Equine Wound Care - Five Things Not To Do
- DO NOT remove any protruding objects from the wound. Removing the object can cause more damage. Wait for your veterinarian. They will preform x-rays to determine how deep the object is and how to best remove it.
- DO NOT let the wound go unattended. It is important to promptly treat the wound and then to carefully monitor the healing process. Wounds must be treated daily to ensure cleanliness, stop infection, and to prevent the excessive growth of granulation tissue commonly known as “proud flesh.” Even the smallest wound can result in a serious infection such as tetanus, so examine all wounds, no matter how minor they may seem.
- DO NOT wait to call a veterinarian. If you are unsure if the wound needs professional attention, do not hesitate to call your vet. It is better to be safe then sorry! Wounds should be addressed by a veterinarian within six hours. The longer you wait, the more difficult it may be for the vet to repair the wound. If it is an eye injury, call your vet immediately.
DO make sure your horse has an annual tetanus booster. All horses are exquisitely sensitive to tetanus and this is compounded by their environment, where the organism is common. Walking your paddock fence-line on a regular basis is an important habit for spotting potential hazards before they cause injury, but even the most vigilant horse owner will have to treat wounds, as they are not uncommon among equids.
