Biochemical and histopathological changes related to the topical application of Aloe vera ointment for canine...

Pyoderma is common in dogs, and its treatment requires a novel medication rather than antibiotic therapy. This study aimed to determine the biochemical and histopathological changes associated with the topical application of Aloe vera 20% and 40% ointments, compared with gentamicin 0.1% ointment, in dogs suffering from Staphylococcus aureus pyoderma.

Serum and skin samples were collected from a negative control group before inducing pyoderma and from other subdivided groups on the 3^rd, 7^th, 10^th, and 14^th days post-inoculation for biochemical and histopathology examination.

Serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea, and creatinine concentrations were higher in the positive control dogs on the 3^rd day without treatment (DWT) compared with the negative control dogs (p<0.05). Compared with the healthy control dogs, serum zinc concentrations were lower in the positive control group on the 3^rd, 7^th, and 10^th DWT and in dogs treated with A. vera 20% and gentamicin 0.1% ointments on the 3^rd and 7^th days post-treatment (p<0.05). Grossly, skin had erythema, pruritus, and pus-filled pustules of the untreated group. Microscopically, skin showed epidermal necrosis and edema, dermal collagen necrosis, and severe neutrophilic infiltration.

Compared with A. vera 20% and gentamicin 0.1% ointments, the topical application of A. vera 40% ointment-induced quicker skin healing and decreased the inflammatory changes caused by S. aureus inoculation, based on biochemical and histopathological changes reflective of its curative efficiency. A. vera 40% ointment may be a suitable alternative to antibiotics for the treatment of staphylococcal pyoderma in dogs.