Every horse is injured, maybe many times. Race, show, and work horses are very active. These mild to catastrophic injuries are prevalent. As a horse owner, you should know how to manage the most frequent injuries before the vet comes (if needed).
1. Punctures
Horses’ most frequent injuries include scrapes, cuts, and punctures. Long, pointy items that penetrate deep into the skin cause them. For instance, a large thorn penetrating the horse’s leg as they trot through a shrub, or a sharp wire hidden in the dust digging deep into the hoof. Due of the unknowns in the mud and grass, these injuries are hard to prevent. Treat them. Puncture wounds may infect and cripple a horse if left untreated. Punctures are not cuts. Since the puncture hole is small, they may be overlooked. Without professional training, such a wound is difficult to treat. Call the vet immediately and use cold water to soothe the wound.
2.Joint Inflammation (Osteoarthritis)
Inflammation of the “coffin,” hock, and fetlock may afflict horses of any age. Inflammation may result from unexpected workload increases and unusual horse actions such leaping, sharp turns, collected gaits, new footing, and others. Long-term rough terrain work may also cause irritation. Joint inflammation may come and go rapidly. However, recurrence may lead to osteoarthritis, which is harder to treat. Joint inflammation causes stiffness, discomfort, edoema, and heat. This condition demands a thorough veterinarian checkup, although box rest and cold hosing of the swollen joints may help.
3. Soreness
Everyone has sore muscles. Horses, being so strong, experience that illness more than others. Overworking your horse may cause discomfort, even if it builds muscle. Strained muscles hurt and might cause catastrophic harm. They target a specific overused muscle segment in horses. Dressage horses often emphasise their hindquarters. Muscle pain is a frequent injury with subtle signs. Watch for stiffness or exercise avoidance. Rest your horse and massage the injured muscles to address this injury. Let them warm up before starting their workouts.
4. Strained ligaments
Accidents may strain horse ligaments, particularly in the rear legs. Missteps, tension, and harsh landings cause these injuries. Jumping and dressage horses are prone to the ailment. Ligament injuries may vary from minor to substantial, from tension to rip. A ligament damage might take months or even a year to heal. Veterinary care and relaxation are essential. Even when the ligament heals, your horse must return to activity slowly and carefully. Avoid overworking your horse or exercising on unstable terrain to avoid this injury.
5. Abrasions
Abrasions, like punctures, are the most prevalent horse injuries. They commonly appear on the legs, particularly the lower region, during work or activity. Abrasions vary from scratches to deep wounds and slashes. They may occur via low foliage, thorn plants, barbed wire fences, sharp rocks, and more. You may treat them yourself or consult a professional depending on their severity. In any case, these abrasions must be cleansed and sterilised to prevent infection!