It seems like horses injure themselves often but even with lots of practice, determining how to best care for their leg wounds can be difficult. That includes deciding whether a wound needs a bandage, or if a covering will impede the healing process.
According to EQUUS magazine, there are three main considerations when trying to decide whether to reach for the bandaging supplies:
Mobility: A wound that pulls open with every step a horse takes will heal more rapidly if it's wrapped. Though often more difficult to keep in place if over a joint like the knee or hock, a bandage is beneficial.
Depth: If the wound is so deep the underlying structures can be seen, infection is a real risk. Bandaging the wound is the best bet until granulation tissue can fill in the gap.
Proximity to the ground: A wound near the hoof on a pastern or coronet band is more likely to get dirt, manure and debris in and on it than one located higher up the leg. Additionally, if it's a hind leg injury on a gelding or stallion, there's a risk urine will splash on the cut and irritate the tissues. These wounds benefit from bandaging.
Wounds that can remain open do well when covered at least twice daily in a thick ointment to keep bacteria, dirt and insects out.
Read more at EQUUS.
The post Horse Owner Dilemma: To Bandage Or Not To Bandage? appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
