Research Note: Honey for Treatment of Canine Pyoderma & Otitis Externa

Honey has been used to treat a variety of wounds. The antibacterial effects of honey have been partly attributed to its hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) activity, but catalases present in tissue and chronic wounds can potentially render H₂O₂ inactive. In this study,* cultures of Malassezia pachyderamatis and methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius—important components of otitis externa and canine pyoderma, respectively—were subjected to serial dilutions of a honey-based gel or honey alone. Synthesized honey, triclosan, and clotrimazole served as controls. Higher antibacterial activity of the honey-based gel as compared with honey alone was noted; further studies documenting in vivo effectiveness in the treatment of clinical canine pyoderma and otitis externa cases are needed.

*This study was funded by Triticum, Maastricht, The Netherlands.