Most animals have a way of getting themselves in trouble. However, horses seem to have a very good knack for that. Just when you think you have removed any and all obstacles that can cause harm or damage to your horse, they seem to find that one minor thing that you overlooked. Because we know horses can get themselves into big trouble, it is important to be prepared for those times.
A First-Aid Kit is a must for anyone with horses. Having the correct supplies easily accessible is critical to making sure the horse survives and heals from the tragedy. There are certainly many emergencies that horse owners may find themselves in; however, this article is going to address how to treat cuts and tears. This is certainly not meant to be an all-inclusive article as each case is different. This is to try and help you be prepared in those emergencies until your veterinarian can arrive.
If your horse cuts himself, here is a basic list of bandaging materials that would be helpful.
BANDAGE MATERIAL: (There are many types of bandage material that work well)
• 4X4 gauze squares (to clean and cover wounds and to hold wound medications in place)
• 4” wide roll gauze and roll cotton (to cover the gauze, pad the leg, and support the leg)
• Flexible, self-adhering leg wrap, such as Vetrap (to be used only over adequate padding)
• 2” wide adhesive tape (to hold everything together)
• Duct tape (where a water proof covering is needed)
• Bandage scissors
Additionally, some medications might be necessary when dealing with a wound. A list is below.
MEDICATIONS: (There are a number of medications that might be useful. Make sure that you
are aware of expiration dates and discard expired medications.)
• Mild soap for cleaning wounds
• Mild antiseptic for killing bacteria that will inevitably get into a wound
• Pain relieving drugs - Aspirin is available over the counter and your vet may be willing to
prescribe drugs such as flunixin (Banamine), phenylbutazone (bute), or a tranquilizer
• Hypodermic needles and syringes will be needed if you use injectible products
Additional information concerning first-aid kits and treating emergencies can be found at the following links.
So, you’ve just found your horse has a laceration. You go get your newly organized first-aid kit. Now, what do you do? Here are some basic guidelines on how to treat a cut or tear. (The below article is adapted from Craig Wood at the University of Kentucky.)
Wounds require immediate attention and first aid treatment. The seriousness of a wound depends on the location, depth, type of cut or tear, amount of tissue damaged, and type of tissue affected. Serious wounds should be treated by a veterinarian. All cuts and tears should be cleaned thoroughly and all foreign debris removed. Apply nitrofurazone or an antiseptic ointment to the wound.
Treatment
In treating cuts and tears, there are six steps to follow.
1. The first step on any cut or tear is to stop the bleeding. Blood from a cut artery spurts and is bright red. Venous blood is dull red and flows rather than spurts. Direct pressure is required for almost all cuts and tears. Pack gauze into large or deep wounds and apply pressure until the bleeding stops. Very seldom will a tourniquet be needed. Apply direct pressure on a wound with a gauze pad using your hand or a tight bandage. If a tight bandage is used to stop the bleeding, it should be removed once the bleeding has stopped.
A horse can lose up to 10 percent of its blood before the loss becomes critical. A 1,000-pound (454 kg) horse has about 50 quarts of blood. A horse can tolerate a slow blood loss, whereas rapid loss of blood can be critical.
2. The second step is to clean the wound with warm water and to remove all dirt and debris. The best way is to use a hose with running water to clean the wound. If water is not available, use a gauze pad to clean the wound. Press the gauze pad into the wound. Don't rub or swab the wound because that will cause further tissue damage. Avoid using cotton because pieces of it will remain in the wound. The hair should be clipped or shaved from the edge of the wound.
3. The third step is to immobilize the wound to prevent further damage. Hold the horse or place the horse in a box stall. Try to prevent the horse from chewing the wound or bandage. A neck cradle prevents chewing of most wounds. Cayenne pepper or hot pepper sauce applied to the bandage can discourage a horse from chewing. If the wound requires suturing, the veterinarian should do so within 12 to 24 hours for best results.
4. The fourth step is to prevent infection. Antibiotics should be administered under the direction of a veterinarian. Wounds can be treated with a nonirritating wound dressing. Minor skin wounds can be treated with nitrofurazone.
5. The fifth step is to protect the wound from dirt and other debris by applying a bandage. A bandage may decrease movement and promote faster healing of the wound. However, care must be taken when applying a bandage because, if it is applied incorrectly, it can cause more damage than good.
6. The final step is to prevent tetanus. If the horse has not been vaccinated against tetanus within the last eight to 12 months--or if you are unsure when its last tetanus vaccine was given--administer the tetanus antitoxin. Tetanus toxoid should be given every 8 to 12 months.
Here are a couple of additional articles that may provide some more beneficial information. The key is to be prepared and not panic. And call your veterinarian.
