First-Intention Incisional Wound Healing in Dogs and Cats: A Controlled Trial of Dermapliq and Manuka Honey

Abstract

This study aimed to compare incisional wound healing in cats and dogs after the topical application of Μanuka honey and a new medical device, Dermapliq. Comparisons were made between each treatment and control, between the two treatments, and between dogs and cats. Twelve cats and twelve dogs were included in this study, and the impact of the two substances was examined through cosmetic, clinical, ultrasonographical, and histological evaluation. The use of Dermapliq in first-intention wound healing achieved a significantly better cosmetic evaluation score and better total clinical score at days 20–41, compared to the control, in both dogs and cats. The ultrasonographically estimated wound area was smaller with Dermapliq compared to the control. Wounds treated with Dermapliq showed histologically less inflammation compared to the control. The use of Manuka honey did not show a significantly better cosmetic score compared to the control. Skin thickening was significantly higher after using Manuka honey compared to the control and so was the total clinical score. However, the median wound area, as was evaluated ultrasonographically, was significantly smaller when wounds were treated with Manuka honey, the difference being more apparent in dogs. Dermapliq was proven to be a better choice in achieving favorable wound healing than Manuka honey in dogs and cats in first-intention healing. In our study, cats had a statistically better cosmetic score and less skin thickening and scar width compared to dogs. Histologically, cats showed significantly less edema, higher inflammation and angiogenesis scores, and lower fibroblast and epidermis thickening scores when compared to dogs.

Insights into Atresia Ani Type IV in Felis catus: Preliminary Epidemiolocal Findings Associated with Surgery

“…Suture removal times varied according to the age of the patient at the time of the intervention, potentially due to immune system maturation and body condition, with older animals often presenting better body condition [ 36 ]. Comparative studies between cats and dogs revealed differences in healing times, possibly due to anatomical factors such as cutaneous angiogenesis and the number of perforating vessels, with cats presenting a slower healing process [ 32 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 ]. While the surgery recovery time and suture removal time may not be directly related to the surgical technique itself, they serve as important indicators of the overall success of the surgical intervention and postoperative management.…”