Gail
Grey Puppy
Posts: 62
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Post by Gail on Oct 4, 2006 16:47:08 GMT -5
In the August, 2006 issue of "Dogs in Canada" magazine, there was an interesting article on managing wounds with honey and sugar. According to an insert in the article, sugar and honey, long recognized for their cleansing and healing properties, are gaining popularity in veterinary medicine.
I am going to make up a first aid kit to go in the 'dog bag' and will be adding sugar and honey along with the instructions on how to use either product on wounds.
I will try to remember to bring the magazine with me to the Pinery walk so that those interested can read it.
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Post by jiffer on Oct 4, 2006 18:04:34 GMT -5
Very interesting. I knew honey was good, but didn't realize sugar did.
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Post by ocydroma on Oct 4, 2006 19:24:08 GMT -5
My vet uses sugar on any cuts that I have ever taken my dogs in for .......so I use it all the time also.
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Post by greymouse on Oct 4, 2006 19:54:13 GMT -5
I can't be at the Pinery walk, but am very interested in hearing about the use of sugar or honey on wounds. do you just put it on and bandage the wound? Lois
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Gail
Grey Puppy
Posts: 62
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Post by Gail on Oct 8, 2006 11:07:59 GMT -5
Now that I have turned on my computer, I will type out the directions for using sugar and honey on wounds. This is from the article prepared by Jeff Grognet, D.V.M., B.Sc. (Agr.).
First clean the wound using body-temperature water (using a kitchen-type sprayer) long enough to remove surface contamination, then patted dry with sterile towels. Next a thick layer of granulated sugar, at least 1 centimetre thick, is applied to the entire wound bed. The adage "more is better" holds true in this situation. A large absorbent towel is placed on top of the sugar, then a secondary bandage, and finally adhesive material to hold it in place.
A sugar bandage is replaced as soon as all the sugar granules become wet, when it has lots its healing properties. During the first few days, bandage changes are needed t least twice a day. The frequency is decreased over time, as dictated by the dryness of the sugar.
Like sugar, honey kills bacteria and draws water away from the wound. As well. unpasteurized honey contains enzymes and many other nutrients that nouris tissue and speed healing.
If a honey bandage is used, the wound is first cleansed (as with the sugar). Two tablespoons will cover a 10x10 centimetre dressing. To make it easier to spread, warm the honey to body temperature. Outer bandages are needed just as they are for sugar dressings.
Once the infection is gone and granulation tissue has formed both honey and sugar can be discontinued. The wound is then sutured to close or left to contract and close on its own.
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