Wounds

The basic first aid rules of horse wounds are:

Prevent further injury.

Stop the bleeding.

Check and clean the wound.

Reduce movement.

Keep the wound covered.

Make sure that the horse's tetanus injections are up to date.

In any of the following cases or if in any doubt call the vet:

Wounds need stitching (deep and/or over one inch long).

The horse is lame, even if the wound is small.

There is a suspicion of a foreign body.

The wound is accompanied by severe swelling.

Joint oil is leaking.

Bleeding is severe.

Bone is exposed.

The horse has not had an anti-tetanus injection.

The following is a basic guide to the treatment of wounds:

CLEANING

If the wound is very dirty spray with an antibiotic spray.

Flush mud and debris away with clean water.

When the wound has been flushed, bathe with an antiseptic.

Apply a smear of wound cream (non-steroid) with clean hands.

COVERING

Apply a non-stick dressing to cover the wound. In an emergency use a clean hanky, but not cotton wool as this may stick to the wound.

SUPPORTING

Pad the whole of the area with a layer of cotton wool or gamgee and then hold the padding in place with gauze bandaging.

Hold the wadding in place with a self-adhesive bandage secured with PVC tape.

Support the other leg with a stable bandage.

TIP: Use babies nappies to cover large wounds, they are clean and non-stick.

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