Horse Wound Treatment for Lacerations
Whenever your horse gets a scrape or cut, it is always best to make sure that it is attended to immediately, in order to prevent an infection, development of a complication, and hasten the healing process. Proud flesh is one complication that you really need to avoid.
Also referred to as the exuberant granulation tissue, this condition is often characterized by excessive growth of blood vessels and connective tissue, which normally start to fill in the wound. When the issue is severe, you will find that the pink tissue will slowly start to take the shape of a cauliflower and may start to protrude beyond the skin surface. When this happens, the new skin will not be able to grow over this tissue, and this will end up stalling the healing process.
Proud flesh will normally develop in wounds that are located on the lower legs, but there are instances when they may occur on any part of the body, provided the right circumstances are available. Often, you will be able to manage the injuries sustained by the horse on your own. But in case you are not sure that you can do it, it would be best to call in a vet.
When it comes to horse wound treatment for lacerations, here are some tips:
1. Properly Rinse the Wound
Dirt and debris may create a severe inflammation or infection which may hamper the healing process, and lead to the development of proud flesh. You need to use a saline solution to get rid of any impurities that may disrupt the wound from healing. If saline solution is not readily available, consider using hose water. It can help in reducing the inflammation.
2. Apply the Right Treatment
To reduce the risk of an infection we recommend using Vet Aid’s Animal Wound Care Spray on the laceration. When treating a horse wound, you should only stick to products that have been manufactured for horse use only. The spray will help you control inflammation.
3. Bandage
All wounds sustained on the lower leg will normally benefit from proper bandaging, with the exception of superficial scrapes. Ensure you use non-stick gauze to cover the tissue that is exposed before you bandage the area. If the wound is in the region above the elbow, there will be no need to bandage it, and you can leave it open as it heals.
4. Keep the Horse Still
When there is too much motion as the horse is healing, the wound will start pulling at the tissues, and this will make it harder for the skin to close over the laceration. Bandaging the wound helps ensure that the limb remains still during the healing process. For larger wounds, the vet may recommend that a split be used in place of a bandage.
5. Seek Help Immediately If the Healing Process Stalls
There are instances when healing may stall even after offering the best care possible. In such a case, it will be best to call in a vet to look at the horse. You should also call in a vet if you notice the formation of rounded, bumpy tissue in a wound that had just started healing.
