Page 399 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse
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Figure 8.22 Broken knees: this wound has gone right through the skin; scarring from an earlier similar injury can be seen on
the opposite knee
TREATMENT
• The wounds should be thoroughly cleaned and inspected so the damage can be assessed.
If clear synovial fluid leaks from the wound or the horse is obviously lame, the vet
should be called straight away as this requires urgent attention.
• The first step in the treatment is to hose the wound and then clean it with an appropriately
diluted antiseptic scrub and sterile saline.
• Where necessary, the vet will cut away any severely damaged tissue and remove as much
of the dirt as possible.
• Antibiotics are likely to be given unless the wound is very superficial.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, e.g. phenylbutazone, will help to reduce any
swelling or discomfort.
• As with any wound, the tetanus vaccination status of the horse should be checked. If it is
not covered, tetanus antitoxin and the first vaccine will be given.
WOUND MANAGEMENT
