Equine Wounds

Question 1

What are signs of respiratory obstructions?

Answer 1

increased inspiratory effect
flared nostrils
cyanosis
loud inspiratory noise

Question 2

What are signs of a pneumothorax?

Answer 2

• respiratory distress without loud respiratory noise
• increased RR,flared nostrils, cyanosis
  no movement of air dorsally on auscultation

Question 3

How can a pneumothorax be treated?

Answer 3

prevent air entering pleural cavity- cover wound with dressing and suture wound

Question 4

How much blood does a horse have to lose before it undergos hypovolaemic shock?

Answer 4

30% of blood flow

11-12 litres

Question 5

What are signs of septic synovitis?

Answer 5

rapidly developing severe lameness unless cavity drains

Question 6

What are signs of tendon/ligament transection?

Answer 6

altered posture or function

Question 7

What chemical restraint can be given to horses?

Answer 7

detomidine/romifidine and butorphanol IV

Question 8

What are the steps with determining a treatment plan for a horse?

Answer 8

Clean the wound, debride is heavily contaminated or devitalised tissue, usually possible with Local analgesia and sedation
Is administration of antimicrobials or NSAIDS required?
Consider whether suturing for 1st intention healing or 2nd intention healing is appropriate- could part of wound be sutured?
If suturing- how will tension and dead space be managed?
Protect the wound- by bandaging, which contact layer is appropriate, is immobilisation of the limb an important aspect of treatment
What instructions should be given to owner regarding aftercare and monitoring, when should change bandage,
Was tetanus vaccination status checked
What are the likely complications of healing of this wound and inform the owner

Question 9

Describe acute serious wounds

Answer 9

Tissue= involvement of deeper structures- bone, penetration of synovial cavity, tendon/ligament transected
Trauma= laceration, major blunt trauma etc
Contamination= extensive foreign material within wound which may be difficult to remove

Question 10

Describe chronic serious wounds

Answer 10

Infection can be present- organisms may be highly resistant- culture
Wound healing- exuberant granulation tissue
Scarring- wound healing may result in significant scarring

Question 11

What type of antimicrobial would you use for a none/minimal contaminated wound (after cleaning and debridement)?

Answer 11

Potentiated sulphonamide

Alternatives- oxytetracycline, doxycycline

Question 12

What type of antimicrobial would be used for contaminated, deep wounds?

Answer 12

Penicillin and gentamicin
Alternative- oxytetracycline, doxycycline
Consider local administration- intravenous regional perfusion

Question 13

Describe the different layers of bandaging

Answer 13

1st or contact layer- creates moist environment, absorbs exudate, gas permeable
2nd layer- absorbs and proects immbolisation if multiple cotton wool layers compressed (Robert Jones Bandage)
3rd layer- secures and protects other layers

Question 14

Describe exuberant granulation tissue- proud flesh

Answer 14

Inhibits epithelisation and wound contraction
Common in distal limb wounds healing by second intention
Stimulated by persistent low grade inflammation- infection, foreign bodies, necrotic tissue, inappropriate treatment, movement

Question 15

What are possible proud flesh treatment options?

Answer 15

excite it
try to mobilise the limb using a cast
apply steroids to slow down growth of granulation tissue
skin grafting