day old. I will usually instate antimicrobial therapy and if the culture shows resistance to my first choice I will change medication based on the sensitivity test results. Anti-inflammatory medications will also help to reduce pain and inflammation. Cold hosing or ice packs used over the first 48 hours greatly reduces swelling and again helps to flush out debris.
"In my opinion some wound dressings that are more of a petroleum type consistency should NOT be placed in a puncture wound"
These occlusive medications may trap bacteria in the pocket and prevent drainage. I prefer some of the cow mastitis medications like Today or Tomorrow. These products are water based and have a broad spectrum of efficacy with common bacteria. As always, consult with your vet before applying any medication to a puncture, as your vet may want to first take a culture and adding an antibiotic ointment will negate a good culture result.
Punctures involving joints are very tricky. Thick yellow fluid that has viscosity may indicate the joint may be entered which is in all cases, very serious. Injuries of this nature can be career ending as well as life threatening. Leave it up to your vet to determine if traveling to the clinic is in your horse’s best interest. One method of determining if the joint is involved is for your vet to inject a radio-opaque material into the wound, take a radiograph (x-ray) and see if the material goes into the joint. This test can be done on the farm provided your vet has the contrast material in their truck. Another good reason to be as specific as you can about the type of injury when calling your vet and emailing or texting photographs if you are able, prior to their arrival. Flushing this area and instilling regional antibiotics as well as systemic antibiotics may be administered in the field if referral to an equine hospital or clinic is not an option.
Remember, like all wounds it’s best to consult your veterinarian to prevent further complications and get your equine partner on the road to recovery as fast as possible.
Dr. Hamorski and her Paint cross, Camelot Kid "John John" during an eventing clinic >>
Neck Cradle