Very Common
Less Common
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
Bleeding from Lower Limb or Leg
Summary
Very large and important vessels run down the lower limbs right under the skin. The arteries, which carry blood away from the heart, are under high pressure. When one is cut, it bleeds severely and it can be hard to stop.
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Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours- Wounds involving the lower limb are usually considered emergencies.
your role
What To Do
Do not panic. You can stop this bleeding using focused pressure and a pressure bandage. Keep your horse confined and calm.Until your vet arrives, apply controlled pressure and a pressure bandage to stop or slow the bleeding. See the related skill "Control Bleeding on Lower Limb with Pressure Bandage."
Generally, blood loss from a wound to the lower limb is not life-threatening in the short-term.
What Not To Do
Do not attempt to tourniquet the limb (tie off the blood flow) to stop or slow bleeding.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet will stop bleeding and will evaluate the wound to determine whether important anatomical structures like joints or tendon sheaths are involved.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- When did this happen?
- Have you been able to stop or control the bleeding?
- Can I have your location and directions to get to you as soon as possible?
- How lame is the horse?
- Where exactly is the wound and tell me more about it?
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