Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just curious - For those of you using this product, what mixture have you been using?? Ounces/Gallon H2O??

Jeff - I know you recommend this product for disinfecting cages and I'm very happy with it as well. How do you prepare the solution for application??

Thanks

Hello, Mike,

Personally, I use the Chlorhexidine concentrate available from AgriLabs, diluting the concentrate per the labeling, as increasing the amount used will not enhance the efficacy of the product. The label stipulates diluting the concentrated for by adding 1 Oz. (2 Table spoons) of Chlorhexidine solution, per one gallon of water.
I have been using this product for several years and have incurred nothing less than excellent results.

Best regards,

Jeff
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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

I thought that it called for distilled water ? If not than damn Ive been wasting money lol.

Keith
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Save the tap for diluting your chlorhexidine! ;0)

Good to see you on the steroid induced KS forum...

Jeff
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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

I've been using it since Jeff suggested it to me at 2 table spoons per gallon like it says on the jug and it's been working great.A gallon sure goes a LONG way.
Bob

Thanks Jeff / all.....

I've been using the recommended mixture on the AgriLabs container. It seems like such a small amount of Chlorhexidine that I thought I'd check with you experts and see how you're using it. Man, this gallon is going to last a lllloooonnnngggg time!!

Thanks Again

At the zoo I work at, if needed our vets will prescribe Nolvasan for certain cleaning projects with the 1 oz. per gallon dilution - no special water, just regular tap water. Most of the time though we use dilute bleach solution of 1 oz. per gallon. At home with my own reptiles I use a product called Quatricide or Quat Plus which I got turned onto by my friend Rob Carmichael. The Quat Plus is good all around disinfectant and works pretty much the same way as Nolvasan and is the same 1 oz. per gallon dilution. I'm not sure why Rob chose that over Nolvasan unless it's a cost issue. I just ended up using it because Rob gave me some to try and I'm still using the half gallon or so that I got a year or more ago. That 1 oz. per gallon means the stuff goes a LONG way!
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Matt Campbell

Big animals, little animals, plants - right down to the sea itself. We need them, not just for their own sake, but because all this has to be here for everybody forever. Only one thing is certain: if we are to preserve our environment and save this priceless wildlife we need much, much more knowledge.
Harry Butler from 'In the Wild With Harry Butler' 1977

Is a "brand" name of Chlorhexidine distributed by Fort Dodge. The generic form, distributed by AgriLabs, is equally effective and retails for half the price. As Mike and others have mentioned, one gallon will go a long way.
Also, it is worth mentioning again, increasing the amount of Chlorhexidine used when diluting does absolutely nothing to increase the efficacy of the disinfectant, it's simply a waste of money to do so...

Best regards,

Jeff
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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

Quatuanary ammonias are MUCH MUCH more effective than chlorhexadine. Way overboard in my opinion, but in a zoo or rescue setting, quarantine and sick animals are much more likely to come up, thus the extra protection.

Chlorhexadine (acetate or gluconate) is much less nautious, and although all disinfectants should be rinsed well, if Ch. does get on an animal, it's of no concern.

I use quat's for my boas (unfortunately I have an IBD quarantine scenerio happening), but nothing for my happy and healthy herps within my collection. Chlor. is used on occasion if a cage is a real mess; but more for it's soap-like qualities.

Hope this proves informative

Ian

I must disagree with you, as I have found Chlohexidine to be equally effective as any of the quartenary ammonia compounds (QACs) available on the market, including Roccal – D.
The only advantage I have found is QACs are more effective in eradicating lipid envelope mycoplasmas.
I have used both products, along with a host of others, extensively in both the lab and animal enclosures. Both products have demonstrated to be equally effective so far as their germicidal and fungicidal capabilities, as well as being equally effective in eradicating viruses.
However, I prefer Chlorhexidine, as the residual effect is much less of an issue than for QACs and Chlorhexidine is more cost effective.
One thing I would like to mention; While I believe both products make great disinfectants, I have yet to find anything that can compare to steam cleaning enclosures with a quality steamer. Just keep in mind, the little hand held steamers do not have the heating element necessary to do a thorough job, as you need a unit capable of generating over 200*F at the tip…

Best regards,

Jeff
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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

We use it in the clinic for it's antiviral properties. Yes, mainly for mammalian virus', parvo virus being the toughest to kill of what we contact on a regular basis. I was assuming that this would carry on to virus' in general, since although most are species specific, they are all pretty much the same. (family to family of course). Chlorhexadine works well, don't get me wrong, but it's to the best of my knowledge that QAC's work best over a larger spectrum of virus'. What's your sources? I'm going by what I was taught in college, say 6 years ago, and information I get second-hand by drug rep's, vets bringing back info from conferences, ect.

Ian

My wife is a veterinarian, working within the pediatrics infectious disease research lab of Arkansas Children's Hospital, one of the largest facilities of its kind in the US. They decided to conduct their own study, regarding the use of disinfectants within the lab, and happened upon the results I indicated.
I once used QACs within the university herpetological lab and quarantine room myself, until such time my wife advised me of the results of their project at ACH.
Both Chlorhexidine and QAC’s are effective sanitizers, but I believe QACs pose a greater risk. Also, I believe the use of a quality steam cleaner out performs any commercially produced sanitizing agent…

Best regards,

Jeff
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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

How odd for a vet to work at a children's hospital. Was the study on virus' as well? While I don't think there is a risk to either product if used properly (for most reptiles) the smaller guys (anoles, geckos ect) would surely be more at risk to any exposure.

I guess it should be stated that for regular husbandry maintainence, that disinfectant isn't really needed, and cleaning is really the only goal.

That steam cleaner now,... how's that work? What temps are used? Autoclave works on pressurized steam, but that's only to get temps to say 115-135C, and to get penetration of surgical packs. I'm in no position to actually try and get a steam cleaner, but knowledge is power eh

Ian

It's actually not so odd, given she works within the department of infectious disease research, not direct patient care.
A lot of research veterinarians harbor advanced degrees within the areas of pathology and epidemiology; working outside the realm of clinical practice...

Best regards,

Jeff
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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

Enclosure maintenance is not nearly as invasive for an animal as surgery, so the process need not be as thorough.
When selecting a steam cleaner for enclosure maintenance, I look for a unit that contains a heating element capable of maintaining a temperature of 140*C in the tank and 120*C at the tip.
While the typical $50.00 handheld units do not meet such criteria, I have found the Eurosteam 1900, Ladybug XL and WhiteWing models to be very reliable...

Best regards,

Jeff
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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947