How to Apply Dressing on a Horse's Wound

Horses can become wounded by running into fences, fighting with other horses, kicking things in their stalls and being bit by other animals. Open wounds include incisions, lacerations, tears, punctures, penetrations and abrasions. An incision is a clean wound with straight edges that bleeds freely. This typically heals quickly. Lacerations and tears have torn edges and bruising, and may have to be handled by a veterinarian. Puncture wounds can be severe, and a veterinarian should examine them.

Things You'll Need

  • Veterinarian
  • Cotton Wool
  • Sterile non-adherent wound dressings
  • Dilute antiseptic solution
  • Bandages
  • Clean Bucket or Hose
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find someone to help you move your horse to a safe place, such as its stall. Horses who have been injured may be more aggressive than normal, which is why finding extra help is important.

    • 2

      Evaluate the wound and determine if you need to call a veterinarian. A professional should be called if there is excessive bleeding indicative of a hemorrhage, a puncture or penetration through the entire skin, a wound on or close to a joint or tendon, a wound that is infected or contaminated and if your horse has not been vaccinated for tetanus.

    • 3

      Clean the wound using clean water; simply hosing the animal is the best way to clean wounds.

    • 4

      Apply a mild skin antiseptic diluted in warm water to the wound using clean cotton. Remove any foreign material from the wound.

    • 5

      Bandage the wound to protect it from contamination and other trauma. However, Oregon State recommends that "wounds on upper limbs and body may heal best if not bandaged."

    • 6

      Drain large wounds or puncture wounds. Your veterinarian may recommend you leave the wound open or they may drain it through rubber tubing.

    • 7

      Give your horse antibiotic treatment if your veterinarian recommends it. Anti-inflammatory drugs will also help reduce inflammation, swelling and pain. Your veterinarian will also give your horse a tetanus shot if it has not had one recently.

    • 8

      Suture a wound between three and six hours after the injury occurs. Your veterinarian will evaluate large wounds to determine if they need suturing.