Equine Antiseptics & Topical Therapies — Canada 2025 Guide to Vetericyn Plus, Bickmore Gall Salve, Silver Honey Rapid Wound Repair, Betadine & Corona Multi-Purpose (Evidence-Based Picks for Safer, Faster Healing)

Vetericyn Plus is positioned as a veterinary-grade, non-stinging spray that uses stabilized hypochlorous technology to deliver broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity without antibiotics, making it ideal for horses with large or sensitive wounds. It stands out against thicker ointments on this list by offering easy, low-contact application and reduced risk of tissue irritation or antibiotic resistance, which can lower follow-up treatment costs and labor for routine wound management. Compared with heavier barrier salves, its technical advantage is rapid wetting and gentle cleansing, though it may require more frequent application on highly exudative lesions.

Bickmore Gall Salve is a long-standing, economical topical barrier ointment prized for preventing and protecting girth and rub sores through a thick, tacky formula that stays in place under tack. It holds its market position for everyday preventive care and chronic friction sites where sprays or aqueous antiseptics evaporate or wash away, offering a cost-effective option compared with higher-priced antimicrobial creams. Technically it provides excellent physical protection and moisture exclusion but lacks the potent antimicrobial action of products like Vetericyn or silver-honey formulations, so it is often used alongside cleansing antiseptics rather than as a sole treatment for active infections.

Silver Honey combines medical-grade honey with ionic silver to deliver a potent, dual-action antimicrobial and wound-healing ointment that promotes rapid granulation and discourages biofilm formation, making it a leader for infected or slow-healing equine wounds. Though typically higher in cost than basic salves or povidone-iodine, its technical advantage is documented support for faster tissue repair and effectiveness against resistant organisms, potentially reducing overall treatment time and antibiotic reliance. Compared to simple barrier products like Bickmore, Silver Honey is chosen for active infections, while Vetericyn remains preferred when a non-irritating, rinse-free spray is required.

Betadine (povidone-iodine) solution is a time-tested, inexpensive antiseptic for initial wound cleansing and field first-aid, offering broad-spectrum kill at a very low per-use cost which makes it a staple in barn medicine kits. Its financial advantage is clear for large-scale or frequent cleansing needs, but technically it can be more cytotoxic to healthy tissue with repeated use and often requires dilution or subsequent neutralization, placing it behind gentler options like Vetericyn or honey-based ointments for prolonged therapy. Practically, Betadine remains a reliable first step before applying barrier salves or specialized topical therapies when cost or immediate availability is the priority.