Questions and answers
Proudflesh problem (Veterinary)
By René - 1.5 months ago
Hi there, I've taken on a mare from abusive owners about a month ago. When she was loaded at their yard her foot got caught - needless to say she struggled to get free and ripped her leg open in numerous places. A vet was called out and stitched her up. She was however declared unfit to travel, but due to the owner not wanting the horse at her yard anymore, they loaded her anyway. She arrived with this heavily bashed up leg at our farm. The vet said bandages should be left on for another three days and can then be removed. I was shocked at what I saw when bandages came off, but I took on the responsibility to take care of her. A day after bandages were removed the stitches pulled all the way open. ( She was stitched up all the way up from fetlock to knee on inside and out of the off front leg). I rinsed it off daily with salty water and bandaged it. Two days later I was totally shocked to find proudflesh all over the one wound. A vet was called out to remove the clamps that were left from the stitched and to remove some proudflesh. I was given bandages and milkbalm and proudflesh powder to get rid of the proudflesh. I have been changing bandages everyday for two weeks then every other day for two months now. Proudflesh seems to be under control but I cannot however see any improvement to the size or swelling of the wound. My vet bills are piling up and I cannot even pay half of it yet. This mare is very important to me and despite her cruel handling has the softest heart.
How can I help this wound heal any faster? I want to try do it on my own as I simply do not have the financial backing
Also,when can I start working her in hand?or what signs/time/period do I wait for?I don't want her to fall into depression from being stabled!
Please help!
Proudflesh problem (Veterinary)
By Paul - 1 months ago
Hi there
Sorry for the long wait. Quite a nasty wound, by the looks of it.
It will take many more weeks for the wound to heal - healing is from the sides, and the bigger the gap, the longer it will take to close up. You will be left with scar tissue, which will gradually decrease in size, but there always will be a blemish.
I do not think it necessary to bandage the wound. I suggest that:
- Clean the wound daily by rinsing with lukewarm water to which you add four teaspoons of table salt per litre water. Make sure to remove all debris, and loose tissue.
- Rinse wound thereafter with cold (not freezing!) running water (from hosepipe) for about twenty to thirty minutes.
- Dry off.
- If any signs of proudflesh, use proudflesh powder, or alternatively an ointment containing antibiotics and cortisosteroids (do not use this ointment if there is no proudflesh, as it will slow healing of the wound). If no signs of proudflesh nothing else is needed.
- Repeat cleaning and washing twice daily if you can
- Keep a close eye for signs of inflammation/infection - angry red edges to the wound, or an exudate. If this occurs, you need to treat with antibiotics.
Patience, patience, patience!!!
Healing could be speede up with skin grafts, but these will have to be done by a vet and will add a substantial amount to the bill.
As far as exercising - if she is not lame/sore, you can work her. Do not expect too much of her, as the wound could open up if leg has to bend and work too much. Exercise will improve circulation and will improve healing.
You need to clean it up daily (even twice a day) by rinsing with cold water (not freezing cold, mind).
Hope this helps. If uncertain, please ask!
Regards
Paul