Has anyone else used this? A horse that I lease was treated with it after a bad horse bite. I had never seen it before. Is there a consensus on its effectiveness?
Fabulous stuff. I use it on every wound that doesn’t need bandaging.
Yes, love it. Keep it on hand for wounds that can’t be bandaged. First saw it used when my dumb young horse split his head open on a plastic bucket at a show – vet stapled him together and made him a nice “star” out of silver spray (he was a plain dark bay with no white, so it really stood out!). Just beware if a horse isn’t used to that aerosol spray noise as it can send them flying.
It’s great stuff, definitely have it on hand. I’m using it right now for a wound that was stitched but due to location, can’t be bandaged, it’s helping it heal really well. For certain horses or sensitive areas–face etc, you can just put a glove on and spray the Alu-Shield/Alu-Spray on your finger then cover the wound that way. It uses up a little more than spraying directly on, but much less traumatic than accidentally spraying them in the eye, for example.
I tried to find some at my local CVS and they did not have it…maybe just out at the moment, bit anyone have tips on where to get it?
It’s my go-to for every single wound that doesn’t need major doctoring. I’ve never looked for it in “human” places, just farm supply or tack stores. Funny enough I hadn’t needed to use it for awhile since Sky miraculously managed to stay injury free. I went to the barn on Tuesday (after being gone all weekend) and he had a medium-size scrap on his hip. Now he’s silver!
I use triple-biotic ointment for wounds because anti-microbials fight microbes that commonly infect wounds. They assist the body to heal the wound.
Colloidal silver is not an antibiotic - it’s a metal. I would never use it on a wound.
Aluspray contains aluminium, as its name indicates. It is very useful as a bacterial blocker.
For possibly contaminated wounds or those with a large denuded area, I like a Silver Sulfadiazine ointment, commonly used in human medicine for burns.
It is called AluShield, you can get it online or at a tack store. You won’t find it at a pharmacy since it’s “not for use on humans” (aka never been officially tested on humans).
It is fantastic. It doesn’t have any antibiotic properties, it is just a wound cover to keep flies/dirt/etc. out. It keeps the wound dry–not sticky like creams/ointments. Great for scrapes and other surface wounds or difficult to bandage spots.
It does STING when you apply it, and the aerosol noise like someone else mentioned. It can also get expensive if you’re using a lot of it. Also, everything you own will be silver for a while.
Just to clarify: Alushield or AluSpray does not contain silver but aluminum instead. Saying silver might confuse people.
Silver is supposed to have some antibacterial properties.
Miracle in a can, and fun to use.
After our vet operated to take a very aggressive squamous cell carcinoma tumor out of our 28 year old gelding penis, he sprayed it with that silver spray.
The horse never did itch or try to scratch there.
The incision healed quickly and cleanly.
In such a spot, that spray really helped keep it all clean and dry, unlike ointments may have.
FYI, in a farm/feed store, it is often found in the cattle supply aisle.
Great stuff to have on hand.
I LOVE the stuff! Tried it after reading Laurierace’s recommendation on another thread. I’ll never be without it.
Yep, it’s one of my go-to’s as well. Perfect for wounds in places you can’t bandage, isn’t a sticky mess and keeps flies off. Plus it stays put once you spray it on.
Thanks all!
I love that stuff. I will 3rd what others have said on ones that have never had it used oi them it can be scary as all get out. I used it on my current horse when he was younger for a gash he took out of his jaw/chin area( I’m sure he deserved it). I shook the can and went to town spraying it before I knew what happened and without warning he reached up and slapped the can out of my hand with a well aimed front leg. OUCH! He is totally fine with the aerosol fly spray etc. but that silver spray was not OK! I have still never attempted to use it on him to this day. LOL
My horse used to have to be on antibiotics several times a year for cuts and scrapes on his legs. He has a habit of rolling into stuff. Since I found out about this, we have not had any infections. Love it!!
[QUOTE=TheHorseComesFirst;8728831]
Just to clarify: Alushield or AluSpray does not contain silver but aluminum instead. Saying silver might confuse people.
Silver is supposed to have some antibacterial properties.[/QUOTE]
Actual silver (or colloidal silver), such as in silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene), has excellent antimicrobial properties, not just against bacteria, but also yeasts and molds. I use silver impregnated gauze on any wound that needs to be wrapped, and it works wonders. Silvadene and the gauze I mention are used extensively in human wound care, especially on burn victims, where infection is a huge risk, and generally an inevitability.
Alu-Shield, as others have mentioned is more like liquid bandaid. It’s a great barrier–I usually wash with an antimicrobial soap (clorhexidine), dry then apply the Alu-Shield. A lot of people call it silver spray because of the color. I always think my horse (and let’s be honest, myself, as the aerosol nature lends to sharing) looks like the tin man if he’s in need of it.
It is my go-to for hock sores or other mild abrasions that don’t need a bandage. The wound stays cleaner than using an ointment.