Comparative Efficacy of Chitosan with or Without Honey on Cutaneous Wound Healing in Donkeys

Abstract

The domesticated donkey, derived from the African wild ass, has played a crucial role in human history for over 5,000 years, serving as a working and pack animal. However, donkeys often suffer from skin wounds and injuries due to various factors, including equipment use, road accidents, and lack of veterinary care. Wound healing is a complex process involving inflammation, proliferation, and maturation phases, with impaired cell proliferation potentially delaying healing. Equines, including donkeys, are particularly susceptible to traumatic skin wounds, with limb wounds healing more slowly due to factors such as tissue loss, contamination, and excessive skin tension. In such cases, wound healing by second intention is common but can lead to complications. Chitosan, a biopolymer derived from the shells of crustaceans, has shown promise in promoting wound healing. It helps with tissue granulation, collagen deposition, and tissue regeneration, while also preventing wound contamination and maintaining a sterile environment. Honey, with its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, is another natural remedy that accelerates wound healing and is often used in combination with chitosan for optimal results. This biologically-based approaches hold potential for improving the healing of donkey wounds and preventing infections, offering safer and more effective alternatives to traditional wound care.