YOU ARE OBSERVING
Bleeding from Lower Limb or Leg
Summary
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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
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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.![icon](https://horsesidevetguide.com/wp-content/themes/hsvg-wiki/assets/img/new_images/Combined_Shape.png)
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
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- 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?
![icon](https://horsesidevetguide.com/wp-content/themes/hsvg-wiki/assets/img/new_images/icons/heart.png)
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.
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Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
![icon](https://horsesidevetguide.com/wp-content/themes/hsvg-wiki/assets/img/new_images/icons/bottle.png)
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
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Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health