Knee replacements, MRIs, ultrasounds and laparoscopic surgeries are all some of the advanced techniques and tools that veterinarians are learning in order to keep our pets healthy and happy. Did you know that also at the leading edge of research today are evaluations of the effectiveness of simple needles for the treatment of pain and paralysis and simple honey to manage burns and wounds? In just the past two years, the Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association has published multiple studies that have shown acupuncture to be superior to back surgery for certain paralysis in dogs, and honey to be more effective than commonly used medical salves in the United States. Interestingly, both are ancient medical approaches that have been around for over 2000 years.

A recent patient (dog) came to us with severe puncture wounds due to an impalement injury with exposed muscle and flesh in the inner thigh. The patient was in shock, the wounds looked life-threatening, the blood around the site of the injury had been profuse, and the injury may have been many hours old before being rushed to us for care. The prognosis for being able to use the leg again was not certain, and even survival seemed questionable. While the patient could be treated for shock, and the wounds cleansed of dirt and debris, the exposed muscle and torn flesh and skin seemed beyond normal medical treatment. Without going into a lot of graphic detail, the end result of this type of injury often results in loss of limb or at the very least loss of function. Dead or dying skin and muscle quickly leads to immobilization, stagnation, muscle wasting and, quite often, infection which threatens the life of the patient.

As we now know, centuries ago doctors and care givers relied on curative properties of what they found around them, often learning through trial and error without understanding why the cures were successful. For generations, honey has been recommended as a direct “paste” on burns and wounds. In the last decade, research by the World Health Organization and the U.S. National Institute of Health has helped take the subjectivity out of anecdotal observations and proven scientifically the effectiveness of these types of alternative therapies, especially the astounding benefits of honey.

Honey has similar benefits as hydrogen peroxide. It kills many bacteria, the theory being that its low-oxygen content essentially smothers. Amazingly, even the drug-resistant MRSA viruses that plague hospitals today is no problem for honey. That’s right, antibiotics can’t kill MRSA, but common honey can.

Honey also helps with damaged tissue/wounds, promoting growth of new cells and tissue. Honey is an excellent cellular energy source, has strong moisture absorbing properties to help reduce edema and provides a viscous barrier to wound invasion. Sloughing, necrotic or gangrenous tissue is easier identified after honey treatment and can usually be removed with minimal pain.

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DR.HANH CHAU has been in practice for the past 11 years in the DC metro area. She is trained and certified in Veterinary Acupuncture and as a Canine Rehabilitation Therapist. She recently opened Family Veterinary Hospital of South Riding in Chantilly (family-vet.com) 703-327-8425.