Page 116 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

the most appropriate one for a specific condition.

Wound powder is puffed onto the wound from a small plastic container. It is easy to
VetBooks.ir apply and adheres well to a moist surface. Do not use it near a horse’s eyes. When treating a

head injury, puff the powder onto a piece of cotton wool before applying it to the wound.
Some preparations can slow the healing in certain situations.

Warning

However big or small the wound, the tetanus status of the horse or pony should be
checked. If they are not already protected, tetanus antitoxin and a course of
vaccinations should be administered.

PUNCTURE WOUNDS

Puncture wounds occur when small, sharp objects, e.g. nails or thorns, pierce the skin. The

object may penetrate to quite a depth and deposit bacteria and foreign material deep in the
tissues. Cleaning the wound properly is difficult because the wound is often deep with only a
small skin opening. There is a tendency for the wound to close, leaving dirt trapped within

the tissue. This can lead to infection, an abscess or a discharging sinus.

Treatment

It is advisable to contact the vet as the risk of infection is high and antibiotics are often
required. The vet may explore the wound and remove any trapped dirt. If you decide to treat

the wound yourself, the following steps should be taken:
• remove any visible foreign material

• apply a poultice if the site is suitable

• where poulticing is not possible, foment the wound for 15 minutes, 2–3 times daily (see
page 80)

• keep the wound open so that it can continue to drain

• check that the horse’s tetanus vaccination is up to date.

HAEMATOMAS