Academy / Horse / Hooves & Coat / Wound injuries in horses
Wound injuries in horses
Horses can sometimes get injured, and as an owner, you need to be prepared for this. A veterinarian should always be contacted for larger or more serious wounds and injuries, but smaller, superficial wounds can often be managed at home. If you have puncture wounds, wounds near the eyes, wounds over a joint, or if the horse develops a fever, always consult a veterinarian.
What should be in your first aid kit?
Saline solution
Chlorhexidine spray
Scissors
Tweezers
Plastic gloves
Sterile wound dressings
Cotton roll
Gauze bandage
Elastic sel-adhesive bandage
Silvertape for hoof bandaging
Thermometer
(Don't forget to learn your horse's normal body temperature)
Stethoscope
(Don't forget to learn your horse's resting pulse)
Tar salve
Horse ointment
To bandage or not to bandage?
If the wound is on a leg or near the coronet band, it might be beneficial to bandage or re-dress the wound to protect it from dirt, gravel, and insects. A bandage can also help reduce swelling. If the wound is in a location that is hard to bandage, you can try protecting it with adhesive plasters or ointment.
Trikem’s Tar Salve can be used around the wound since the tar scent helps keep away summer pests. Once scabs have formed, it can also be used directly on the wound. For weeping wounds, the exudate can cause skin irritation, similar to a blistering effect. To protect the skin, you can apply horse ointment or petroleum jelly around the wound.
Risk of infection
During the healing period, the wound requires extra attention, sometimes more than once a day. If the wound becomes swollen, warm, tender, or if the horse develops a fever, you may suspect an infection. If you suspect an infection, you should immediately contact your veterinarian. It is also important to keep your horse’s tetanus vaccination up to date.
If you're unsure about how to treat a wound, always contact your veterinarian!
Saline Solution
For cleaning eyes, wounds, and skin injuries
Saline solution is used for cleaning and washing wounds. It comes in a convenient package with a pointed cap that allows for a strong, directed stream with effective flushing action
Horse Ointment
Zinc and A&D vitamins for fetlocks and small wounds
Horse Ointment is a softening and mildly antiseptic ointment. It is enriched with zinc and vitamins A and D, which can have a positive effect on the skin’s healing process
Tar Salve
Mildly antiseptic for weeping rashes and itching
A mildly antiseptic ointment suitable for itchy and weeping rashes. It masks the horse’s scent to protect wounds during the grazing season
Chlorhexidine Spray
Cleansing for minor skin injuries and rashes
Chlorhexidine Spray for horses and dogs. This antiseptic spray is used for cleaning the skin. It is suitable for minor skin injuries or rashes, on fur and paws.
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