Haematological and serum biochemical responses following surgically created open skin wound healing in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits

Delayed wound healing is a complication of diabetes that may be associated with haemato- biochemical changes. This study evaluated the haemato-biochemical responses during wound healing in diabetic rabbits. Sixteen New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits used for this study were grouped into four (four rabbits each). A (Non diabetic and no wound); B (Diabetic and no wound); C (Wound created and Non-Diabetic) and D (Wound created and diabetic). Diabetes was induced using alloxan monohydrate, while skin wound was created in a standard aseptic conditions. Blood samples were collected from the rabbits from days 0 to 28 for haematological and serum biochemical analyses. The red blood cell counts of group C rabbits from days 3 to 28 were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than group B rabbits. The packed cell volume in group B rabbits decreased significantly (P < 0.05) from days 7 to 28 across the groups. The neutrophil values of group B rabbits decreased significantly (P < 0.05) on day 7 compared across the groups. The total proteins of group B rabbits on day 3 was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than others across the groups. The increase in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) values of rabbits in other groups were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the control group. Alloxan monohydrate-induced Diabetes disrupted the normal haemato-biochemical responses to wound healing by causing neutropaenia, anaemia, hypoproteinemia, and increase in BUN and creatinine values of the rabbits, which resulted in delayed wound healing.