Cuts & wounds

What should i do first?

If your horse has a cut or wound the most important thing is to stop the bleeding. This can be done by applying direct pressure to the wound using a clean piece of Gamgee roll or cotton wool, either held or bandaged in place until the bleeding has stopped or the vet has arrived. If there is foreign material protuding from the wound, pressure should be applied above and around the wound. If it is small and can be easily removed then do so. Always tell your vet if you have removed a foreign body and keep it to show them.

If an artery or vein has been cut it may take 20 minutes to half an hour for bleeding to stop. In some cases of arterial bleeding, this cannot be stopped until the artery has been clamped or tied off by a vet therefore it is vital that pressure is maintained until the vet arrives.

If the wound has not bled excessively it should be cleaned to reduce the risk of infection. Liberal dowsing with water, using a hose, is effective at flushing off dirt and debris and helps to minimise the risk of swelling and inflammation.

Minor wounds

Minor wounds can be cleaned using a dilute solution of disinfectant. Where possible a non-stick dressing should be applied, covered with a piece of cotton wool or Gamgee roll, held in place by a self adhesive bandage. In all cases of a large or deep wound, the vet should be called. Wounds on the upper limbs, body and head should just be cleaned and left open or continually cold-hosed. Do not apply wound powder or ointment just in case the wound needs stitching.

Which types of wound need stitching?

Wounds which penetrate the full thickness of the skin or deeper, wounds on the nostrils, lips and eyelids, wounds where a flap of skin has been created and wounds where underlying tissues have been exposed should always be seen by a veterianry surgeon as in most instances they will require suturing.