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The cutaneous wound healing effects of natural honey were compared in diabetic and non-diabetic rats. Thirty adult male Wistar rats (159g ± 31.5) where randomized into alloxan diabetics (n=15) and non-diabetic (n=15) groups. A 6mm full thickness biopsy punch wound was created on the nape of each rat under 2% xylazine (5mg/kg) and 5% ketamine (35mg/kg) anaesthesia. The wounds were contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus (108 Colony Forming Unit (CFU). Each group was then randomised into three subgroups: A [control, n=5], B (n=5) amikacin (0.8mg) and C (n=5) natural honey (0.1 ml) topical treatments. Wounds were evaluated at day: 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15 for wetness, oedema, hyperemia, granulation tissues, and contraction. Wounds of animals in the diabetic group showed significantly less (p>0.05) wetness compared with the non-diabetic group at days 3-5 (p=0.002) and 5-9, p=0.002 while the amikacin subgroup of the non-diabetic group showed non-significant but notable level of wetness at days 5-7. A significantly (p>0.05) more wound edge oedema was shown by the diabetic than the non-diabetic group at days 3-5 (p=0.000) with the trend being; control > amikacin > honey. The percentage of animals with wound edge oedema between days 3-5 in the non-diabetic group was honey (20%), amikacin (20%) and control (60%); and diabetic group was honey (40%), amikacin (100%) and Control (100%). Between days 5-7, 80% of wounds in both groups where without wound edge oedema except the control subgroups. Wounds of rats in the diabetic group were significantly more hyperaemic (p>0.05) at days 5-9 (p=0.001) and days 9-15 (p=0.000), with the trend being control > amikacin = honey. Wounds of rats in the non-diabetic groups healed with significantly more (p < 0.05) granulation tissues at days 5-9 (p=0.001) (honey = amikacin > control). Control group at days: 5-9 (p=0.001), 9-15 (p=0.000); amikacin at days: 5-9 (p=0.002), 9-15 (p=0.005); and honey at days: 5-9 (p=0.005) and 9-15 (p= 0.001). Differences in wound diameter (a reflection of wound contraction) were not significantly notable in both subgroups (p > 0.05) at various days of measurement except at days 3-5(p=0.008). Honey and amikacin were effective in enhancing cutaneous wounds healing in wistar rats studied. In diabetic rats, honey showed a promising result when compared to amikacin hence honey could be recommended for wound management of diabetic patient in human and animal hospitals

This paper presents an overview of honey as a wound dressing agent, its mechanism of action, selected cases of wounds managed with honey and a survey of veterinarians’ perception and usage of honey for wound management in Nigeria. Structured questionnaires were administered to veterinary practitioners predominantly in Southwest Nigeria to evaluate their awareness, usage and concerns about honey as a wound dressing agent. Case reports of animal patients’ wounds managed with honey are presented in a logical fashion to showcase honey efficacy in wound management. There was remarkable healing with honey in the cases managed. Many of the respondents did not consider honey as first choice in wound management and availability of pure honey is a major concern expressed with honey use. More veterinarians in Nigeria should use honey for its high efficacy and cost effectiveness in the management of animal wounds

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