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  Discussion on 2% Iodine
Author Message
Member:
hev1

Posted on Thursday, May 15, 2008 - 9:46 am:

Can anyone tell me where I can buy 2% Iodine? I have looked at pharmacies, farm supply outlets etc and all the Iodine products are only 1% (betadine is 1% and the stuff the farm store carriers specifically for navel dipping is also only 1%). My husband works in the hospital OR and he also says that their stuff up there is either the 1% or the much stronger 11%. I tried searching on-line, but no luck - all 1%. I did manage to find a tiny bottle (1oz) of Iodine Tincture that is 2%, but it also has alcohol in it? Is this 1% that the farm store sells sufficient? My vet doesn't like to use the Nolvasan as she says it is more apt to scolding the skin. Help!
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Friday, May 16, 2008 - 3:50 pm:

Hello Boomer,
I have to say the idea that strong 2% strong iodine is less scalding than 2% chlorhexidine is very foreign to me. Perhaps your veterinarian had a unusual experience but the research is clear that 0.5% chlorhexidine (a one to four solution of Nolvasan in water) provides much better protection against infection. In fact the strong iodine resulted in some tissue necrosis and a overgrowth of pathogens after the iodine evaporated away. I use straight 2% myself and have never noticed a reaction. If you insist of a 2% iodine procure strong iodine and dilute it with water to achieve a 2% solution.
DrO
Member:
hev1

Posted on Friday, May 16, 2008 - 4:39 pm:

Thanks Dr. O. I guess my question was that in almost all the books/articles I have read on this subject it calls for 2% Iodine and there appears to be no such product (unless you buy a stronger solution and dilute it). I was all set to use the Nolvasan, but then my vet said she preferred the Iodine. How comes the 1% is what is most readily available and is labelled specifically for naval dipping if 1% is not a strong enough solution? Do any other readers have any experience (ie: have they used the 1%) Just seems strange that the 1% Iodine is what is labelled and available when the 2% is what is called for! I think I will use the Nolvasan!
Member:
hev1

Posted on Friday, May 16, 2008 - 5:42 pm:

Sorry - I also forgot to ask. Should I physically "dip" the naval stump in the Nolvasan solution or should it be sprayed on? I am guessing you should put the solution in something like a wide-mouth jar and dip it, but thought I would check!
Member:
ekaufman

Posted on Friday, May 16, 2008 - 6:31 pm:

Hi Boomer,

I get those cheap tiny gladware containers and put the chlorhexidine solution in them for easy dipping and reduced loss in the event that the "dippee" isn't down with the plan and dipping becomes dumping. Then you can just put the tiny top back on for the next exhausted stump shuffle....
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, May 17, 2008 - 5:18 pm:

I use a sandwich plastic bag with a little chlorhexidine in the bottom. I hold the bag open by folding the top edges over my cupped hand. I place the mouth of the open bag over the navel and against the skin then squeeze the lower portion of the bag so the fluid is forced up and over the top of the bag. It makes it easy to apply without having it all sloshed out by a moving around foal.
DrO
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