Small Wounds with Serious Consequences

SMALL WOUNDS WITH SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES

Introduction
Most lacerations can be treated in the field without referral to a surgical facility. The field veterinarian will determine the amount and type of damage occurred with traumatic accident and provide the owner with the options for treatment .Most of the small wounds can be dealt with in a straightforward approach of wound closure or even in selected cases a more conservative approach can be chosen. In a significant part of the cases it is of critical importance that a much more aggressive approach is taken. Although the visible wounds can be small in size the consequences due to penetration and/or damage to the underlying structure can be very serious. These cases need a wider diagnostic approach such as radiographs, ultrasound, cytologic evaluation of synovial or body fluids , or whatever further diagnostic tool is necessary to determine the exact damage. This information is needed to select the appropriate treatment to provide the horse with the best outcome possible. Delayed referral can be associated with failure to return to pre-injury level of athletic function or potential and even lead to euthanasia. […]