Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) fluid gel on healing of pododermatitis in rabbits

Wounds are damaging to quality life of confined animals, causing dysfunction in spinal, members injuries, and reduction in productive performance. This research investigated the clove antimicrobial and antioxidant activity on the healing of decubitus wounds (pododermatitis) of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Adult animals were treated for 21 days every three days with a fluid gel spray in the wound region: control fluid gel without addition of clove (FGC0), fluid gel with addition of 1% clove powder (FGC1), and fluid gel with 2% clove powder (FGC2). Microbiological analysis for Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas spp. were performed during 21 days of experimental period. After this period, samples from treated skin were evaluated for histological analysis and evaluation of the healing process by spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR). Rabbits treated with FGC2 showed advanced healing and decreased tissue inflammation similar to healthy rabbits, while FGC0 rabbits showed a decrease in bacterial contamination without signs of healing. Both FGC1 and FGC2 rabbits demonstrated antimicrobial and antioxidant action against both bacteria tested, favoring the wound healing process. Considering the results, the use of fluid gel with 2% of clove powder (Syzigium aromaticum) based on the best antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities on healing of decubitus wounds (pododermatitis) of rabbits in commercial farming system.