Própolis verde como agente terapêutico no tratamento pós-cirúrgico da linfadenite caseosa

Abstract

The treatment of caseous lymphadenitis with antibiotics is not effective, requiring the surgical excision of the lesions. The 10% iodine solution is currently the choice for the post-surgical treatment but may present histotoxicity. Considering that green propolis has proven to have antibacterial and wound healing properties, this study aimed to evaluate the use of a green propolis-based ointment as a post-surgical therapeutic option in the treatment of caseous lymphadenitis. Thirty-eight sheep were submitted to surgery for the excision of caseous lesions, and then divided into two groups, (1) iodine treatment, and (2) treatment with green propolis ointment. Clinical data of the animals, the size of the scar area and the presence of moisture and secretion in the surgical wound, as well as the humoral immune response against the bacterium, were analyzed. The green propolis treated group completely healed the surgical wound one week before the iodine treated group, with fewer cases of wound secretion, although not statistically different from the iodine treated group. No clinical signs were found to indicate toxicity or other side effects of propolis use, associated with faster and more organized hair recovery. It is concluded that the green propolis ointment can be used in the post-surgical treatment of caseous lymphadenitis in small ruminants, due to its significant effect on healing and inhibition of wound contamination, with a better esthetic effect after the final recovery of the animal.