Antiseptics and Disinfectants for Use With Animals
Comprehensive Summary of Oxidizing Agents as Antiseptics and Disinfectants for Use With Animals
Important Concepts
Oxidizing Agents: Used for antiseptic and disinfectant purposes in veterinary medicine.
Types of Oxidizing Agents
Peroxides:
Hydrogen Peroxide: Short-acting germicidal, useful for cleaning wounds.
Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide: Effective against a broad spectrum of microbes, biodegradable, and non-irritating.
Benzoyl Peroxide: Antiseptic with keratolytic activity, used for treating pyoderma.
Potassium Peroxymonosulfate: Broad-spectrum disinfectant used in veterinary premises and equipment.
Halogens and Halogen-Containing Compounds:
Chlorine: Effective germicide, used for water disinfection and cleaning in veterinary settings.
Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach): Widely used disinfectant for surfaces and equipment.
Iodine: Broad-spectrum antimicrobial, used as tinctures and iodophors for skin and wound disinfection.
Mechanisms of Action
Oxidizing Proteins: Disrupts microbial proteins, leading to cell death.
Releasing Oxygen: Peroxides release oxygen to mechanically clean and disinfect.
Applications
Wound Care: Hydrogen peroxide and iodine solutions.
Surface Disinfection: Sodium hypochlorite and potassium peroxymonosulfate.
Equipment Sterilization: Accelerated hydrogen peroxide and chlorine solutions.
Safety and Efficacy
Non-Toxic and Biodegradable: Many oxidizing agents are safe for use around animals and humans.
Limitations: Some agents can corrode metals or be inactivated by organic matter.
References:
Merck Veterinary Manual. Oxidizing Agents as Antiseptics and Disinfectants for Use With Animals. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/pharmacology/antiseptics-and-disinfectants/oxidizing-agents-as-antiseptics-and-disinfectants-for-use-with-animals?autoredirectid=18896
