Page 119 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

Treatment

In many cases, small haematomas resolve within 1–2 weeks without treatment. However, the
VetBooks.ir following may hasten resolution of a haematoma.

•
Cold treatment, e.g. cold hosing or ice packs for 48 hours after the injury occurs reduces
the bleeding and inflammation.

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, e.g. phenylbutazone, help to reduce the pain and

swelling. Topical anti-inflammatory treatments are sometimes used.
• Once the bleeding has stopped, physiotherapy may help to disperse the fluid and reduce

the formation of fibrous scar tissue.

• When the bleeding has stopped, the vet may drain the haematoma but this carries a small
risk of introducing infection.

The prognosis is generally good. Occasionally a haematoma becomes infected and is then

treated as an abscess which must be drained.

ABSCESSES

An abscess is a collection of pus in the tissues, which can develop anywhere on the body.

Abscesses can form under the skin as a result of penetrating wounds which introduce bacteria
or in lymph nodes following infections such as strangles. They can also occur in joints due to

direct injury or from circulating bacteria in the blood of septicaemic foals.

Clinical signs

Abscesses are discrete swellings which are usually hot and painful to touch. Initially they are

hard, but as they enlarge and ‘ripen’, the overlying skin becomes thinner and eventually
bursts to release the pus (Figures 3.14 and 3.15a and b).