Of all the skin penetrating  injuries that your horse might get, puncture wounds are the most worrisome. Punctures require extra vigilance to be sure they are healing correctly. Punctures can look relatively harmless, but if unattended can become a veterinary emergency very quickly.

 

What is a Puncture Wound?

A puncture wound is usually caused by a protruding object such as a nail, wood splinter, glass shard, metal edge or other sharp object penetrating the skin and the tissues beneath.

The point of entry is usually small, and the wound can go deep into the muscles or tendons. A worst-case scenario is when a puncture penetrates into an organ, eye or joint. Punctures can also occur in the sole or frog of the hoof.

 

Why are Puncture Wounds so Worrisome?

Puncture wounds can be difficult to treat. There is also a danger of the would being infected with Clostridium tetani, bacteria that causes tetanus, also known as lockjaw. But clostridium tetani is not the only bacteria that can cause serious infection that can lead to death. If the wound starts to heal on the outside, and cannot drain or is not exposed to air in the deeper areas of the wound, anaerobic bacteria can thrive. These bacteria can cause infection to travel throughout the body, causing abscesses. If a puncture wound balloons with air, the trapped air can push bacteria into the muscle layers causing serious infection.

 

How to Treat Puncture Wounds

Treating puncture wounds promptly is important. This is just one more reason why your horse needs to be checked daily, and not just from the kitchen window.

If you suspect that your horse has a puncture wound, it’s essential that you don’t adopt a ‘wait and see’ attitude. The wound will require basic first aid in the least and may well require treatment from a veterinarian. First make sure that any dirt, bits of wood, rust or other foreign objects are cleared from the wound. If the object is too embedded to be removed easily with your fingers, you may need the assistance of your vet. So you can clearly see the boundaries of the wound and to keep it cleaner, clip away long hair from the area. Thoroughly flush the wound with antiseptic such as iodine. Assess how deep the wound is, and if any damaged tissue is pulled from the lesion.  Don’t be alarmed if the wound bleeds slightly, as this will help flush out any bacteria or debris within the lesion. Use sterile gauze to help staunch bleeding, but if the blood flow seems profuse, wrap the area lightly, if possible, until the veterinarian arrives.

Flushing with antiseptic or salt water will help clear out the wound as it heals.  Don’t bandage or stitch the wound closed. You will want to improve the airflow into the wound, not seal it over. Your horse should always be vaccinated against tetanus, and your vet will probably recommend a course of antibiotics to ward off possible infection. Be prepared to flush the area with antiseptic and keep it open and clean so it heals from the inside out. This means the treatment may take many days, depending upon the depth of the wound. Don’t be afraid if the treatment causes a bit of bleeding, as this will ensure the wound is not healing over from the outside in. Don’t apply any ointments or pastes that might attract or hold dirt, or seal the opening of the wound. Check the wound at least once daily (ideally more frequently). If there is further heat or swelling, call your veterinarian.

Call your vet if:

• The puncture is more than an inch or so deep.
• Bleeding doesn’t stop within a short time.
• The puncture is deep into the chest or abdomen.
• The puncture is in the hoof or eye.
• The wound starts to swell and become inflamed.

 

Puncture Wounds in Hoofs

Punctures can occur in the bottom of a hoof, or along the coronary band. These wounds can be difficult to notice, because hair and dirt can hide them. The injury may not be apparent until there is swelling or lameness—and both can be mistaken for other problems such as hoof abscesses. You will almost certainly need a veterinarian and farrier if the puncture is in the frog or sole of the hoof. Punctures in the frog can be particularly hard to find, because the elastic tissue of the frog will cause it to close around the wound area. Surgery will probably be necessary to open up the wound, and ensure it heals properly.

 

How to Prevent Puncture Wounds

Puncture wounds are caused by protruding objects such as nails, ends of loose fence boards, twigs and branches, loose metal on shelters, caulks on other horse’s shoes, and sharp edges of farm machinery left in horse’s pastures. Keeping your horses home clean and free of sharp objects is important to prevent injuries. Of course, horses are clever at getting hurt in even the most well kept stables, so always keep an equine first-aid kit handy, and your veterinarian’s phone number clearly posted.