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Diagnostic
Tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what is wrong with your horse, in order to reach a diagnosis.

Cost: $100 to $500

These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.

YOUR VET MAY PERFORM

Wound or Draining Tract Exam

Cost: $100 to $500

These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.

Summary

A veterinarian carefully evaluates a new wound for severity and involvement of important anatomic structures. Subtle differences between wounds can mean the difference between uncomplicated healing and life-threatening complications.

Many factors go into a complete veterinary wound exam. Wound examination usually starts with evaluation of the whole horse with a physical exam. This is important because wounds may cause body-wide illness, lameness, infection of body cavities like joints or the abdomen or chest, or other serious problems. Wound examination usually also involves clipping of the hair around the wound and gentle cleansing of the wound.

Your vet's wound examination may also include probing of the wound to determine depth, direction of penetration, and involvement of nearby anatomy and testing of nearby anatomic structures using imaging and special techniques to determine their involvement in the wound.

Why A Vet Chooses This Diagnostic

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Related Observations

Your vet might choose this diagnostic test if you were making these observations.

Very Common
Less Common
Rare
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Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider

This test could rule out or confirm any of the following diagnoses.

Very Common
Less Common
Rare
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BENEFITS
A careful wound examination gives your vet the ability to determine the best approach to treatment. It also yields valuable information needed to make a prognosis.

LIMITATIONS

The status of a wound changes with time. Complications can occur after the initial exam that change the treatment plan and prognosis. Reassessment may be needed.

your role

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Questions To Ask Your Vet:
  • Is this a simple wound or are there complicating factors?
  • What diagnostics do you recommend in order to fully understand the severity of the wound?
  • Based on your diagnostics, what are the options for treating the wound?

further reading & resources

Author: Doug Thal DVM Dipl. ABVP