Horses are extremely accident prone and while many minor scrapes can be managed at home by you, some wounds require prompt veterinary care. Knowing when to call the vet can make a significant difference to your horse's recovery. Below are five types of wounds that should never be ignored.
1. Deep Cuts and Tears
Cuts are probably one of the most common injuries you’ll come across. These wounds will penetrate the skin and often the underlying tissues. They can be caused by sharp objects like fencing, metal, or even another horse's teeth.
Deep cuts can damage muscles, tendons, and even bones. They often require stitches and need to be thoroughly cleaned to prevent infection.
Make sure you call your vet as soon as you become aware of the injury. To keep the area clean, apply a clean, non stick bandage to control any bleeding until the vet arrives.
2. Puncture Wounds
Puncture wounds are deep, narrow injuries caused by sharp objects like nails, thorns, or even bites. They are most common on the sole of the hoof, but can happen anywhere on the horse’s body.
Punctures are tricky because they can look minor on the surface but penetrate deeply. This can create a breeding ground for bacteria and make the wound harder to clean. There can also be a risk of tetanus or other infections.
Do not attempt to flush or probe the wound yourself. Keep the area clean and wait for the vet to evaluate and properly treat it. If the object is still in the wound, leave it in. This will allow the vet to assess the wound fully, the exception is if more damage will occur by leaving the object in, for example a puncture wound on the sole of the hoof. If you have to take the object out, make sure to take a photo or mark how far it went in.
3. Wounds Near Joints or Tendons
Injuries near joints or tendons are particularly serious, as they can affect a horse's mobility and long-term soundness.
Wounds in these areas are at high risk for developing infections that can severely damage the joint or tendon, leading to chronic lameness or even life-threatening conditions like septic arthritis. You need to be particularly aware of wounds which pierce the joint capsule, you’ll know if this has happened because the joint fluid can leak out, this is a pale yellow liquid with a tacky consistency similar to honey.
Once you’ve called the vet, try to keep the horse as still as possible and avoid applying pressure directly to the joint. Cover the wound with a sterile bandage to reduce the chance of injection.
4. Eye Injuries
Eye injuries can occur from foreign objects, blows to the head, or scratches. These injuries are often very painful and can lead to serious complications.
Eye injuries can deteriorate quickly, potentially leading to blindness or chronic pain if not treated promptly and properly. The eye is a delicate structure, and even minor injuries require expert care.
Keep the horse in a dark, quiet area until the vet arrives. Avoid the temptation to flush the eye yourself with things like cold tea or saline solution, this can make the injury worse and lengthen the recovery time.
5. Wounds with Excessive Bleeding
Some wounds involve significant blood loss, particularly if an artery has been cut. Arterial bleeds are more severe because blood loss will happen quicker. You can spot this type of bleeding by the colour of the blood, arterial blood will be brighter red, and the type of bleeding, arterial blood is under pressure, so there will be a pulse to the bleeding.
Reduce the loss of blood by applying firm, direct pressure with a clean cloth or bandage. Keep the horse calm and monitor them for signs of shock. If the blood comes through the bandage, add another one on top.
Not all horse wounds are created equal, and recognising when to call the vet is crucial. Quick first aid action and proper care can prevent complications and ensure your horse's swift recovery.
Always consult with your vet if you're unsure about the severity of a wound. It's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your horse's health.
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