Very 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
Wound is Growing, Getting Larger
Summary
Wounds may expand during the first week after they occur. This is a natural part of the early phase of the healing process for some wounds. However, after this early stage, enlargement of a wound is a sign of a problem. When this happens, something is causing tissue destruction that is overwhelming the body's attempts at repair.
Wounds can enlarge for a variety of reasons including screw worm infestation, bacterial infections, or sarcoids (which often look similar to granulation tissue). Birds occasionally will pick at wounds on live horses.
Wounds also enlarge under an improperly applied bandage that places excessive pressure on the wound.
If a healing wound is enlarging, a serious disease process may be occurring that requires veterinary assistance to resolve. Assess the wound and take a photo of it and share your findings and concerns with your vet.
Wounds can enlarge for a variety of reasons including screw worm infestation, bacterial infections, or sarcoids (which often look similar to granulation tissue). Birds occasionally will pick at wounds on live horses.
Wounds also enlarge under an improperly applied bandage that places excessive pressure on the wound.
If a healing wound is enlarging, a serious disease process may be occurring that requires veterinary assistance to resolve. Assess the wound and take a photo of it and share your findings and concerns with your vet.
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours
your role
What To Do
What Not To Do
Do not apply antibiotic products to the injury, unless advised to do so by your vet.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- When did you first notice the wound?
- When do you think the wound occurred?
- Where, exactly, is the wound located?
- Can you send a photo?
- Are you bandaging the wound?
- Do you know how the wound occurred?
- Do you notice odor to the drainage or wound?
- Do you see any other wounds?
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)
Very Common
Less Common