Less Common
Rare
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 Ear
Summary
Simple uncomplicated wounds or abrasions to the ear generally heal well with minimal care. However, more severe lacerations that cut through the ear tissue should be immediately addressed by your vet, because ear wounds can be disfiguring and are difficult to repair later.
In some cases, the cartilage structure of the ear is damaged, resulting in a folded or flopped-over ear. Part of the ear may even lose its blood supply and slough off. Early vet treatment can improve the cosmetic and functional outcome for a variety of ear wounds.
In some cases, the cartilage structure of the ear is damaged, resulting in a folded or flopped-over ear. Part of the ear may even lose its blood supply and slough off. Early vet treatment can improve the cosmetic and functional outcome for a variety of ear wounds.
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Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours- If you wish to have the best functional and cosmetic outcome, no matter the cost.
- If the horse seems particularly distressed by the problem.
- Blood is running, or dripping rapidly from the wound.
- If the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) in the resting horse indicate fever (Temp >101F/38.3C) or heart rate greater than 48 BPM.
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours- If bleeding is minor and the horse seems fine otherwise.
- If the wound occurred over 24 hours ago.
your role
What To Do
If you are unsure whether the injury requires veterinary treatment, take a photo of it and send it to your vet for discussion. Your horse could have other injuries, so assess their general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE).In most cases, it is not wise to try to clean ear wounds. Horses are very protective of injured ears and will usually resist your efforts.
However, you can teach your horse to accept even painful ear treatments; See the accompanying skill "Assess & Treat Ear, Teach Horse to Accept Handling of Ear".
What Not To Do
Do not apply antibiotic products to the injury, unless advised to do so by your vet.Do not struggle with the horse to examine or treat this area.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet may twitch or sedate the horse to evaluate an ear wound.
They may recommend surgical repair of severe ear wounds with flaps of tissue. Punctures and other wounds that do not go through the entire ear may be best left to heal as open wounds.
They may recommend surgical repair of severe ear wounds with flaps of tissue. Punctures and other wounds that do not go through the entire ear may be best left to heal as open wounds.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- When did you first notice this wound?
- Does the wound appear fresh to you?
- Are there wounds elsewhere?
- Can you send a photo?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
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)
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health