Lacerations and Punctures 

If  a wound is bleeding apply pressure with a bandage or even a towel and call your veterinarian.  If it is not bleeding an attempt to clean and dress the wound should be tried.  Approach the animal carefully and quietly. An animal that is injured may resent having the wound touched. Many horses will require good restraint and even sedation to adequately treat and assess a wound so veterinary help may be required.  If you are unable to wash the wound even rinsing the wound with a hose from a distance can help reduce contamination.  If washing can be done you a surgical scrub such as betadine scrub on cotton can be used, then rinse well.  If there is a puncture a very dilute (1% or very weak tea color) betadine solution (not scrub) in water can be used in a syringe to flush the hole.  A water-soluble wound ointment (such as furacin) should be applied topically and then covered with a bandage if possible. Many lacerations can be sutured and it is important to have the wound looked at by your vet as soon as possible to ensure the best possible outcome.  It is helpful to give your vet information about the wound i.e. location, approximate length, width, and depth of the wound, and approximate time of occurrence (if known).  It is also helpful to know if the horse is weight bearing (if a limb is affected) and is walking normally.