Wound care for horses

Horses can be real accident-prone animals and as a result, they can suffer from injuries. Most injuries are superficial wounds that horse owners can treat themselves. In the case of large wounds, a veterinarian will establish a treatment plan to ensure that your horse or pony recovers quickly and becomes fit again. But do you know how to treat wounds and which ingredients promote wound healing?

Large injuries in horses

If your horse has suffered a large injury, it is always necessary to call the vet. The veterinarian will clean and treat the wound, and will also provide guidance on further wound care. However, it is advisable for horse owners to learn how to apply a pressure bandage or what to do if your horse has an arterial bleed. First aid courses for horses are available for this purpose.

A horse with a large wound can be supported. Salmon oil can contribute significantly to wound healing. Due to its high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, salmon oil helps prevent inflammation, allowing the body to focus on recovery rather than fighting inflammation.

Some large wounds cannot be sutured and must heal on their own (as indicated by the veterinarian). Cold-pressed Linden blossom honey has excellent properties and contributes to a beautiful wound healing process. This natural product can be applied directly to the wound and has anti-inflammatory properties. There are also various wound ointments available that contain honey among other ingredients.

Small injuries

A scrape, scratch, graze, or small wound can often be treated by us as horse owners. Therefore, always make sure to have a good wound ointment/spray and cooling gel in your cupboard. If your horse has a fresh wound and there is still fresh blood visible, clean the wound, cool it if necessary, and apply wound ointment. You can apply cooling gel to the surrounding area to reduce swelling, but avoid applying it directly to the wound as it may cause irritation.

With older wounds, it is not always necessary to continue treatment; it depends on the situation. Horses heal quickly, so if the area is calm and no longer bleeding, it is often not necessary to apply anything. However, keep an eye on the area to ensure it does not become swollen or warm, as this may indicate inflammation. If the area is very dirty, it is advisable to clean the wound thoroughly and treat it with a wound ointment or spray.

Keep in mind that small wounds or punctures can sometimes be more dangerous than larger wounds. Small wounds heal quickly, potentially trapping dirt inside and increasing the risk of tetanus. With larger wounds, this risk is lower as they can be cleaned more effectively, and the wound does not close as quickly.

If you are unsure about an injury, always contact your veterinarian for advice.