Page 215 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

They are likely to be prescribed:

• with deep penetrations of the foot
VetBooks.ir • where drainage has been established but the swelling of the leg increases

•
to help prevent infection of fresh wounds that are detected and treated before any pus has
formed.

Antibiotic solutions that treat anaerobic infections are sometimes used by the vet to flush the
foot cavity.

PAINKILLERS

A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, e.g. phenylbutazone is frequently given for the first
24 hours to alleviate the pain.

TETANUS PROTECTION

Horses with foot wounds are at high risk of developing tetanus. If there is any doubt about
the horse’s vaccination status, tetanus antitoxin is given. This is not a vaccine but it affords

immediate protection for a short period of time while the full vaccination programme is
started.

Recovery

When there is no more discharge, the hoof should be covered with a dry dressing and
inspected regularly until new horn has begun to grow over the sensitive tissues. Occasionally

granulation tissue may form at the site of the opened abscess and treatment may be required
to remove it. Once the area appears clean and healthy the horse can be shod with a protective

pad to protect the healing area from further injury if necessary.

Prognosis

The prognosis for uncomplicated puncture wounds and abscesses is good.

DEEP PENETRATIONS OF THE FOOT

Deep penetrations of the foot are potentially serious and the vet should always be consulted.