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
Drainage from Wound, Generally
Summary
Some pus formation and drainage is a natural part of wound healing. If drainage becomes excessive or continues for more than a few days, it may indicate complications like a foreign body, infection, dead tissue within the wound, or involvement of important anatomic structures.
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Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours- If there seems to be pain, swelling or lameness.
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours
your role
What To Do
Assess the horse's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) paying particular attention to attitude, appetite, the presence of lameness or swelling. Take note of the discharge, its color, amount, and odor. Send a photo of the wound to your vet. Share your findings and concerns with your vet.What Not To Do
Do not use strong disinfectants to clean the wound without your vet's guidance.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet assesses a wound, taking many factors into account, in order to determine severity, prognosis and treatment.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- When did you first notice this problem?
- Is the horse limping or lame?
- Where is the wound located?
- Can you detect that the drainage or discharge has an odor?
- If the horse is lame, how lame?
- When did you first notice the wound?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
- How is your horse's attitude and appetite?
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
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health