FIRST AID TREATMENT OF WOUNDS IN HORSES

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 63, Issue 4, 15 October 1941, Page 295

FIRST AID TREATMENT OF WOUNDS IN HORSES

What To Do in ihe

By

A. G. BRASH,

Veterinarian, Christchurch

A S the average farmer may from AS the average farmer may from 21. time to time be called upon to render first aid to an injured horse, a knowledge of simple methods of treating wounds and the principles underlying their healing is beneficial. It is convenient to discuss the treatment of wounds under three headings:— 1. Controlling the Horse.— is, of course, necessary to have the horse properly secured, and in this respect a twitch will be found very useful. In the case of a fractious horse a foreleg may be held up, or a sideline applied to one or both hind fetlocks. This is sufficient restraint in most cases. 2. Stopping the Bleeding.— There is always a certain amount of bleeding from freshly inflicted wounds, and unless it is known how to stop it, this bleeding may cause some alarm. Often the bleeding ■ is out of all proportion to the size of the cut. The simplest way of stopping the flow of blood is by means of pressure. A piece of cotton wool is placed over the wound, and if in a suitable position, it should then be bandaged rather tightly. If it is not possible to apply - a bandage, the cotton wool must be held in position with the hand until bleeding stops. 3. Cleaning the Wound and Applying Dressing. Once the bleeding has stopped the bandage may be removed after about an hour and suitable dressing applied. Many different antiseptic dressings may be used, all serving the one chief purpose, which is to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and so : promote healing. Actually, more depends on the care and method of

application of the drug than on the drug itself. Cleanliness is of first importance in the treatment of anywound, and is all-essential for rapid healing. That is why, before attending to a wound, the hands should be thoroughly cleaned and all utensils boiled. A good deal ’ of misunderstanding exists as to the strength of antiseptic applications suitable for wounds. A common fault is to make solutions too strong. Strong disinfectants not only kill the germs, but also kill the living tissue cells which are the active agents of repair. They merely serve to slow up natural healing instead of assisting it. That is one reason why simple methods are the most effective. Treatment of Wounds In Horses In horses, treatment such as follows gives good results. Clip the hair surrounding the wound with a sharp pair of scissors or hair clippers. While doing this, hold a piece of cotton wool over the wound itself to prevent hairs entering. Clipping the hair greatly assists healing by keeping, the wound clean. Next, clean the edges of the wound by rubbing with cotton wool soaked in methylated spirits. Do not touch the wound with the hands. Finally, dust liberally with a powder consisting of boracic acid 3 parts and calcium hydrate (slaked lime) 1 part. In injuries to the limbs, cotton wool and a bandage keep the part warm, lessen the swelling, and prevent further dirt from entering. ' The bandage

should be removed once or twice daily and the wound dressed as before. The scab should be removed if any pus forms beneath it; otherwise it should be left as a protection. Larger wounds are better left not bandaged to allow free drainage; otherwise they should be treated as outlined above. , 1 Where it is necessary to -clean the wound by washing it, warm water contaming common salt at the rate of two tablespoonfuls to the gallon may be used; irrigating with cold, clean water from a hose is also effective. For all except the larger wounds, however,

it is best to use the above treatment without the application of . water. In some cases a certain amount of swelling takes place, but in most instances it subsides without further treatment' after a few days, provided the wound is kept clean. When the swelling is severe, hot fomentations followed by cold may be used. , . Tincture of iodine is useful for treating small cuts and abrasions, and should be applied immediately the injury occurs. It is not suitable for application to larger wounds.

Summary

Summarising, the following are faults most commonly observed in the treatment of injuries to horses: — 1. Sufficient care is not taken in the early treatment of what may appear to be insignificant injuries, with the result that septic complications set in. 2. Lack of care in ensuring, cleanliness. - ' 3. The use.of antiseptics in too strong solution. 4. Too much washing of wounds. For all ordinary injuries the use of methylated spirits and a dry dressing will give better results.

5. Attempting to .put stitches in wounds that would be better left open. Most ordinary injuries to horses heal better without stitches. 6. The above outline of treatment is given' merely as first aid treatment of relatively simple wounds. In any injury of a more serious nature it is wise to obtain veterinary assistance.