Bandaging
Infected Wounds
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Infected Wounds
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If the area is infected, use a hot
poultice such as Animalintex®
to draw out the pus and
change it every 12 hours.
If the pus is not drained away,
the wound will heal around it
causing pressure and infection
to build up causing extreme
pain.
When the infection has
disappeared the wound should
be covered with a dry dressing
until it starts to heal over. It is
vital to keep it clean and dry.
If in any doubt about treating
a wound or if the horse’s state
deteriorates consult your local
vet immediately.
It is also important to make
sure your horse is vaccinated
against tetanus as some
wounds e.g. puncture wounds
are ideal for tetanus to flourish
undetected.
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Bandages should be used
to keep dressings in place,
protect and keep wounds
clean, provide support and as
an aid to reduce inflammation.
When bandaging, apply an
even pressure and overlap the
bandage by 50%. Take care not
to over stretch the bandage as
this will be uncomfortable and
tight on the horse.
Always bandage from the top
to the bottom, from the left to
the right on the near side and
right to left on the off side.
Remember never bandage the
horse’s leg without padding,
ideally use Gamgee. The
bandage should never restrict
circulation as this can affect
the healing process and cause
serious damage.
Always ensure the bandage
does not restrict movement
especially at the knee or hock.
For wounds in such places use
a figure-of-eight bandage that
crosses at the front.
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Provide a moist environment.
Many horse owners still
believe that a wound should
be allowed to dry out – “let
the air get to it” but the
opposite is now understood to
be more beneficial providing
faster healing, less scarring
and reduced pain.
A suitable wound gel will help
to produce a warm, moist
environment, ideal for the regrowth of healthy tissue.
Maintain optimum
temperature, typically
achieved by applying a
dressing, insulating and
protecting with Veterinary
Gamgee® and bandaging.
If there is no infection, leave
the wound undisturbed with
infrequent dressing changes.
Ensure optimum pH
Image: Joint puncture
Robinsons
Animalhealthcare
For more information and a
full range of products in stock
please contact Robinson Animal
Healthcare on 01909 735000 or visit
www.robinsonhealthcare.com
48
Everything Horse Magazine • Issue 26• November 2015