![]() Wounds that 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 veterinarian as in most instances they will require suturing. With these wounds it may be necessary to try to use clean towels or sheets held in place with bandaging materials just to try to prevent further damage occurring to the skin and underlying tissues. ![]() Some improvisation may be called for in the presence of large skin flaps such as those which may occur on the belly or upper limb. Do not apply wound powder or ointment just in case the wound needs stitching, unless your veterinarian is going to be delayed, when it is helpful to cover the wound with anti-bacterial ointment such as Betadine or Savlon just to keep the tissues soft and help prevent them from drying out. Wounds on the upper limbs, body and head, not amenable to bandaging, should just be cleaned and left open or continually cold-hosed. While waiting for your veterinarian the wound should be left covered where possible. If the wound is large or deep or there has been extensive bleeding your veterinarian should be called. If the wound is in an amenable area, a non-stick dressing should be applied, covered with a piece of cotton wool or Gamgee roll and held in place by a self adhesive bandage. Minor wounds can be cleansed using a dilute solution of disinfectant. Liberal dowsing with water, using a hose, is effective at flushing off dirt and debris and helping to minimize swelling and inflammation. Be gentle and careful not to re-start the bleeding. Once bleeding has stopped or if the wound has not bled excessively it should be cleaned to reduce the risk of infection. In some cases of arterial bleeding, this cannot be stopped until the artery has been clamped or tied off by a veterinarian and in such cases it is important to continue to apply pressure until he or she arrives. If an artery or vein has been cut it may take 20 minutes to half an hour for the bleeding to stop. Always tell your veterinarian if you have removed a foreign body, and keep it for his or her examination, as he or she will wish to make sure that no more foreign material is left more deeply in the wound. If this is small and can safely be removed, it is best removed. This can be done by hand or where possible by creating a ring of bandaging material so that pressure can be applied to the surrounding area without applying any more pressure to the foreign body. If there is foreign material protruding from the wound, pressure should be applied immediately above and around the wound. ![]() Tourniquets are less favored now because of the risk of causing thromboses (blood clots) in the veins and arteries. 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 your veterinarian has arrived. ![]() If your horse has sustained a cut or wound the most important thing to do is to stop the bleeding. Antibiotic wound spray and/or wound powder.Small bottle of disinfectant, such as Betadine, Hibiscrub, Savlon or Dettol etc.Bandaging materials including self adhesive sticky and non-sticky bandages.Your first aid kit should contain the following items: Simple first aid measures can help reduce the risk of infection or further damage. Many require just simple first aid measures, while others require the attention of your veterinarian. Horses and ponies often receive cuts and other wounds particularly on their face and legs. ![]()
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