Very Common
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
Rope Burn, Uncomplicated Pastern Abrasion
Summary
Rope burns are common injuries to the rear of the pastern area. Due to the mechanics of the limb, a rope around the limb usually ends up sliding down into this area.
If a horse struggles against a rope, the friction abrades and burns the skin. This causes wounds that are usually fairly superficial and usually only cause short term pain and swelling. Hobbles can also injure this area if a horse struggles against them.
Rope burns occasionally involve the flexor tendons or the tendon sheath right under the skin in this location (digital flexor tendon sheath). This completely changes the approach to treatment and the prognosis.
If a horse with this type of wound suddenly develops severe lameness, an important structure could be involved and immediate veterinary assessment is necessary.
Rope burns can be mistaken for bacterial or fungal conditions of the pastern (scratches or greasy heel).
For the typical injury: Over several days, the outer layers of skin will peel off, leaving raw skin underneath. This is painful for several days but then usually dries out, and swelling decreases.
An examination of the injury usually reveals whether or not the skin is penetrated and other structures injured. In severe wounds, a vet may use ultrasound to assess the flexor tendons.
Treatment of uncomplicated rope burn can involve topical application of antibiotic or steroid containing ointments, or a variety of herbal preparations. NSAIDS may give the horse pain relief and relieve swelling over a few days.
If a horse struggles against a rope, the friction abrades and burns the skin. This causes wounds that are usually fairly superficial and usually only cause short term pain and swelling. Hobbles can also injure this area if a horse struggles against them.
Rope burns occasionally involve the flexor tendons or the tendon sheath right under the skin in this location (digital flexor tendon sheath). This completely changes the approach to treatment and the prognosis.
If a horse with this type of wound suddenly develops severe lameness, an important structure could be involved and immediate veterinary assessment is necessary.
Rope burns can be mistaken for bacterial or fungal conditions of the pastern (scratches or greasy heel).
For the typical injury: Over several days, the outer layers of skin will peel off, leaving raw skin underneath. This is painful for several days but then usually dries out, and swelling decreases.
An examination of the injury usually reveals whether or not the skin is penetrated and other structures injured. In severe wounds, a vet may use ultrasound to assess the flexor tendons.
Treatment of uncomplicated rope burn can involve topical application of antibiotic or steroid containing ointments, or a variety of herbal preparations. NSAIDS may give the horse pain relief and relieve swelling over a few days.
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.
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
Good if the critical structures nearby are not involved.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- Are important structures involved in this injury?
Prevention
Teach horses to yield to pressure, and to hobble, so that they do not struggle when their limbs are trapped. Good management and husbandry. Tie horses properly so that the limbs do not become entrapped. Generally, do not leave horses dragging a lead rope.
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health
