hurt horse

[siestadancer]

Well he had our horses a week and got hurt was wondering if anyone ran into this same problem and how your horse made. Out....our mare spooked and kicked and hit a ladder next to her as walking by. Left a big gash. Vet came and said didn't look good at all that probably hit a tendon...gave antibiotics and directions on wrapping every day and pain mess. She was not optimistic at all. Low and behold the next day she was walking on it again and seemed much better to our relief. On third day now and not better, not worse. Seems like it is going to take forever to heal as it is on the back of her leg(ankle area right above hoof)...

 

[animalfarm]

It may look ugly, but it may heal up a lot faster then you think.

Keep it wrapped but don't change the bandages unless they get wet or really gunky. Don't be washing it or messing with it or putting caustic powders or lots of creams on it. Leg wounds can look slimy, but it doesn't mean it is infected. It is just serum being secreted from the wound to create scabbing. Proud flesh develops when a leg wound is irritated too much in an area with very poor circulation.

Just use a non-stick bandage from the drug store with a piece of tape around the top but don't wrap the tape all the way around. It could cut off the circulation. I then put a piece of fleece over that and an elastic leg bandage for pressure. The idea is to let lots of air get in there. After about a week check to see if the swelling is down and that no proud flesh is developing; if not, I would let the air get to it and dry it out. Let her exercise as much as possible on her own in a small outdoor area. If the tendon is damaged you don't want scar tissue building up in gnarly mass. Go easy on the pain meds; they mask the symptoms and you won't know if things are better or worse. The other danger is that if she doesn't feel enough pain, she may act up instead of taking it easy. After one week start walking her without pain meds. Pain meds may make you feel better, but they are not in the best interest of the horse after the first day or so.

 

[77Herford]

We use a savv. Also everyday run a hose with cold water on the wound for around fifteen to twenty minutes until the scab falls off, it helps to promote healing, then you put on the fresh savv or sab and any bandage.

 

[redtailgal]

I agree with 77herfords.

I'd change that bandage daily, if only to do a wound check and to keep that scab in check. It will need to not have a hard scab on it, so that it can drain or you are begging for an infection.

I'm partial to mag poultice, it works pretty good for me (and it smells nice). Blue wound kote also helps.

Here is a good article for wound care:

http://www.equisearch.com/horses_care/health/illnesses_injuries/eqhumble530/

 

[siestadancer]

Thanks everybody! Dancer is healing very nicely!