Effect of Oral Administration of Honey on Hemato-biochemical Parameters of Dogs with Atopic Dermatitis

Abstract

Honey from Trigona species is widely used as herbal medicine in humans due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects as well as the potential to increase body resistance and boost blood formation. The current study aimed to determine the hemato-biochemical profile of dogs with atopic dermatitis treated with Trigona honey. The hematology profile included the measurement of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and erythrocyte index, as well as blood biochemical parameters, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and blood sugar. A total of 12 local dogs aged 4 months old were divided into two treatment groups, namely the control group (G1) and treatment with liquid Trigona honey at a dosage of 5 ml/dog/day (G2) for 35 days. Then, blood was collected and tested for routine and chemical blood assay. The results showed that the administration of fresh Trigona honey (5 ml/day for 5 weeks) exhibited a significant increase in most of hematological variables of dogs with atopic dermatitis, compared to G1. The results of blood biochemical profiles (AST, ALT, and blood glucose) remained unaffected by the treatment of Trigona honey. It can be concluded that honey from Trigona spp. was safe to be given to the dogs with dermatitis and no adverse physiological effects were observed during the present study.