Very 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
Fracture of Skull, Involving Sinus or Bone
Summary
A common complication of severe head trauma involves fracture of the bones near the eyes, base of the ears, and a few inches above the nostrils.
Fractures tend to heal well but infection of the bone or sinuses can result, leading to chronic, usually smelly nasal discharge that does not resolve until the infected bone or material is removed surgically.
If the fracture involves the brain case, or the trauma associated has caused brain swelling, then the horse will likely show signs of neurologic damage.
Fractures tend to heal well but infection of the bone or sinuses can result, leading to chronic, usually smelly nasal discharge that does not resolve until the infected bone or material is removed surgically.
If the fracture involves the brain case, or the trauma associated has caused brain swelling, then the horse will likely show signs of neurologic damage.
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
Prognosis depends on the specifics and severity of injury, but is fair to good with early treatment. If the sinus are involved, chronic sinusitis can be difficult to treat.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
Less Common
Rare
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Very Common
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- What is the likelihood of future complications, such as sinusitis or infected bone?
- Is there anything that can be done now that reduces that likelihood?
Prevention
Good husbandry, which reduces the likelihood of head injury.
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health