Very Common
Less Common
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Wound to Back
Summary
Wounds to the back usually occur from saddle trauma, or when a horse runs under a tree branch or sustains a bite from another horse. They can occasionally result from a fall.
The ability to drain away excess wound discharge is a critical part of wound healing. Drainage is often difficult for back wounds because of their orientation at the top of the horse. Due to this, wound drainage tends to pool, leading to other problems.
The ability to drain away excess wound discharge is a critical part of wound healing. Drainage is often difficult for back wounds because of their orientation at the top of the horse. Due to this, wound drainage tends to pool, leading to other problems.
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Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours- If you are concerned by the size and severity of the wound.
- If the wound occurred within the last 24 hours.
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours- If the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) suggest the horse is otherwise normal.
- If the wound occurred over 24 hours ago.
your role
What To Do
Regardless, contact your vet to discuss the injury. In most cases, these wounds should receive prompt veterinary attention and be repaired, if possible. Talk to your vet about whether or not to begin flushing or cleaning the wound prior to their exam.What Not To Do
Do not apply antibiotic products to the injury, unless advised to do so by your vet.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
Very Common
your vet's role
Surgical repair allows dead space to be filled via suturing, and drains to be placed to facilitate drainage. Your vet assesses each wound on its own merits to determine the options. Fresh wounds with large flaps of skin are often repaired. Older wounds without free tissue to cover them may be best left open.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- When did you first notice this wound?
- When do you think the wound occurred?
- Can you send me a photo?
- Describe the wound to me in detail?
- Does the wound appear fresh to you?
- Is the horse's attitude and appetite normal?
- Can you detect swelling or heat in the area?
- Are there wounds elsewhere?
- Do you know how the wound occurred?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
Very Common
Less Common