Treating Naval Cords on foals

[MBhorses]

Hello,

we wanted to know what all you all use to treat your naval cords on your foals.

How long do you treat them and how often?

We usually treat 3-5 days three times a day with nolvasan

thanks

 

[Miniv]

Two things I want to see happening when it comes to the foal's umbilical area. First, I want to sterilize. Second, I want it to dry up.

We've used Nolvasan which sterilizes, but doesn't encourage the drying. Bacteria and viruses LOVE warm moist places.

Gentle Iodine sterilizes AND is a drying agent. So, after trying Nolvasan a few times and seeing how moist the navel stays, we went back to using the Gentle Iodine. We apply it 2 or 3 times over the first 24 to 48 hours of birth.

We avoid using the stronger iodine solutions because, along with being a drying agent, it can also burn tender skin.

 

[Lucky-C-Acres-Minis]

We use iodine and will dip the umbilical after it breaks and 3-4 times within the first couple days, usually by then you can see that it has already started drying up.

 

[Matt73]

I use betadine and apply it 2x/day for the first two days.

 

[Loess Hills]

We use the gentle iodine. Pour it into a an old plastic film holder (anyone remember those?), turn it upside down on the umbilical stump. By using this method, you don't dump the iodine everywhere on the tummy........it goes right on the stump.

Usually treat for about 3 days, although our vet says it only needs to be done once or twice. But, would rather be safe than sorry!

 

[MiLo Minis]

I use tamed iodine in a shotglass, and push it up over the cord. I do it twice daily for 2 days.

 

[dgrminis]

we use iodine (diluted) in a spray bottle and we spray it 2-3 times that first day and then will spray it again the 2nd day if it looks like it needs it.

 

[Field-of-Dreams]

We use Betadine in a film container.... dip and go! At least three times on the foaling day and twice the nesxt fr\ew days until it's dried up.

we use iodine (diluted) in a spray bottle and we spray it 2-3 times that first day and then will spray it again the 2nd day if it looks like it needs it.

I've heard this doesn't get the iodine into all the nooks and crannies.... maybe I'm just paranoid....

Lucy

 

[eagles ring farm]

we use Betadine 2 x's a day first 2 days

I bought a pack maybe 250 of the throw away condiments cups at a party supply store

just dip and toss they will probably last me forever with that many.

 

[joylee123]

[SIZE=12pt]I also use a shot glass with gentle Iodine. Three times the first day (immediatly upon cord breaking) and twice to three times the second day. For me I've found a shot glass to be the perfect shape and size, you also don't waste as much of the Iodine

[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Joy[/SIZE]

 

[WeeOkie]

Hello,

we wanted to know what all you all use to treat your naval cords on your foals.

How long do you treat them and how often?

We usually treat 3-5 days three times a day with nolvasan

thanks

I treat mine pretty much just as you do. Seems everyone who responded uses iodine, but I'm sure there are a lot of us who use Nolvasan. Several years ago my vet suggested that I change from iodine to nolvasan, so I did, and have been happy with it. I mix mine half and half with water and use some old Tupperware containers (about the size of the film canisters--knew there would someday be a use for such small containers

). They have a lid, so I reuse the solution until it's gone (same foal, of course)--that's if the baby doesn't knock it out of my hand.

I treat several times a day the first day, then a couple of times a day for the next two.

Rita

 

[mini1]

We always used a spray bottle of 1% Iodine. Sprayed only one time but soaked good if we were at the birth and 2-3 times if they surprised us.

In reading further since I have gotten some sheep, the 1% is not strong enough to kill all bacteria so breeders recommend using the 7% Iodine. I have been using this in a dip cup and dipping once. The stronger iodine also speeds up the drying of the umbilical. I have not seen any burning or irritation of the skin with the stronger solution.

Kelly

 

[wrenhart]

[SIZE=12pt]I also use a shot glass with gentle Iodine. Three times the first day (immediatly upon cord breaking) and twice to three times the second day. For me I've found a shot glass to be the perfect shape and size, you also don't waste as much of the Iodine

[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Joy[/SIZE]

DITTO

 

[Sue S]

We use gentle Iodine, we put it in a insulin canister(like the film canisters) or we spray it on, 2 times first day and once next couple days after that.

 

[Miniv]

We have a Squirt Bottle........OR we use one of those little cups that come with liquid cough syrup (which is about the same size as a shot glass.)