Author Topic: Iodine (Read 4722 times)

Elissian · « **on:** March 23, 2011, 01:01:41 pm »

I bought a new bottle of iodine to refill my spray gun but got it from a different shop. My original bottle says 10% iodene but the new one is 2.5% sound very weak to me. Can I use this on umbilicals or should i take it back and get something stronger. also someone recommended bactokil to me does anyone have a preference when spraying umbilicals?

Rosemary · « **Reply #1 on:** March 23, 2011, 01:13:02 pm »

I've got 2.5% in a spray but I think I shoudl have 10%. I've also been told to dip not spray as it's more effective.

Freddiesfarm · « **Reply #2 on:** March 23, 2011, 01:20:03 pm »

10% is best for navels etc

ellisr · « **Reply #3 on:** March 23, 2011, 01:21:52 pm »

I use 10% and I dip as that is what grandad taught me

SallyintNorth · « **Reply #4 on:** March 23, 2011, 01:46:38 pm »

Ours is 10% and that's what the vet supplies for lambing too. It does sting the poor wee mites, though! I have seen farmers dilute a strong iodine to around 2.5% but since I have found the 10% does the job I have been loathe to change.

I prefer to spray, BH dips. Either way the important thing is to cover the whole cord, from belly button to the torn end, to stop infection getting in.

supplies for smallholders · « **Reply #5 on:** March 23, 2011, 07:23:59 pm »

Hi,

The 2.5% is a general antiseptic for cuts, wounds etc.

The 10% is just more concentrated and more suited to Umbilicals as is the 5% spray

There is also available an aerosol spray specifically made for umbilicals, called, not surprisingly "Umbilical Spray"

Thanks

TheCaptain · « **Reply #6 on:** March 23, 2011, 09:05:50 pm »

I use 10% iodine spray from mole valley but don't spray, use an old Oasis bottle for dipping the cord into and turning the lamb up a little to ensure it's all covered. Oasis bottle recommended by the big sheep farmers round my way!

Elissian · « **Reply #7 on:** March 23, 2011, 10:09:11 pm »

Thanks for all the replies, i shall go back to mole valley and get more of my original 10% spray. I do thoroughly soak the full length of the unbilical when i spray and so far i've not had any problems. I'm a bit cac handed and i'm sure i'd get it everywhere if i dipped!

Fleecewife · « **Reply #8 on:** March 23, 2011, 11:45:31 pm »

But that's the shepherd's badge of honour - fingers looking horribly nicotine stained

We use 10% in a mint sauce jar

it does make a mess but you can be sure it has got absolutely everywhere - lamb, clothes, fingers - lovely stuff, great smell, saves lives

VSS · « **Reply #9 on:** March 24, 2011, 12:15:28 pm »

Quote from: Elissian on March 23, 2011, 01:01:41 pm

someone recommended bactokil to me does anyone have a preference when spraying umbilicals?

We use bactokill - it is excellent. It is not cheap, but I think it is better than iodine and much tidier. Also it doesn't smell as much which can be quite a consideration if you have ewea that might be a bit suspicious of thier lambs. It also has a multitude of other uses.