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
Accident, Horse Impaled on Post
Summary
This type of accident is more common than one may expect, and ranges greatly in severity. The most important factor is the location and depth of the wound and the structures involved. These injuries can be life-threatening if they involve an important internal organ or structure.
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Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours
your role
What To Do
If the horse is resting quietly while impaled, simply comfort it until your vet arrives. More commonly, the horse is struggling to free itself. If the horse is struggling and you think it will further injure itself, it may be best to free it. It is tempting to simply pull the horse off the post or rip the post out of the horse. This can cause severe injury in itself.Instead, if it is possible and safe to do so, cut the post off from its base or foundation and leave it in your horse until your vet can evaluate it and remove it under controlled conditions. Use a hack saw or electric metal saw to cut the post.
If you absolutely must remove your horse from the post (or the post from your horse), understand that this may complicate your vet's attempt to determine what internal structures have been impacted. It may also drastically increase bleeding. For that reason, if you choose to remove the object, be prepared to stop or slow significant bleeding using direct pressure with gauze or a towel.
What Not To Do
Do not remove the post from your horse 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
Your vet may remove the object and debride (surgically remove) any badly damaged tissue. They will monitor or stabilize your horse's overall systemic health and may use radiography, ultrasound or exploratory surgery to further clarify the extent of the damage.
The better your horse's physical exam findings, the less likely important organs are involved.
The better your horse's physical exam findings, the less likely important organs are involved.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Where is the wound located?
- Can you cut off the post and leave it in your horse until I arrive?
- How much bleeding is there?
- When was the horse last given a tetanus vaccination?
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.
Very Common
Less Common
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
