RHEUM EMODI (RHUBARB): AN EFFECTIVE WOUND HEALING AGENT IN COW CALVES

Two full thickness skin wounds were created on either side of the median plane of thoraco lumbar area in 10 healthy calves of 9-12 months of age. One wound on either side of the vertebral column i.e. R1 & L1 were washed with normal saline and served as control. Other two wounds, i.e. RII & LII were washed with normal saline and applied with rhubarb powder. Healing was evaluated on the basis of clinical observations, histopathological studies and bacteriological examination. The healing, epithelialisation and wound contraction was significantly faster in wounds treated with rhubarb as compared to control group. Inflammatory reaction on 5th post treatment day was marked in control wounds as compared to treated wounds. Proliferation of fibroblasts and angioblasts on 10th post operative day was moderate in control wounds and moderate to marked in rhubarb treated wounds. Similarly, proliferation of blood capillaries and proliferation and maturation of connective tissue was earlier in wounds treated with rhubarb powder. The healing was more or less complete in rhubarb treated wounds as compared to control ones where it was totally incomplete. The bacterial viable count at different intervals was lesser in rhubarb treated wounds than in control ones. Rhubarb proved effective in creating favourable and desirable conditions for accelerating the wound healing process without any complications.