chlorhexidine use on foals

[Real_Rush]

Hi, everyone. After almost a decade away from the breeding scene, I decided to get a couple of my mares covered. My earliest one is due mid-March(-ish), and I’ve been going down my list of things I’ll need on hand. Of course I know I’ll need navel dip, but I’m wondering if the form of chlorhexidine matters.

After my vet “prescribed” using Vetasan ointment on a serious wound my gelding got several years ago, I always keep a jar of it on hand because the stuff works wonders. (and smells pretty darn good too!) Since it is a chlorhexidine gluconate product, has anyone used it on a newborn’s navel? Or should I just pick up a bottle of the liquid solution and stick with dipping the stump? TIA!

[Hillside_H_Ranch]

I would personally stick with the liquid. It is hard for an ointment to saturate the stump, getting into every crack and crevice. Ointments also tend to keep things moist, and you want the umbilicus to dry out.

[Amyy]

I use chlorhexidine on all of my foal’s navals, and would never use anything else. Agree with above comment to stick with the liquid. I use a sterile specimen cup and fill it with chlorhexidine, then hold it against the body with the naval inside and shake vigorously for 20 seconds or so. I do this probably 3 times a day for the first 2 days. Always works great. I buy it in a gallon bottle.

[EventerAJ]

I agree with the others, and also use Amyy’s method. I fill a mini Dixie cup (or syringe tube case, or anything about 1-2oz), submerge the navel and shake. Chlorhex solution is cheap, about $20 for a gallon that lasts a long time. I also keep some in a spray bottle for rain rot and skin funk.