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, Open Sore Caused by Pressure from Bandage or Cast
Summary
Limb bandages can cause sores from constant pressure. These sores commonly develop around the back of the carpus (knee) of the front limb or over the inside and back of the hock. These sores are a common complication of long-term bandaging or casting.
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours
your role
What To Do
Use good bandaging technique to avoid development of these wounds and, if they do develop, identify and treat them early by lessening pressure over the area. Talk to your vet about how to bandage high motion areas to prevent this problem. If the initial wound that necessitated the use of the bandage is healing well, you may be able to leave it uncovered.If these wounds worsen, are non-healing, are causing your horse pain or discomfort, or if your horse is also lame, you should call your vet immediately to discuss your findings and concerns. These wounds can be difficult to treat without veterinary involvement. Without proper and meticulous care, they will simply not heal, and can cause severe scarring that could impede movement.
What Not To Do
Do not apply topical antibiotic products to the wound, unless advised to do so by your vet. Many impede healing.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet will assess the cause and characteristics of the wound in question. They may recommend an alternative way to bandage a wound to lessen the pressure to the area. They may discuss options that involve leaving the limb unbandaged.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Where is the wound?
- Can you send a photo?
- What treatments have you tried?
- How have you been bandaging?
- Is it possible to stop bandaging the original injury at this time?
- Is the horse limping or lame?
- If the horse is lame, how lame?
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
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health