Evaluation of topical application of honey in prevention of post-operative peritoneal adhesion formation in dogs

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of topical administration of honey in prevention of or reduction in post-surgical peritoneal adhesions in dog. The study was conducted on 18 adult female mixed-breed dogs with a mean +/- SD weight of 20 +/- 4.25 kg. A standardized surgical trauma [serosal trauma model] was made in the dogs' descending colon to induce adhesion formation. The control group [n = 9] received saline treatment. In the experiment group [n = 9], the lesions were covered with honey. Three weeks after laparotomy, the dogs were sacrificed and the adhesions were graded according to the Evans's scoring system. Overall, 67% [n = 6] of the control and 22% [n = 2] of the experiment animals presented with moderate [grade-2] and severe [grade-3] adhesions. In the control group, there were 3 [33%] dogs with grade-0 or grade-1 adhesions, while in the experiment group there were 7 [78%] dogs with the same grades of adhesions. The difference between the two groups was significant [P<0.05]. It was concluded that honey is a useful covering for damaged peritoneal surfaces and has high effectiveness in reducing post-operative adhesions