Povidone-iodine or Betadine® is a drug marketed for the antisepsis of superficial wounds in cats due to its broad antimicrobial spectrum, effective against viruses, protozoa, spores, fungi and bacteria Gram positive and Gram negative. This microbicidal effect is achieved thanks to the iodine in its composition. However, this same iodine can irritate your cat's skin if it is not applied diluted and if it is ingested or overdosed it can produce undesirable effects and thyroid and kidney disorders and alterations in the level of electrolytes. Betadine is a product that is applied exclusively cutaneously on the skin of cats and never on internal tissues or mucous membranes.
What is Betadine?
Betadine® is a medicine that contains the active ingredient povidone-iodine, an antiseptic for cutaneous or topical use with a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. Said microbiocidal activity is due to the iodine content of the compound, said element being effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and against viruses, fungi, spores and protozoa.
Povidone is a polymer that dissolves in water and causes combination with iodine, forming the povidone-iodine complex that also allows iodine to dissolve and an equilibrium is established with the aqueous solution of the complex between the concentration of complexed iodine and free iodine, acting against the aforementioned pathogens that can infect the wounds, cuts or superficial lesions of your little feline's skin.
Don't miss the following article on Cat Injuries and First Aid on our site.
When can Betadine be used in cats?
Betadine can be used in cats because of its great utility as skin antiseptic for:
- Small cuts.
- Superficial injuries or wounds.
- Minor burns.
- Erosions.
- Skin chafing.
It can also be used in the hospital setting as operative field antiseptic and material when operating on a cat, as well as applied about the wounds. Of course, it must be taken into account that when applying it to the skin of small cats, this must be diluted with water because it is a commercialized product for the human species, whose skin pH is different from that of cats, so small cats are more sensitive to this product if it is not applied diluted.
This is a good antiseptic product that is highly useful for cleaning and controlling possible infections in wounds and superficial skin lesions in cats, although it is somewhat less safe than other products such as chlorhexidine, widely safe in cats and that does not require its dissolution for its application in this species. However, when used correctly, Betadine is an excellent essential antimicrobial for the healing of superficial wounds in cats.
How to cure a cat with Betadine?
Before treating a cat's wound with Betadine, it is necessary to remove all dirt and debris around the wound that could result in a risk of infection. To do this, it may be a good option to cut your cat's hair in the area to be treated, especially in those breeds with long hair. If you remove excess hair, impurities can be cleaned more effectively.
This cleaning must be performed using:
- Clean sterile gauzes.
- Physiological serum or soap and water.
Once the area is clean, diluted Betadine can be used so as not to irritate the area and to maintain good microbial activity. Betadine can be applied using sterile gauzes on wounds, cuts or skin lesions and never directly on the cat's mucous membranes, its use is exclusively cutaneous. Later, to help with healing and scarring, it is a good option to apply ointments or creams that speed up this process.
Betadine poisoning in cats
If by chance the Betadine has not been diluted and has caused skin irritation manifested by reddened skin, itching and small blisters, it is necessary to wash the area with plenty of water and apply anti-inflammatory drugs. Acute iodine toxicity could occur in cats similar to that seen in people with symptoms at the: level
- Abdominal
- Pulmonary edema
- Anuria
- Circulatory collapse
If you ingest the product, excess iodine can produce:
- Thyroid disorders: such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
- Goiter.
- Renal disorders: such as acute kidney disease and electrolytes such as metabolic acidosis. Do not hesitate to take a look at the following article on kidney problems in cats, types and symptoms, here.
In addition, Betadine for cats is also not recommended for use in kittens or pregnant and lactating females.
