ANTISEPTICS AND DISINFECTANTS IN SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE

Antiseptics and disinfectants are used daily in veterinary practice fo r disinfection of inanimate objects, surgical preparation, and wound t herapy. Numerous products are commercially available for these purpose s, but many are used inappropriately in the clinical setting. It is im portant to be familiar with the characteristics of the available produ cts and the recommended concentration for the intended use. Concentrat ion, in part, determines the use of antiinfective agents. The antiinfe ctive agents used in veterinary medicine and described in this review include iodine compounds, bisbiguanide, quarternary ammonium compounds , alcohols, phenols, aldehydes, hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite , and acetic acid.