Use of Mexican Propolis for the Topical Treatment of Dermatomycosis in Horses

Five horses with lesions compatible with dermatomycosis were selected and skin scrapings were taken from all affected areas. Samples were then treated with 10% KOH and observed by direct microscopic examination; fungal cultures using Mycobiotic Agar and Borelli Agar were also preformed; Trichophyton mentagrophytes was identified in two cases, whereas Candida albicans was identified in the other three. Skin lesions in cases 1 and 2 were treated topically with ketoconazol ointment, while in the remaining cases a weekly bath with propolis-based shampoo and application of propolis-based ointment on the lesions 2 to 3 times a week were implemented. Treatment in all cases lasted 4 weeks. Pictures were taken before and after treatment and, making use of the Image Pro-Express&#174 software, therapy efficacy was determined by measurement of lesion area diameter and a significant reduction in lesion size was observed by the end of the 4 weeks of treatment with ketoconazole and propolis-based products. Thus proving the effectiveness of such propolis-based products, making them a natural therapeutic alternative for the treatment of cutaneous mycoses in horses, and carrying none of the toxic side effects of conventional pharmaceuticals.