The art of equine wound care, is knowing how to balance the horse’s ability to heal itself with a level of veterinary care that is appropriate to the situation.  When it comes to treating a wound, the main aim is to avoid infection and to promote healthy tissue growth. It is recommended that an effective wound care and treatment programme be implemented as soon as possible to help to avoid unsightly scarring and return function to the area quickly. Getting a jump on the problem early on will also hasten the healing process and help avoid any unnecessary complications brought on by secondary infection.

Treatment options your veterinarian may recommend include:

• Flushing the wound with sterile saline to remove any contaminants, e.g. grass, hair, sand, etc.
• Trimming away necrotic tissue so as to reduce the risk of infection and promote healthy tissue growth.
• Suturing the wound closed (if necessary).
• Applying topical equine wound treatment – again, this is done to reduce the risk of infection and promote healthy tissue growth.
• Bandaging
• Prescribing antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and/or painkillers to reduce the risk of infection and alleviate any pain or discomfort.