Page 115 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse
P. 115
• keeping the horse in a box with non-slip matting and no bedding while the wound is
uncovered
VetBooks.ir • skipping out the box every couple of hours
•
soaking hay which can be fed from a net to reduce the amount of dust; any uneaten hay
should be removed regularly from the floor
• covering the wound with a light dressing before returning the horse to its usual stable to
urinate or spend the night
• not turning the horse out with the wound unprotected into muddy or dusty fields or
where it is likely to be bothered by flies.
The important thing to remember is that no two wounds are the same and they may change
from day to day. If you are concerned by lack of progress or worried by any changes, contact
your vet.
Treating minor cuts and grazes
Small, superficial cuts and grazes usually heal well if left open, provided they are not
contaminated by mud or bedding. The following steps should be taken:
• clean the wound thoroughly with an antiseptic wash, e.g. diluted Hibiscrub ®
• apply a moist wound gel or antiseptic cream or spray
• re-examine the wound twice daily
• check for secondary bacterial infection which can develop unnoticed beneath a crust of
wound dressing and exudate; this will not occur if the wound is regularly cleaned, thus
preventing a build up of debris.
WHICH TOPICAL PREPARATION SHALL I USE?
The type of topical treatment for minor cuts and grazes is a matter of personal choice or
availability. In the summer, a preparation with an insect repellent is useful but few such
products remain available due to health and safety concerns. It is best to keep a moist wound
gel product in the stables to use as the first choice in encouraging healthy wound healing.
Aerosols and sprays are convenient to use and are useful for small grazes and scratches.
If the horse dislikes the noise, spray the preparation onto cotton wool first. Never spray near
the eyes.
Creams and ointments can be useful for applying to skin lesions. There are many
available and they contain a variety of substances to assist healing. Your vet will recommend
