Turpentine-Induced Acute Dermatitis in Rabbits: Acute Phase Protein Responses and Modulation by Topical Corticosteroid and Allium Cepa

Acute inflammatory skin conditions are commonly encountered in veterinary practice and are characterised by complex clinical, haematological, and biochemical responses that reflect underlying tissue injury and systemic acute phase reactions. This study evaluated the acute phase response, haematological alterations, and therapeutic modulation of turpentine-induced dermatitis in rabbits using topical hydrocortisone and Allium cepa (onion) juice. Twenty healthy adult New Zealand White rabbits were randomly assigned to four groups: control, turpentine-induced untreated, turpentine-induced treated with topical hydrocortisone, and turpentine-induced treated with onion juice. Dermatitis was induced by subcutaneous injection of 0.5 mL turpentine oil, and treatments were applied topically for three consecutive days beginning 12 hours post-induction. Clinical severity was assessed using a modified Draize scoring system, while haematological indices and serum biochemical parameters, including acute phase proteins, were evaluated at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours. Turpentine administration induced marked heterophilic leukocytosis, elevated serum C-reactive protein and haptoglobin concentrations, and a reduction in albumin levels (P < 0.05). These changes were significantly attenuated by topical hydrocortisone, while onion juice produced moderate but consistent anti-inflammatory effects. The study supports the use of turpentine-induced dermatitis as a reproducible rabbit model for acute phase reactions and suggests that Allium cepa possesses adjunct antiinflammatory potential in veterinary dermatological management.