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
Gunshot Wound Suspected
Summary
Thankfully, gunshot wounds are uncommon in horses. It can be impossible to differentiate a gunshot entry from any other puncture wound unless a bullet is located. Wounds thought to be caused by gunshot often turn out to be the result of another accident. On the other hand, I have examined a horse for a puncture wound, radiograph the area, and been surprised to find a bullet.
The most important factor determining the severity of these wounds is the location of the entry and exit wounds and the structures that were traversed by the bullet. The caliber, type and velocity of the bullet determines the amount of damage to the impacted structures.
These injuries are life-threatening if they involve an important organ or structure, such as an abdominal organ or the lungs. Gunshot wounds penetrating the limbs may cause fracture or damage to joints or other critical structures.
The most important factor determining the severity of these wounds is the location of the entry and exit wounds and the structures that were traversed by the bullet. The caliber, type and velocity of the bullet determines the amount of damage to the impacted structures.
These injuries are life-threatening if they involve an important organ or structure, such as an abdominal organ or the lungs. Gunshot wounds penetrating the limbs may cause fracture or damage to joints or other critical structures.
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Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours
your role
What To Do
If you suspect (or know) that your horse has been shot, note the location of the wound. If possible, assess your horse's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) and promptly call your vet.What Not To Do
Do not apply antibiotic products to the injury, unless advised to do so by your vet. Do not try to remove the bullet yourself.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet will try to determine what internal structures are involved and monitor or stabilize your horse's overall systemic health.
The diagnostics and treatments your vet uses will depend on the nature of the wound and the structures involved. Your vet may use radiography, ultrasound or exploratory surgery to further clarify the extent of the damage.
They may choose to remove the bullet (or not) and might debride any badly damaged tissue. The more normal your horse's physical exam findings, especially after several hours, the less likely that vital organs are involved.
The diagnostics and treatments your vet uses will depend on the nature of the wound and the structures involved. Your vet may use radiography, ultrasound or exploratory surgery to further clarify the extent of the damage.
They may choose to remove the bullet (or not) and might debride any badly damaged tissue. The more normal your horse's physical exam findings, especially after several hours, the less likely that vital organs are involved.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- When did you first notice the wound?
- Where exactly is the wound and tell me more about it?
- How do you know this is a gunshot wound?
- Did you actually see it happen?
- Do you notice other wounds?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
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)
