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
Abrasion or Scrape on Upper Limb or Leg
Summary
Superficial abrasions or scrapes to this area that only involve the loss of hair and the top layer of skin are generally minor, and heal with minimal treatment. Lots of muscle covering found on the equine upper limb usually protects underlying bone and other critical structures like tendons and ligaments.
However, this is not always the case. Severe impact can still damage internal structures resulting in life-threatening injury with very little surface evidence. An example is a hairline fracture of an upper limb bone that could worsen if it was not detected and managed appropriately.
However, this is not always the case. Severe impact can still damage internal structures resulting in life-threatening injury with very little surface evidence. An example is a hairline fracture of an upper limb bone that could worsen if it was not detected and managed appropriately.
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Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours- If there is severe lameness accompanying this sign.
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours- If you notice any lameness or have any other concern.
- If there seems to be pain, swelling or lameness.
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Code Green
Contact Your Vet to Obtain Useful Advice & Resources- If you do not notice lameness.
your role
What To Do
Assess your horse's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE), paying particular attention to the affected area looking for swelling, heat or a pain response. Many horses will be mildly lame for 24 hours following a traumatic injury that causes superficial abrasion to the upper limb.However, if the horse is very lame at the walk, consider this a veterinary emergency. Lameness or difficulty advancing the limb is an indication of a more serious injury. Keep in mind too that other disease processes can cause hair loss that might be confused with traumatic injury.
Treatment with ice or cold water may help reduce swelling and pain. Always rest a horse that might have sustained an injury until your vet recommends you return them to work. After an injury, it is always wise to be sure they trot sound before putting them back to work.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet will assess the area for severity of injury and assess the horse for lameness. A lameness exam can quickly give an indication of whether or not there has been significant injury to an important structure.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Is there any swelling in the area?
- Where on the limb is the injury?
- Is the horse limping or lame?
- If the horse is lame, how lame?
- Have you given the horse any medications?
- What do you think caused the injury?
- 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.
Very 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)
Less Common
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health