What scrubbing agents does the Swann Animal Clinic use on animals before surgery?

The choice of chlorhexidine and alcohol as scrubbing agents before surgery at the Swann Animal Clinic is based on their effectiveness as antiseptics. Chlorhexidine is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that is particularly effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It works well to reduce the microbial load on the skin, making it an excellent choice for preparing an animal for surgical procedures.

Alcohol, when used in conjunction with chlorhexidine, acts as a rapid-acting antiseptic that helps to further decrease the number of pathogens on the skin. Alcohol evaporates quickly and does not leave a residue, which makes it an ideal solvent for enhancing the penetration of chlorhexidine into the skin's surface, providing an effective barrier against infection during surgery.

In surgical settings, the combination of these two agents is preferred because they complement each other's actions, providing a greater level of skin disinfection than when either agent is used alone. This practice helps ensure a safer surgical environment by minimizing the risk of postoperative infections.