How to Treat Severe Lacerations on Horses

A severe laceration on a horse can be terrifying if you are an inexperienced horse person. With a cautious hand and a calm demeanor, however, you can ensure that your horse's injury will heal. Take a long, calm look at the laceration. If it appears to be very deep, jagged or contains foreign matter, then call your veterinarian. He will clean and, if necessary, suture or staple the wound properly. If you're in doubt or afraid to treat the lacerations yourself, seek the professional advice of a veterinarian.

Things You'll Need

  • Clean water
  • Surgical scrub antiseptic solution
  • Gauze, cotton or other sterile cotton product
  • Hay or grain (optional)
  • Antibacterial topical dressing/salve
  • Fly repellent ointment for wounds
  • Self-adhesive, flexible, disposable tape
  • Topical aerosol bandage
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check the wounded horse's temperature, pulse, respiration and mucous membranes to assess its blood loss and/or shock. Inspect the horse's gums because they are a key indicator of toxicity and blood loss. Moist pink gums are considered healthy. Pale pink, bright red, gray or blue gums can indicate a serious problem.

    • 2

      Clean the wound by applying clean water and a surgical scrub antiseptic solution directly to the wound with gauze, cotton or a different sterile cotton product. Wipe out all debris carefully, and scrub with light pressure to clean the wound thoroughly. Have an experienced horse person hold the horse and speak calmly to soothe it, or offer your horse hay or grain to eat while you clean the wound..

    • 3

      Cover the wound with an antibacterial topical dressing/salve. Surround the injury with fly repellent ointment for wounds to keep bugs away. For the first 12 to 24 hours, wrap the wound with gauze, securing the gauze with self-adhesive, flexible, disposable tape to ensure the bleeding stops.

    • 4
      Watch the injured horse for signs of pain, lethargy and irritability.

      Uncover the wound after 12 to 24 hours. Proper air circulation is vital to healing.

    • 5

      Clean the wound daily with the surgical scrub, and re-apply the antibacterial topical dressing/salve and fly repellent ointment. If the wound has a large skin separation, continue to wrap it with self-adhesive tape.

    • 6

      Apply a topical aerosol bandage to the wound site about 72 hours after the first treatment. It will promote proper healing.