Less Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Wound or Laceration to Mouth, Lips & Muzzle
Summary
Wounds to the equine mouth and muzzle are relatively common. Fortunately, the blood supply to this area is excellent and these wounds usually heal well, unless they are complicated by a foreign body or involvement of bone or tooth.
In most cases, it is best to seek veterinary repair of the larger wounds in order to preserve function and appearance. This is especially true for wounds that cause disruption to the normal contours of the lips or nostrils. In all cases, you should have the discussion with your vet.
Wounds with no loose flaps of skin, and those that do not involve the lip or nostril margin, usually heal very well with no treatment.
In most cases, it is best to seek veterinary repair of the larger wounds in order to preserve function and appearance. This is especially true for wounds that cause disruption to the normal contours of the lips or nostrils. In all cases, you should have the discussion with your vet.
Wounds with no loose flaps of skin, and those that do not involve the lip or nostril margin, usually heal very well with no treatment.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
Very Common
Less Common
Rare
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
The prognosis for wounds to this area is good.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Less Common
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Pain Response when Pressure Applied to An Area
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Swelling of Lip, Muzzle or Nose
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Sores, Crusts or Scabs on Outside of Lips or on Muzzle
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Twisting or Gaping Mouth, With No Bit in Mouth
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Drainage from Face or Head
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Eating Slowly, Taking Long Time to Finish a Meal
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Drainage from Wound, Generally
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Head Tossing or Shaking, while Ridden
Rare
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- Will this wound leave significant scarring or functional defect?
- Do you suggest that we repair this particular wound or not?
Prevention
Bucket hooks in stalls are notorious for catching lips, eyelids and nostrils. When horses feel pressure, their natural response is to pull back against that, tearing the tissue away. Inspect your horse's environment and remove these obvious dangers.
Wounds or sores resulting from bits are an indicator of inappropriate tack design, poor fit or inappropriate use. Be sure that your bridle and bit fits and is adjusted correctly.
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health