Because horses tend to become frightened easily, and they’re naturally curious animals that often react without thinking, they are susceptible to wounds of all kinds. Some are trickier than others to treat, so a one-size-fits-all approach is not ideal.

Have a first aid kit on hand at the barn. You can buy one or ask your veterinarian for advice on assembling your own kit. (See the 2018 Canadian Horse Annual for a list of first aid kit must haves.) When dealing with wounds you’ll need a thermometer, clean quilts, sterile wraps, scissors and items such as baby diapers or feminine napkins that can be used for absorbent dressings. Sterile (or Normal) saline is best for cleaning debris from a wound, but should be done gently so no debris is pushed inside. Normal saline is a mixture of salt and water. It is called normal because its salt concentration is similar to tears, blood and other body fluids (0.9% saline). In a pinch, use plain water. Some disinfectants can be irritating to healing wound tissue and should be left to the discretion of your vet. Store these items in a clean bucket that can be used for water once the vet arrives. You should also include a set of wire cutters in the kit so you’ll always know where they are in an emergency. They are good to have in case a horse gets tangled in wire, for example, and needs to be cut free.

Location, location, location

The size of the wound isn’t as important as the location. Call your vet any time a wound is in a high-risk spot such as over or near joints, or on the back of the leg. Wounds in these areas can jeopardize important structures like tendons, ligaments, vessels and nerves. If these structures become infected, they can cause chronic lameness. In addition, horses have major blood vessels high up between the hind legs, along the armpit and under the chin. Wounds in these spots can result in heavy bleeding as well as infection.

Any wounds in high motion areas are also risky. If the wound separates during movement, air can get in under the skin leading to subcutaneous emphysema, a painful condition that can result in serious complications such as a pneumothorax or collapsed lung.

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Abrasions

Minor partial thickness abrasions (scrapes) that are not over a joint or tendon can be managed by gentle cleansing to remove debris and cold hosed once or twice a day to prevent serum scald. They can be bandaged for a few days and then left to heal open. Full thickness abrasions (all the way through the skin), or abrasions over a joint or tendon should always be examined by a vet for appropriate treatment.