specific formulation, KeraVet Gel gives veterinarians a science-driven option for managing wounds and incisions.
The effectiveness of KeraVet Gel begins with its foundation: biologically active keratin. Read more about the source of the keratin in KeraVet Gel and how it becomes the technology veterinarians trust for wound and incision management.
Lead medical advisor Dr. Cherice Roth joins Dr. Ashley Bourgeois on The Derm Vet Podcast. Hear Dr. Roth discuss the benefits of KeraVet Gel for dogs and cats.
Product description
KeraVet Gel is a non-implantable, water-based gelatinous (hydrogel) wound dressing intended to act as a protective covering in the management of a variety of partial thickness dermal wounds. KeraVet Gel is provided in a screw top multi-use tube. Each tube contains no less than 7 mL of KeraVet Gel, which contains keratin protein and is available by prescription from a veterinary practitioner.
Indications for use
KeraVet Gel is indicated for the management of a number of partial thickness skin wounds such as: partial thickness (first and second degree) burns, superficial injuries, cuts, abrasions, and incisions / surgical wounds. Under the direction of a veterinary practitioner, KeraVet Gel also may be used in the management of dry, light, and moderately exuding partial thickness wounds including: pressure (stage I-II) ulcers, venous stasis ulcers, ulcers caused by mixed vascular etiologies, diabetic ulcers, donor sites, and grafts.
KeraVet Gel is only available by prescription.
Contraindications
KeraVet Gel is not indicated for full thickness (third degree) burns.
Directions for use
- Prepare wound area to ensure wound is free of debris. The wound may be gently flushed with a mild cleanser, if needed.
- Inspect the KeraVet Gel tube to ensure that it is not damaged and is not past its expiration date. Remove the internal seal on the KeraVet Gel tube if opening the tube for the first time.
- Apply KeraVet Gel to form a thin layer over the wound surface and edges of normal adjoining skin. Ensure the entire wound surface is covered with the hydrogel.
- After application, a non-adherent, occlusive secondary dressing may be applied to maintain a moist environment and prevent removal of the hydrogel.
Recommended care
Apply KeraVet Gel every 4 to 6 hours to manage the wound and reduce licking as needed. If licking behavior persists, administer additional applications of KeraVet Gel.
If wound appearance does not improve within 7 days, consult a veterinary practitioner.
If a secondary dressing is used, it may be changed every 1 to 3 days, or as directed by a veterinary practitioner. When changing the dressing, lightly flush the wound bed with a gentle cleanser as determined by the veterinary practitioner and then apply KeraVet Gel by fully covering the wound and applying a secondary occlusive dressing, if needed.
NOTE: Day one application is critical for effectively stopping licking behavior. KeraVet Gel has a safe toxicity profile and can be applied more frequently on day one for stubborn lickers.
Warnings & precautions
The device should not be used on skin undergoing immunohistochemical testing for skin cancer. In vitro analyses determined that an immune reagent used to detect Merkel cell carcinoma weakly reacts with KeraVet Gel.
KeraVet Gel should not be used on bleeding wounds until the bleeding has been stopped.
Contact a veterinary professional if (1) signs of infection occur, (2) there is a change in wound color and / or odor, (3) the wound does not begin to show signs of improvement, or (4) any other unexpected symptoms occur.
KeraVet Gel is for external use only and should not be ingested. It should not be used for ophthalmic use.
Keep this and all similar products out of reach of children.
Storage
KeraVet Gel should be stored in dry conditions at room temperature (59 – 86 °F or 15 – 30 °C). Do not use contents of KeraVet Gel if the tube appears damaged or is past the expiration date.
- Prepare wound area to ensure wound is free of debris. The wound may be gently flushed with a mild cleanser, if needed.
- Inspect the KeraVet Gel tube to ensure that it is not damaged and is not past its expiration date. Remove the internal seal on the KeraVet Gel tube if opening the tube for the first time.
- Apply KeraVet Gel to form a thin layer over the wound surface and edges of normal adjoining skin. Ensure the entire wound surface is covered with the hydrogel.
- After application, a non-adherent, occlusive secondary dressing may be applied to maintain a moist environment and prevent removal of the hydrogel.
Product description
KeraVet Gel is a non-implantable, water-based gelatinous (hydrogel) wound dressing intended to act as a protective covering in the management of a variety of partial thickness dermal wounds. KeraVet Gel is provided in a screw top multi-use tube. Each tube contains no less than 7 mL of KeraVet Gel, which contains keratin protein and is available by prescription from a veterinary practitioner.
Indications for use
KeraVet Gel is indicated for the management of a number of partial thickness skin wounds such as: partial thickness (first and second degree) burns, superficial injuries, cuts, abrasions, and incisions / surgical wounds. Under the direction of a veterinary practitioner, KeraVet Gel also may be used in the management of dry, light, and moderately exuding partial thickness wounds including: pressure (stage I-II) ulcers, venous stasis ulcers, ulcers caused by mixed vascular etiologies, diabetic ulcers, donor sites, and grafts.
KeraVet Gel is only available by prescription.
Contraindications
KeraVet Gel is not indicated for full thickness (third degree) burns.
Directions for use
- Prepare wound area to ensure wound is free of debris. The wound may be gently flushed with a mild cleanser, if needed.
- Inspect the KeraVet Gel tube to ensure that it is not damaged and is not past its expiration date. Remove the internal seal on the KeraVet Gel tube if opening the tube for the first time.
- Apply KeraVet Gel to form a thin layer over the wound surface and edges of normal adjoining skin. Ensure the entire wound surface is covered with the hydrogel.
- After application, a non-adherent, occlusive secondary dressing may be applied to maintain a moist environment and prevent removal of the hydrogel.
Recommended care
Apply KeraVet Gel every 4 to 6 hours to manage the wound and reduce licking as needed. If licking behavior persists, administer additional applications of KeraVet Gel.
If wound appearance does not improve within 7 days, consult a veterinary practitioner.
If a secondary dressing is used, it may be changed every 1 to 3 days, or as directed by a veterinary practitioner. When changing the dressing, lightly flush the wound bed with a gentle cleanser as determined by the veterinary practitioner and then apply KeraVet Gel by fully covering the wound and applying a secondary occlusive dressing, if needed.
NOTE: Day one application is critical for effectively stopping licking behavior. KeraVet Gel has a safe toxicity profile and can be applied more frequently on day one for stubborn lickers.
Warnings & precautions
The device should not be used on skin undergoing immunohistochemical testing for skin cancer. In vitro analyses determined that an immune reagent used to detect Merkel cell carcinoma weakly reacts with KeraVet Gel.
KeraVet Gel should not be used on bleeding wounds until the bleeding has been stopped.
Contact a veterinary professional if (1) signs of infection occur, (2) there is a change in wound color and / or odor, (3) the wound does not begin to show signs of improvement, or (4) any other unexpected symptoms occur.
KeraVet Gel is for external use only and should not be ingested. It should not be used for ophthalmic use.
Keep this and all similar products out of reach of children.
Storage
KeraVet Gel should be stored in dry conditions at room temperature (59 – 86 °F or 15 – 30 °C). Do not use contents of KeraVet Gel if the tube appears damaged or is past the expiration date.