Table: Topical Agents - Merck Veterinary Manual

Topical Agents

Topical Agent	Indications and Characteristics
Granulated sugar	Inflammatory to early repair phase Hyperosmotic Requires frequent bandage changes
Honey	Inflammatory to early repair phase Hyperosmotic effect may damage healthy tissue Requires frequent bandage changes
Silver	Inflammatory and repair phases No clinical evidence of resistance
Antibiotics	Inflammatory and repair phases Broad spectrum May also supply zinc to the wound environment
Enzymatic agents	Inflammatory phase Slow Expensive
Biologic (maggots)	Inflammatory phase Selective debridement Requires specialized dressing to contain the maggots