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Severely Burnt Dog Successfully Treated With Manuka Honey

Author: Dechra
Posted: Thursday 15th October, 2009. 00:00:00

A German Shepherd bitch who was trapped in a burning house is making impressive progress, according to vet Amanda Manley, who is using Activon Tulle Manuka honey impregnated dressings to treat her wounds.



Post treatment

As reported extensively by the BBC, Lady sustained serious burns and is undergoing treatment at the Cornwall Animal Hospital. Commenting on her choice of treatment, Amanda said: “I’d like to say it was all down to the manuka honey, although it’s difficult to make a scientific judgement without a control in place. Nevertheless I am very impressed with the results and will definitely use honey again in a similar situation”

Rachel Fuller, Product Manager for Activon (medical grade manuka honey dressings) at Dechra Veterinary Products commented “In human medicine, manuka honey has become popular as a result of its antibacterial and healing properties. All honey has a degree of effectiveness, but the unique properties of manuka honey make it by far the most effective for use on wounds. It is now gaining recognition among veterinary professionals, which has led to the introduction of honey-based wound management systems for animal care”.

Manuka honey has been shown to be effective against over 70 strains of bacteria commonly found in wounds, including MRSA1. It also has an osmotic effect which draws fluid from a wound bed and helps to remove slough and debride necrotic tissue that can harbour bacteria and impede wound healing2. It protects the wound bed and provides a moist wound healing environment3 and the water soluble antioxidants provide favourable conditions that help to promote granulation and epithelialisation, thus faster healing. There is a rapid reduction in odour when honey is applied to a malodorous wound and it also acts as an anti-inflammatory, which therefore reduces pain.

The Cornwall Animal Hospital is a registered charity which exists to provide affordable pet care to those on a low income. It has provided all Lady’s treatment at cost, including the Activon dressings, which have since been replaced by suppliers Dechra Veterinary Products as a gesture of support.

For further information about Lady please visit:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cornwall/8259984.stm

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