Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Clinicians in veterinary practice have responsibilities for the development of global antibiotic resistance. In some cases, antibiotics are contraindicated or even useless in wound treatments and therefore other options are needed. Antiseptics may be another option but their use are controversial and may be questioned by owners. As professionals, it may be very difficult to be able to motivate this choice of treatment.

The aim of this paper is to gain knowledge about four antiseptics; iodine, silver, polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) and honey to make it easier for veterinary nurses and other clinicians in veterinary practices to decide their potential use. The assessment will be made with consideration of the available evidence concerning the properties, usability and the animal’s experience.

The results showed a lack of evidence in in-vivo studies in horses, particularly studies within the field of veterinary nursing. However, these four antiseptics are being used for wound treatments in veterinary clinics today, maybe based on experience rather than evidence. More evidencebased research is needed and would improve the work of veterinary nursing. The use of antiseptics may be our only option for wound treatment, besides euthanasia, when antibiotics cannot be used.