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
Bleeding from Upper Limb or Leg
Summary
There are very large vessels on the inside of the upper front and hind limb that can bleed severely when cut. The most common reason for lacerations in this area (in my experience) are fence related injuries and kicks from other horses to the inside of the fore and hind limbs, which are more common than one might expect.
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Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours- If you wish to have the best functional and cosmetic outcome, no matter the cost.
- If bleeding seems excessive to you.
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours- If you are convinced that the injury is minor and you notice no lameness or other problem.
your role
What To Do
As with any bleeding vessel, direct focal pressure on the vessel will stop or slow hemorrhage. Close to the hock or carpus, a pressure bandage similar to that illustrated for lower limb hemorrhage, wrapped tightly around the wound with a wad of gauze directly on the bleeding vessel will work. High in the armpit of the front limb or groin of the hind limb, packing of a towel into the wound, and manual pressure may be necessary until your vet arrives.What Not To Do
Do not treat the wound with ointments or other topicals without first consulting with your vet. Some delay healing.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet will likely seek to control bleeding through pressure or ligation (tying off of a vessel) and then determine whether other important structures are involved. Fracture of the radius (front) or tibia (hind) is usually accompanied by severe bleeding and inability to bear weight.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Are you able to stop or slow the bleeding with pressure?
- Where does the bleeding seem to be coming from?
- How much bleeding is there?
- Can the horse bear weight on all the limbs and walk forward fairly normally?
- Does the horse appear to be in distress?
- How aggressively do you want to handle this? We may have other options for repair.
- When was the horse last given a tetanus vaccination?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
- Can you send a photo?
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)
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health