How to Heal Horse Wounds

Horse wounds begin healing within five minutes of injury, says Wright and Morten Veterinary Surgeons. Topical medication to skin grafts help heal horse wounds faster. In most cases, the horse owner can doctor the wound without veterinary assistance. If the wound is located near a major artery, tendon or ligament, bleeds excessively, punctures the entire skin layer or becomes infected, call a vet immediately. Additionally, horses without a current tetanus shot also need to see a vet to get one.

Things You'll Need

  • Water
  • Bucket
  • Cloth
  • Bandage
  • Cotton roll
  • Vet wrap
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Instructions

    • 1

      Detain the horse by putting a halter over its head and attaching a lead rope to the halter. Sedation may be necessary to limit the horse's movement for cleaning and/or stitches. Your vet will determine whether sedation is necessary.

    • 2

      Apply pressure over the wound with a clean towel to halt the bleeding. Blood spurting from the wound indicates a damaged artery. Wrap and knot a strap of cloth above the wound to create a tourniquet and call the vet immediately.

    • 3

      Clean the wound with a mild solution of 20 parts water to one part antibacterial skin cleanser such as Hibiscrub (disinfectant liquid soap) or antiseptic scrub such as povidone-iodine.

    • 4

      Cover with a clean, sterile bandage. Then wrap the wound in cotton sheets, if located in a suitable location like a leg. Secure with vet wrap, a self-sticking, stretchable bandage. Clean and bandage the wound daily for about a week, depending on the severity of the wound. Follow any directions given to you by the vet.

    • 5

      Clean the horse's stall with a pitchfork and wheel barrel. Add plenty of clean, fresh bedding. This will help keep the bandage and wound clean. Make sure you clean the stall thoroughly and replace bedding as needed at least once a day. Twice a day is better. The vet will likely prescribe stall rest for horses with stitches and other severe wounds.