Effect of Aloe vera gel on the healing of cutaneous wounds in donkeys

Abstract

The efficiency of fresh Aloe vera gel was tested on the healing of large cutaneous wounds of the forelimbs in donkeys. Twelve adult donkeys from both sexes were used in this experimental study. They were divided into equal groups. A square shape cutaneous wound about 8*8cm, was induced on the lateral aspect of the forelimb exactly between humeral and knee joint. In group one, the induced wound was left without treatment, while in second group the wound was treated by local application of fresh Aloe vera gel. The evaluation of healing process results was based on monitoring the gross signs of wound healing, in addition to the study the histopathological changes at 15th, 30th, 45th postoperative days. In group one, the wound healing process was characterized by infection, congestion, inflammatory exudate, excessive granulation tissue formation, and no decrease in wound size, while in group two, the healing of wound was characterized by absence of granulation tissue overgrowth with decrease in wound size and little occurrence of infection and congestion. The histopathological observations in first group was showed intensive granulation tissue formation with massive infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells and delay of reepithelization, while in second group, overgrowth of granulation tissue was lesser, little infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells, rapid reepithelization with more maturation and stretching of collagen fibers. It was concluded that the Aloe vera gel can be used successfully as topical treatment to improve and enhance large cutaneous wound healing in donkeys.