Tag: horse first aid

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Moist or Dry: Which Heals Better and Why?

Moist or Dry: Which Heals Better and Why?

The debate over whether wounds should be exposed to air or kept covered in a moist environment is rooted in historical beliefs about the benefits of air and the origins of disease.

Choosing the best environment plays a critical role in their recovery and well-being. This decision impacts healing speed, infection risk, and the horse’s comfort throughout the process. 

By examining the benefits and considerations of both approaches, we can determine the most effective method to ensure optimal wound healing outcomes for these animals.

Benefits of a Moist Environment 

  1. Enhanced cell growth and tissue formation
  2. Reduced pain and discomfort
  3. Lower infection rates

Drawbacks of a Dry Environment

  1. Delayed healing process
  2. Increased risk of scab formation and potential complications
  3. Higher likelihood of pain and discomfort for the patient

Research

While air is essential for living tissue, the notion that wounds heal better when exposed to air has been disproven by research. Studies, such as George Winter’s work in 1962, have shown that wounds heal more effectively in a moist environment due to factors like improved cell growth, faster tissue formation, reduced pain, and lower infection rates compared to dry environments. 

Things to consider

For a wound to heal well, there are all sorts of things to consider, such as: 

  • Temperature – it’s not good for a wound to get too hot or too cold
  • Hydration – moisture helps cells grow, and helps speed up the formation of new tissue
  • pH – it’s not good for a wound to be too acidic, or too alkaline
  • The presence of microbes (bacteria, and such)

To learn the bandaging strategies for horse wounds, read the article “Equine First Aid: Bandaging Strategies for Horse Wounds” 

It’s advisable to work with your veterinarian when seeking to promote faster healing in a horse’s wound. 

CONCLUSION

Despite concerns about bacterial growth in moist conditions, evidence suggests that moist dressings actually promote the body’s natural defenses and result in better overall healing outcomes. Therefore, rather than focusing on exposing wounds to air, maintaining a protective, moist environment is recommended for optimal wound healing in horses.

Further reading: 

Should Healing Wounds Be Moist or Dry? – David Ramey, DVM (doctorramey.com)

Equine First Aid: Bandaging Strategies for Horse Wounds – My Horse Supplies

Equine First Aid: Handling Level 3 Wounds in Horses – My Horse Supplies

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Equine First Aid: Bandaging Strategies for Horse Wounds

Equine First Aid: Bandaging Strategies for Horse Wounds

Correct Bandaging is one of the most important parts of wound management. Too tight and the circulation is compromised. Too loose and the bandage falls down and doesn’t provide the protection it needs to. 

Guide to Proper Bandaging

  • If the wound is between the knee and the fetlock, make sure to bandage the full leg between the joints to minimise potential swelling as blood will tend to pool above the fetlock joint if there is bruising that slows circulation or if horses movement is restricted. Vet Wrap is the perfect bandage to use for these situations. 
  • Bandaging below the fetlock to the coronet needs an adhesive bandage to keep it in place, otherwise it will ride up and sit around the fetlock. Light Rip is ideal for this area as it has elastic to provide firmness without being too tight, yet can be stuck to the hair or hoof to keep it from moving. The adhesive in Light Rip is a medium level that means it stays put, but will come off easily when pulled and doesn’t pull the hair out. 
  • For wounds around joints such as knee or hock, you may use a combination of Vet Wrap for the main wrapping over padding and Light Rip at top and bottom to help hold in place. Other times, just using the Light Rip will be appropriate, where the additional stickiness, without too much pressure is required.
  • For maximum support, where you want the bandage to stay in place for a longer time and need full support without stretch, then Elastoplast is ideal. Just remember that the adhesive in it is meant to stay attached, so only put a small amount over the edge of the padding to stick to the hair, as you won’t get it off without ripping hair out.

Please note:

If you are wrapping with any pressure make sure there is adequate padding under the bandage so that circulation is not affected. Leave a little padding out the top and bottom of the bandage so the edges don’t dig in and have a tourniquet effect.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, mastering bandaging techniques is a vital skill for every horse owner when it comes to equine first aid. Properly bandaging horse wounds can aid in their healing process. It can also prevent complications, and ensure the well-being of our equine companions. 

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Combat Bruising and Swelling with These Proven First-Aid Strategies!

Combat Bruising and Swelling with These Proven First-Aid Strategies!

Bruising and swelling are common ailments that can be caused by a variety of factors. Good thing is there are several first-aid strategies you can try to combat these issues and help your horse feel better.

In this article, we’ll discuss some effective ways to treat bruises and swelling in horses using items you may already have on hand. From ice packs to natural remedies, we’ve got you covered with easy-to-implement solutions that will have your horse back on his feet in no time! So let’s delve into the world of equine first aid and get your four-legged friend back to his best self.

First-Aid Strategies for Bruising and Swelling

If the skin is unbroken, then a wash with Apple Cider Vinegar will help to cool the area and take out soreness and bruising. Icing the area can also help with reducing the swelling. 

Note: For Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), dilute quarter of a cup in 1 litre of water for a soothing external wash.

If the swelling is from possible infection, then wetting the area thoroughly with Colloidal Silver can help with reducing the infection as well as the swelling.

Arnica is brilliant to follow up with as it is an anti-inflammatory and pain relieving agent. It helps disperse the blood from the area, reduces the pain, and promotes circulation. A dropper of liquid in the mouth, and or drops / ointment on the area. 

If the knock has been on a bony area then using comfrey ointment can help stimulate repair of the bones, and reduce the bone bruising. 

CONCLUSION:

In conclusion, as horse owners, we cannot avoid the risk of our horses getting injured. But, we can take measures to reduce the severity of bruising and swelling when an injury occurs. By implementing these first-aid strategies, we can help our equine friends heal faster and more comfortably.

Image by khamkhor from Pixabay