Horses » Deep cut from being kicked

This question is related to: Perry the Horse

Age:	17
Gender:	Male
Breed:	Thoroughbred
Neutered:	Yes
Weight:	500kg

Vaccination History:	Every January
Fed On:	Alfalfa Original, Horse and Pony nuts, Sugarbeet
Kept:	Stabled at night, Field during the day

Deep cut from being kicked

Turned him out this morning with new horses as he's just been moved, one other horse got possesive over the hay left out and kicked mine. I brought him straight in to clean it up. he has a deep cut (I wouldn't say an inch deep) cut by his stifle joint (just below) but he is quite lame on it. I understand it could just be an impact making him this sore, but it is quite deep. I put him in a small field alone until lunchtime then because he wasn't walking well, I put him in his stable after washing it off again and putting sudocream around it. Whats the best thing I can do? Box rest him with a bit of walks or put him in the small paddock so he can move around himself?

16/2/12

Answer this question

stuart

If there is any suggestion that the joint itself has been damaged then get as vet to him now. The stifle joint does extend well down the leg from the point of the stifle. On the other side you should be able to feel the patella ligaments stretching down from his knee cap and that will give you a clue to the extent of the joint. Discharge of oily fluid indicates damage to the joint capsule needing instant attention.
If you are sure that the joint is not involved then gently clean the wound with dilute povidone iodine or hibiscrub followed with sterile saline,check his tetanus status and reassess tomorrow. If still lame then get a vet to him then.

16/2/12

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kc771

there's only been a bit of blood. no other substance (oily) he is still walking, but just resting it when he's stood still. is it worth keeping him in? or putting him in the small paddock to walk around himself?

16/2/12

stuart

small paddock as long as not knee deep in mud is probably cleaner than the stable and a little moving about should help reduce the swelling.

16/2/12

kc771

Great, thanks alot :)

16/2/12

kc771

an update, there's only a scab left now and he has returned to work and not lame anymore :) thanks for the advise :) x

29/2/12

stuart

glad he has recovered thanks for letting me know.