Managing Equine Wounds

Symbols of majesty and grace, horses are also notorious for getting injuries because they twitch, pull, and bolt regardless of what harmful obstacles lie in wait.¹ Not surprisingly, wounds are #2 on the list of most common equine emergencies.²

It’s key for owners to address horse wounds properly and seek veterinary help within the first 6-8 hours.³

Minor horse wounds may be managed at home. A veterinarian should guide care for more serious wounds.² With prompt, appropriate care, most wounds heal with minimal complications.²

Here we’ll share top tips for managing your horse’s wounds.

Wound emergencies are stressful, so plan ahead.²

Post this list in the barn⁴:

• Veterinarian’s phone number
• Driving directions to the clinic
• A transport plan for your horse

Keep an equine first aid kit centrally located in the barn with^4,5:

• Antiseptic solutions
• Clean towels
• Nonstick Telfa pads
• Roll gauze
• A cotton roll
• Cohesive bandages (CoFlex or Vetrap)
• Elastic adhesive tape

Having these handy will make dealing with an equine wound more efficient and effective.

If your horse has severe injuries or a change in consciousness, call your vet right away. Otherwise, follow the steps below.

Your first priority is safety for yourself and your horse.² Approach your horse slowly, speak calmly, and avoid sudden movements. Scared, stressed animals in pain can react unpredictably.^2,6

Now it’s time to call your veterinarian.⁷

Tell him your horse’s mental state and your observations about the wound.⁷

Your veterinarian will determine the urgency of the trip to the barn, what to bring, and whether referral to the hospital is needed.⁴

These details will help you and your veterinarian provide prompt, effective treatment.

Some horse wounds are emergencies that need immediate veterinary care. These include^1,2,4,8:

A horse that:

• Has been lying down for a while
• Is visibly lame horse

A wound with:

• Heavy, hard-to-control bleeding
• Skin loss
• Dirt or debris
• Large, deep, or punctured areas
• Bone, muscle, joint, ligament, tendon, tendon sheath, vessel, or nerve involvement

Wounds of the:

• Eye
• Hoof sole
• the bottom half of the limbs

If you notice these during your initial observations, call the vet right away.

You’ll need to address bleeding, and clean and bandage the wound while you wait for your vet, or before taking your horse to the clinic. Follow these steps:

Stop bleeding by using a clean, absorbent cloth and applying firm, constant pressure to the wound.^1,2

If you can count the drops of blood, you usually have time to take it slowly. A steady stream of blood needs immediate, firm, and constant pressure, and urgent veterinary attention.⁷ If the bleeding is excessive, apply a thick layer of cotton to the wound and secure it tightly with a cohesive bandage until the vet arrives.⁷

Most equine wounds are contaminated with dirt, hair, and bacteria, so cleaning is vital to promote healing.¹ Dirty wounds may become infected, which complicates healing.⁵

1. Rinse with clean tap water or saline to remove surface debris.⁵
2. Gently clean with an antiseptic solution.⁵ Suitable options include diluted povidone‑iodine or chlorhexidine solution.^5,8 Vetericyn Antimicrobial Wound Care is a ready-to-use, non-toxic, soothing product approved by veterinarians, built for times like this—when you need effective solutions, fast. Do not scrub. Scrubbing can damage healthy tissues and slow healing.²
3. Apply a topical veterinary-approved product to protect the wound.⁸ Vetericyn Antimicrobial Dressing Gel is a non-toxic, non-stinging, effective choice for this.

If possible, apply a bandage to protect the wound and keep it clean until your veterinarian evaluates it, especially on the limbs.⁵ A three‑layer bandage works well for most limb wounds²:

The first layer: The layer touching the wound. Apply a non‑stick Telfa pad directly on the cleaned wound to protect tissue and absorb fluid. Wrap with roll gauze to secure the pad in place.

The second layer: This goes on top of the first layer and is wrapped snugly around the limb to help control bleeding and swelling. Use cotton or roll gauze. And wrap several times around the limb over the wound, extending the wrap a few inches above and below the wound. Wrap this layer with roll gauze, leaving an inch of cotton at the top and bottom edges. Wrap firmly enough to control bleeding but not so tight that it restricts circulation.²

The third layer: This is the final, outermost layer. It secures the inner layers and provides additional compression.²Leave an inch of bandage material at the top and bottom. Use CoFlex or Vetrap here. Secure with elasticon tape at the top and bottom of the leg.

Here’s a video on how to bandage a lower limb wound.⁹

If you can’t bandage the wound, you can still rinse and clean it, then apply a topical protective layer or spray a bandage to shield the area until the vet arrives.⁸ Products such as wound gels or sprays can help protect the surface; they should not replace proper cleaning and veterinary assessment.⁸ Vetericyn Antimicrobial Wound Care followed by Vetericyn Antimicrobial Dressing Gel is a good option here.

Keep your horse in a quiet, safe place, and monitor her while you wait for the vet.²

Your veterinarian will examine the wound and the horse and may use imaging, such as radiographs or ultrasound, to evaluate structures beneath the wound.¹

Sedation or general anesthesia may be needed, depending on the horse’s temperament and the wound’s location and severity.¹

How well a wound heals depends on its location. Head injuries and upper-body wounds often heal well because of good blood supply and the presence of muscle and skin that promote healing. Lower-limb wounds with less tissue and constant motion tend to have more difficulty healing and may require surgery.¹

Daily wound cleaning and bandage changes reduce debris and bacteria and let you see how well the wound is healing.⁵

Follow your veterinarian’s guidance for at-home care. It will likely include:

1. Short‑term use of topical treatments to prevent infection and protect the wound⁵ Vetericyn Antimicrobial Wound Care followed by Vetericyn Antimicrobial Dressing Gel make powerful combination to reduce pain and swelling, remove bacteria and debris, and provide relief for the pain and itch that come with wounds. They are non-toxic, don’t sting, and can be used on repeat.
2. Bandage changes at least every 24 hours, to keep the wound clean, monitor healing, and catch problems early.⁵

Once a healthy layer of new tissue covers the wound, you’ll stop bandaging, so a scab will form. Resist the urge to keep bandaging it. Follow your veterinarian’s directions for continued treatment.

Despite careful management, complications such as infection, blood or fluid collection, scar tissue, lameness, proud flesh, or even colic may occur.¹

If joints and tendons are involved, there is also a risk of chronic infection, arthritis, tendon problems, lameness, and scar tissue that affects movement.^1P

Leg wounds around the knees, pasterns, heels, and hocks are common in horses.⁸ These wounds can become serious, even life-threatening, very quickly.⁸ Clean the wound, apply a compression bandage, and call your veterinarian to prevent serious complications.⁵

Wounds over joints are considered emergencies and require immediate veterinary care. Joint infections can lead to permanent lameness, so they must be treated quickly and appropriately by a veterinarian.^1,7

Managing equine wounds is challenging, but remember—stay calm, clean the wound, bandage, and call the vet—and you’ll give your horse the best chance of healing well. Prepare, recognize red flags, and work closely with your veterinarian.

Vetericyn has tools to help in these difficult and emotional situations. We’ve done the work for you. With Vetericyn, you’re providing your horse with the best care when they need it most. Visit our catalog to learn more.