Wound Management in Dogs Using Manuka Honey Hydrogel and Manuka Honey Nano-Silver Hydrogel

Abstract

Aims: To comparatively evaluate the wound-healing efficacy of Manuka honey hydrogel and Manuka honey nano-silver hydrogel in dogs with open wounds and to assess their effects on clinical, microbiological, hematological, biochemical and histological parameters. Study Design: Prospective randomised comparative clinical study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, from November 2025 to May 2026. Methodology: Eighteen adult dogs with open wounds measuring ≤5 cm were randomly divided into three groups of six animals each. Group I received topical 5% povidone-iodine ointment, Group II received Manuka honey hydrogel and Group III received Manuka honey nano-silver hydrogel. Treatments were applied once daily until complete healing. Wound exudation, hydration, granulation tissue, percentage of wound healing and linear advancement of wound edges were assessed at specified intervals. Bacterial load, hematological and biochemical parameters and histological changes were also evaluated. Results: Manuka honey nano-silver hydrogel produced the most favourable healing response. By day 28, mean wound healing was 94.61 ± 1.55%, 98.96 ± 0.47% and 100.00 ± 0.25% in Groups I, II and III, respectively, with significant differences among groups (p < 0.05). Linear advancement of wound edges on day 28 was significantly higher in Group III (3.19 ± 0.17 cm) than in Group II (2.81 ± 0.18 cm) and Group I (2.14 ± 0.09 cm). Bacterial load in Group III decreased significantly from 9.90 ± 0.04 to 8.60 ± 0.04 log₁₀ CFU/100 µL by day 7, compared with 9.10 ± 0.04 in Group II and 9.73 ± 0.07 in Group I. Histologically, Group III showed complete epidermal stratification, organised collagen fibres and restoration of normal skin architecture. Hematological and biochemical changes remained non-significant. Conclusion: Manuka honey nano-silver hydrogel demonstrated superior wound-healing and antibacterial efficacy compared with Manuka honey hydrogel and conventional 5% povidone-iodine ointment, indicating its potential as an effective topical dressing for wound management in dogs.