Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Propolis Compared with Honey on Second Intention Wound Healing in the Equine

In the recent years, the search for natural compounds stimulate tissue repair has gained high importance. Therefore, the current study evaluated the effectiveness of propolis extract, natural wound dressing, for treatment of equine old wounds. Thirty five old wounds in neck and shoulder regions met with in 18 horses and 14 donkeys were dressed with propolis. Clinical wound characters following propolis treatment proved good. They showed marked reduction in wound dimensions and formation of healthy scars. On the other hand, fifteen surgically induced full-thicknesses skin wounds at the shoulder region in 5 donkeys (3 wounds / each animal) were dressed for 3 weeks with propolis, honey and saline, respectively (5 wounds / each treatment). Clinical wound characters following treatment with propolis proved better. According to histological parameters, the propolis treated wounds proved advantageous than honey and saline treated wounds and showed moderate to complete thick vascular granulation tissue with more fibroblasts and collagen deposition, mild cellular invasion and complete epithelial migration with no infection. In conclusion, propolis as compared with honey is beneficial treatment for equine old wounds.