Maintaining optimal presurgical skin antisepsis is a cornerstone of infection control in veterinary surgery. As antimicrobial resistance and environmental sustainability become increasingly important considerations, interest in alternative antiseptic solutions has grown. A recent study evaluating the antiseptic capacity of double‑distilled ozonated water offers compelling evidence that this emerging option may be a valuable addition to veterinary surgical protocols.
Study Overview
The study enrolled 63 canine patients undergoing a variety of surgical procedures, including thoracic, abdominal, cervical, and proximal limb surgeries. After routine preoperative clipping, researchers identified four standardized 6 × 6 cm skin areas on each patient. Each area received a different antiseptic preparation:
- Area 1: Soap‑based chlorhexidine followed by alcoholic chlorhexidine
- Area 2: Soap‑based chlorhexidine + ozonated water
- Area 3: Ethyl alcohol + ozonated water
- Area 4: Ozonated water alone
To evaluate antiseptic efficacy, two samples from each area were collected at 90 seconds and 180 seconds using bacteriological buffers. Samples were cultured on plate count agar (PCA) using streak plating, and total mesophilic bacterial counts were used as the primary outcome measure.
Key Findings
The results were noteworthy: double‑distilled ozonated water demonstrated antiseptic efficacy comparable to—or in some cases superior to—traditional chlorhexidine‑ and alcohol‑based protocols. This performance was consistent across the different anatomical regions and sampling times.
These findings suggest that ozonated water is not merely a supplemental rinse but a legitimate antiseptic agent capable of reducing bacterial load to clinically acceptable levels. Its ability to perform effectively both alone and in combination with conventional agents highlights its versatility.
Clinical Implications for Veterinary Practice
For veterinary professionals, the integration of ozonated water into presurgical protocols offers several potential advantages:
- Reduced reliance on chemical antiseptics, which may help mitigate environmental contamination and chemical waste
- Lower risk of skin irritation in sensitive patients
- Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity without contributing to antimicrobial resistance
- Potential cost-effectiveness, depending on clinic setup and ozonation equipment
While chlorhexidine and alcohol remain gold standards, the data indicate that ozonated water could serve as a viable alternative or adjunct, particularly in practices seeking greener, gentler, or more innovative antiseptic solutions.
Looking Ahead
Further research will help refine optimal application times, concentrations, and combinations with existing antiseptics. However, the current evidence positions ozonated water as a promising tool for enhancing surgical site preparation while supporting environmental stewardship.
As veterinary medicine continues to evolve, embracing scientifically validated alternatives like ozonated water may help improve patient safety and modernize surgical protocols.
