Basic Equine First Aid
Assessing wounds
Cuts and grazes are the most common injuries that are likely to need attention – to stop bleeding and to prevent infection. The type and location of a wound, and the manner in which it was caused, can affect its severity and treatment. It is important to assess the wound quickly and to contact a veterinary surgeon in all cases other than very minor cuts and scrapes.
Veterinary attention is always advisable and is essential if:
the horse keeper is in doubt or lacks experience to assess and treat minor wounds
the wound is more than skin deep or more than a few centimetres long
there is a lot of bleeding or the injury involves the eyes or joints
the wound is very dirty and/or difficult to assess
the horse is lame and/or other underlying or internal injury is suspected
the horse has not been vaccinated against tetanus
Types of wounds
Clean-cut (incised) – caused by something sharp. This can be serious as there is often a lot of bleeding. The edges of the wound appear clean and straight and the wound can be a lot deeper into the tissue than may first appear.
Torn (lacerated) – caused by something hard but blunt, for example barbed wire. The edges of the wound are irregular and jagged, although bleeding is not usually as profuse as for clean-cut wounds. There may be associated swelling.
Puncture – caused by a piercing object, such as a nail or thorn. These wounds can be far deeper than the external wound suggests and they pose a considerable risk of infection. They are also more easily overlooked.
Grazes (abrasions) – may appear superficial but have a large surface area that poses an increased risk of infection. There is often associated bruising and they can take a long time to heal.
Bruises, lumps, swellings and inflammation (even in the absence of an obvious wound) – can be evidence of an underlying injury, and veterinary advice should be sought.
Types of treatment
The aims of treatment of wounds are to:
stop bleeding
cleanse and prevent infection
promote healing (as quickly and effectively as possible).
Inflammation and swelling can be reduced by addressing their cause and by applying cooling treatments. All treatments should be carried out in accordance with veterinary advice.