Wounds

Types of wounds

Clean cut

A- This is caused by a sharp object that has
sliced the skin.

B- The surfaces are straight and smooth and often has lots of blood.

C- A vet can usually stitch this type of wound
easily with excellent results.

Torn

A- Caused by a blunt instrument entering the skin then being ripped, for example a nail, sharp corner, barbed wire.

B- The edges of the wound are rough and not too much blood.

Puncture wound

A- Caused by a nail, thorn, or any thin sharp
object.

B- The entrance to the wound is small but they can be very deep.

C- Always best to call the vet as it is very difficult to know how deep these wounds are and what structures are involved.

D- The entrance to these wounds should be kept open so as to allow the wound to drain. If the top heals it can trap dirt and debris inside that will ulcerate.

Bruised wound

A- Caused by a blow, kick, tack rubbing or fall to name a few.

B- The skin is not broken but the veins underneath are ruptured and under the skin fills with blood.

Grazed wound

A- Caused by a fall or rubbing along a rough surface.

B- These are generally not very deep but have a big surface area.

C- These wounds must be cleaned off well to start with as they can become infected by dirt or gravel being left in the graze.

How to treat a wound

DECIDE IF A VET IS NEEDED

Call the vet- if in doubt call them out- but definitely if:

A- There is a lot of blood.

B- There are any objects protruding

C- A break is suspected.

D- It’s a puncture wound

E- There is a cut and the horse has not had a tetanus jab.

F- There is severe lameness or swelling.

G- If the cut is through the skin and near a joint.

H- Involves the eye or ear.

Once the vet is called, take advice from them as to the treatment until they get to you.

It is best not to put anything other than plain water on the wound until the vet arrives. This is because many chemicals and salt can hamper the healing process as they dry the edges of the wound.

STOP THE BLEEDING

A- If the blood is bright red and spurting this is arterial blood so the vet should be called immediately. Put pressure on the top of the
wound with a clean piece of gauze. If there are pints of blood, a tourniquet may need to be applied to buy some time until the vet gets there. This is a tie of some sort tied tightly above the wound to stop the flow of blood to that limb. The tourniquet must be loosened every 30 min to allow blood to circulate.

B- If the blood is a normal blood colour and in a steady flow, apply pressure with a clean gauze as long as no foreign body is in the wound. Cold water can also be hosed on to stop the bleeding.

If the vet is not needed

CLEAN THE WOUND

A- You can use mild antiseptic solution (for example Hibiscrub diluted with water 1 part Hibi to 50 parts water, or a boiled and cooled saline solution (one teaspoon of salt to half a litre of water).

B- Use medical gauze or cotton wool and gently pat the wound- never put the used cotton wool or gauze back in the washing solution. Remember to not rub the wound as you may rub in grit or dirt.

C- Gently pat the wound dry with the cotton wool or gauze.

D- A poultice is a drawing agent used to reduce inflammation, sooth and draw out any foreign particles or infection. They must never be used on a joint with an open wound as they can draw out the joint fluid. I have written a section on poulticing so please read that section if you think this would be good for your horse’s wound.

DRESS THE WOUND

If there is a small wound, it is best to let the air get to it to aid healing, but if the wound is deeper, or you are worried dirt may enter the wound and cause problems, a bandage or dressing may be needed. I have covered bandaging in depth in a separate page.

A-Use wound powder for a graze or wet and weeping wound. Medical grade Manuka honey is having excellent results at the moment.

B- Antiseptic spray for a bite or scratch.

C-Cream for a dry wound.

D- If a cover is needed, wound dressing with duct tape may be sufficient. If you do use this method you can leave the sides open, as in the pictures, to allow air flow. When you remove it, take it off slowly and carefully in the direction of the hair growth so you do not pull the hairs out. If you do need a bandage please see the bandage page.