Megan Campbell, D.V.M.

Lacerations are a common occurrence in horses and can range from superficial abrasions to deep lacerations affecting vital structures.  The main things to consider when assessing a laceration is the amount of bleeding associated with the wound, the location of the laceration, and the structures affected by the laceration.  Most small, superficial lacerations do not require veterinary attention, however, larger lacerations that are bleeding or affect vital structures are veterinary emergencies.

Managing the Excessively Bleeding Laceration:
If the laceration is bleeding excessively, try to keep your horse quiet and still.  The more excited they are and the more they move around, the more they will bleed.  Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean towel or gauze sponges.  Applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel to a wound can also help stop bleeding by causing constriction.  Direct pressure should be applied to the wound for approximately ten minutes.  After that, a pressure bandage can be applied.  To apply a pressure bandage, stack an approximately one inch think stack of gauze over the wound.  Overlay with leg cottons or roll cotton.  Then wrap with vet wrap or a polo wrap pulled snugly.  Leave this bandage in place until your veteirnarin arrives.

Managing the Laceration over a Joint or Tendon Sheath:
Some lacerations do not bleed excessively, but are emergencies nonetheless.  Any deep laceration over any of the joints requires immediate veterinary attention.  Any deep laceration on the back of the leg from mid way down the cannon bone to the pastern could be in a tendon sheath, or a laceration where bone or tendon is exposed should be seen by a veterinarian.  In the case where a vital structure is exposed, clip and clean the wound and put a clean wrap over it to prevent further contamination until the veterinarian arrives.