1. Basic Equine Wound Care
Timothy McDermott DVM
Ag/NR Hocking Co.

2. What to do first Do not get injured Calm horse get inside Call Vet
What can you do to help?
Stop bleeding
Gently irrigate wound
Bandage
Get First Aid material

3. The Healing Process Stages of Healing Types of closure
Inflammation
Proliferation/Epithelialization
Remodeling
Types of closure
Primary closure
Delayed Primary
debridement
Second Intention
Most tensile strength at 7-14 days, Total strength is 15% less

4. Types of wounds Puncture wounds Abrasions Lacerations Eyes Small Deep
Shallow
Linear vs Flap
Eyes

5. Puncture Wounds Is it bleeding? A lot? Gushing? Deep vs Shallow
Where is the puncture located?
A small puncture over a synovial structure can be worse than a large laceration over the rump or shoulder.
Synovial Puncture = TRUE EMERGENCY
Good prognosis with timely and correct care

6. Abrasions Assess how bad the damage is
Does not have the reputation punctures and lacerations do
Fly/Insect secondary damage.
Need to prevent them from getting worse.
Abrasions

7. Lacerations Assess similarly to a puncture wound
Bleeding, location, depth
A laceration involving tendons, joints or large blood vessels is a TRUE EMERGENCY
Lacerations

8. Treatment options - medical
Topical therapy
Saline flush for debris
Antiseptics
Antibiotics
Other – Honey, Silver, Hydrogel, etc.
Insect repellants
Oral therapy
Pain reliever
IV/Hospitalization
Bandages, eye covers, splints

9. What is “proud flesh” Part of the normal healing process
Formation of granulation tissue
More common in horses than other species
More common on lower leg
Skin under tension
Need a management plan
Prevention is best, start on DAY ONE
Stall rest, bandaging, cleaning, ointments Photo credit: Dr. Holly Beckford, theequinevet.com
Work with Vet to determine individual plan
Balance too much and too little granulation tissue to get “just right”

10. Kansas St University FOUR C’s
Stay Calm
Clean the Wound
Compression bandage
Call the Vet

11. Questions?