Any thoughts on type of care or substances that will help heal these torn and mutalated body parts?
dourm1
Healing Severe Wounds
Moderators: Roguelet, hpkingjr, WaveMaster, madelyn
Healing Severe Wounds
Just came from the farm...mare got out...tore up left front foreleg from hoof through to knee (see bone); right back leg from hoof to hock...vet says this is the worst...I have a pharmacy in the barn...all of the antibiotics, pain killers, etc. Question: She is in a stall now, but I'm afraid that she won't move enough to help the blood circulate to the injured parts...says the next three days will be critical...An old timer told me when we had another paddock injury not to bandage and put cold water on the injured area twice a day, and let the maggots eat the torn flesh, but we didn't have those injuries wrapped, and we walked the horse a couple of miles a day.
Any thoughts on type of care or substances that will help heal these torn and mutalated body parts?
dourm1
Any thoughts on type of care or substances that will help heal these torn and mutalated body parts?
dourm1
I had one that was similarly bad although the area was not as big (cut off back quarter of hoof and sliced into the fetlock and ankle severing a lot of muscle, veins, etcera). Our vet put her in basically a cast for three days after sewing up what he could. After that the wound was washed twice daily and any dead tissue carefully cleaned out by hand and treated with an iodine based product. She was handgrazed and allowed to move as much as she could which wasn't much early on because of the hoof damage.
I don't envy you. It tooks months to get the cuts to heal and we had issues with infection and the wounds abscessing. Biggest thing is handling the horse's depression. Mine stopped eating. I do agree that you shouldn't keep it wrapped all the time, but it is important that the wound be kept extremely clean and dead tissue removed. Good luck and I'll be crossing my fingers for her.
I don't envy you. It tooks months to get the cuts to heal and we had issues with infection and the wounds abscessing. Biggest thing is handling the horse's depression. Mine stopped eating. I do agree that you shouldn't keep it wrapped all the time, but it is important that the wound be kept extremely clean and dead tissue removed. Good luck and I'll be crossing my fingers for her.
I don't have low self-esteem. I have low esteem for everyone else. ~ Daria
Well I once took care of a QH gelding that attempted to jump a 5 ft. steel panel - he didn't make it, almost gelding himself again!
Tore up his front and back legs something fierce, so much so that the vet wanted to put him down (his owner was a novice). She phoned me to come take a look at him and offer my opinion. I arrived, legs were torn up terribly, but the vet and I were willing to work together to try to 'save' him.
Shipped horse to my barn for care. Antibiotics (SMZ's), bute regimen, topical antibiotic powder (can't remember the name but a couple ounce bottle of the stuff cost $100 bucks 8 yrs. ago!). The dressing was changed twice daily for the first 4 weeks, then once daily thereafter, COLD HOSING and cleaning the wounds with a betadine scrub, then applying the antibiotic powder (by squeezing it a pouf of powder was all that was necessary).
I am also a firm believer in movement, regardless of this type of wound injury - for exactly the reason you've stated, circulation to the site. He was kept in a small paddock area where he could move around enough, but not go crazy. The first few days the swelling was tremendous and his movement was limited (on his own). It took a good three months to get the healing under control (and retarding proud flesh also). But 6 mths later all that was left was remnants of scarring and he was sound.
The first few weeks were crucial, and diligent care is the priority. The committment to setting aside the time to cleanse/medicate/wrap wounds has to be there...
Tore up his front and back legs something fierce, so much so that the vet wanted to put him down (his owner was a novice). She phoned me to come take a look at him and offer my opinion. I arrived, legs were torn up terribly, but the vet and I were willing to work together to try to 'save' him.
Shipped horse to my barn for care. Antibiotics (SMZ's), bute regimen, topical antibiotic powder (can't remember the name but a couple ounce bottle of the stuff cost $100 bucks 8 yrs. ago!). The dressing was changed twice daily for the first 4 weeks, then once daily thereafter, COLD HOSING and cleaning the wounds with a betadine scrub, then applying the antibiotic powder (by squeezing it a pouf of powder was all that was necessary).
I am also a firm believer in movement, regardless of this type of wound injury - for exactly the reason you've stated, circulation to the site. He was kept in a small paddock area where he could move around enough, but not go crazy. The first few days the swelling was tremendous and his movement was limited (on his own). It took a good three months to get the healing under control (and retarding proud flesh also). But 6 mths later all that was left was remnants of scarring and he was sound.
The first few weeks were crucial, and diligent care is the priority. The committment to setting aside the time to cleanse/medicate/wrap wounds has to be there...
A couple of months ago I had a mare who got an ulcer on her leg. The darn thing was so slow to heal. So I used Honey to heal it up. All expensive products were not working and I really had nothing to lose. I used Honey and a bandage every day, actually left bandage off for a coupld of hours too. Honey has a high sugar content and therefore prevents bacteria from forming and growing. I can't really say this would help in your area as you are down to bone, but if anyone out there gets a wound which is difficult to heal, it might be worth a try.
Terri
Terri
Austique
[quote="austique"]I had one that was similarly bad although the area was not as big (cut off back quarter of hoof and sliced into the fetlock and ankle severing a lot of muscle, veins, etcera). Our vet put her in basically a cast for three days after sewing up what he could. After that the wound was washed twice daily and any dead tissue carefully cleaned out by hand and treated with an iodine based product. She was handgrazed and allowed to move as much as she could which wasn't much early on because of the hoof damage.
I don't envy you. It tooks months to get the cuts to heal and we had issues with infection and the wounds abscessing. Biggest thing is handling the horse's depression. Mine stopped eating. I do agree that you shouldn't keep it wrapped all the time, but it is important that the wound be kept extremely clean and dead tissue removed. Good luck and I'll be crossing my fingers for her.[/quote]
I am really concerned about the eating and freting the mare does anytime she has the slightest problem...she has colicked before on me...she is a real baby about anything that hurts! Keeping it washed, clean, and giving the penicilin,bute,walking...I just hope she can make it without a lot complications.
Thanks,
Dave
I don't envy you. It tooks months to get the cuts to heal and we had issues with infection and the wounds abscessing. Biggest thing is handling the horse's depression. Mine stopped eating. I do agree that you shouldn't keep it wrapped all the time, but it is important that the wound be kept extremely clean and dead tissue removed. Good luck and I'll be crossing my fingers for her.[/quote]
I am really concerned about the eating and freting the mare does anytime she has the slightest problem...she has colicked before on me...she is a real baby about anything that hurts! Keeping it washed, clean, and giving the penicilin,bute,walking...I just hope she can make it without a lot complications.
Thanks,
Dave
Austique
[quote="austique"]I had one that was similarly bad although the area was not as big (cut off back quarter of hoof and sliced into the fetlock and ankle severing a lot of muscle, veins, etcera). Our vet put her in basically a cast for three days after sewing up what he could. After that the wound was washed twice daily and any dead tissue carefully cleaned out by hand and treated with an iodine based product. She was handgrazed and allowed to move as much as she could which wasn't much early on because of the hoof damage.
I don't envy you. It tooks months to get the cuts to heal and we had issues with infection and the wounds abscessing. Biggest thing is handling the horse's depression. Mine stopped eating. I do agree that you shouldn't keep it wrapped all the time, but it is important that the wound be kept extremely clean and dead tissue removed. Good luck and I'll be crossing my fingers for her.[/quote]
I am really concerned about the eating and freting the mare does anytime she has the slightest problem...she has colicked before on me...she is a real baby about anything that hurts! Keeping it washed, clean, and giving the penicilin,bute,walking...I just hope she can make it without a lot complications.
Thanks,
Dave
I don't envy you. It tooks months to get the cuts to heal and we had issues with infection and the wounds abscessing. Biggest thing is handling the horse's depression. Mine stopped eating. I do agree that you shouldn't keep it wrapped all the time, but it is important that the wound be kept extremely clean and dead tissue removed. Good luck and I'll be crossing my fingers for her.[/quote]
I am really concerned about the eating and freting the mare does anytime she has the slightest problem...she has colicked before on me...she is a real baby about anything that hurts! Keeping it washed, clean, and giving the penicilin,bute,walking...I just hope she can make it without a lot complications.
Thanks,
Dave
[quote="Marli"]Well I once took care of a QH gelding that attempted to jump a 5 ft. steel panel - he didn't make it, almost gelding himself again!
Tore up his front and back legs something fierce, so much so that the vet wanted to put him down (his owner was a novice). She phoned me to come take a look at him and offer my opinion. I arrived, legs were torn up terribly, but the vet and I were willing to work together to try to 'save' him.
Shipped horse to my barn for care. Antibiotics (SMZ's), bute regimen, topical antibiotic powder (can't remember the name but a couple ounce bottle of the stuff cost $100 bucks 8 yrs. ago!). The dressing was changed twice daily for the first 4 weeks, then once daily thereafter, COLD HOSING and cleaning the wounds with a betadine scrub, then applying the antibiotic powder (by squeezing it a pouf of powder was all that was necessary).
I am also a firm believer in movement, regardless of this type of wound injury - for exactly the reason you've stated, circulation to the site. He was kept in a small paddock area where he could move around enough, but not go crazy. The first few days the swelling was tremendous and his movement was limited (on his own). It took a good three months to get the healing under control (and retarding proud flesh also). But 6 mths later all that was left was remnants of scarring and he was sound.
The first few weeks were crucial, and diligent care is the priority. The committment to setting aside the time to cleanse/medicate/wrap wounds has to be there...[/quote]
Thanks for your insight on taking care of such a wound...the time to take care of it is paramount...
Dave
Tore up his front and back legs something fierce, so much so that the vet wanted to put him down (his owner was a novice). She phoned me to come take a look at him and offer my opinion. I arrived, legs were torn up terribly, but the vet and I were willing to work together to try to 'save' him.
Shipped horse to my barn for care. Antibiotics (SMZ's), bute regimen, topical antibiotic powder (can't remember the name but a couple ounce bottle of the stuff cost $100 bucks 8 yrs. ago!). The dressing was changed twice daily for the first 4 weeks, then once daily thereafter, COLD HOSING and cleaning the wounds with a betadine scrub, then applying the antibiotic powder (by squeezing it a pouf of powder was all that was necessary).
I am also a firm believer in movement, regardless of this type of wound injury - for exactly the reason you've stated, circulation to the site. He was kept in a small paddock area where he could move around enough, but not go crazy. The first few days the swelling was tremendous and his movement was limited (on his own). It took a good three months to get the healing under control (and retarding proud flesh also). But 6 mths later all that was left was remnants of scarring and he was sound.
The first few weeks were crucial, and diligent care is the priority. The committment to setting aside the time to cleanse/medicate/wrap wounds has to be there...[/quote]
Thanks for your insight on taking care of such a wound...the time to take care of it is paramount...
Dave
[quote="Marli"]Well I once took care of a QH gelding that attempted to jump a 5 ft. steel panel - he didn't make it, almost gelding himself again!
Tore up his front and back legs something fierce, so much so that the vet wanted to put him down (his owner was a novice). She phoned me to come take a look at him and offer my opinion. I arrived, legs were torn up terribly, but the vet and I were willing to work together to try to 'save' him.
Shipped horse to my barn for care. Antibiotics (SMZ's), bute regimen, topical antibiotic powder (can't remember the name but a couple ounce bottle of the stuff cost $100 bucks 8 yrs. ago!). The dressing was changed twice daily for the first 4 weeks, then once daily thereafter, COLD HOSING and cleaning the wounds with a betadine scrub, then applying the antibiotic powder (by squeezing it a pouf of powder was all that was necessary).
I am also a firm believer in movement, regardless of this type of wound injury - for exactly the reason you've stated, circulation to the site. He was kept in a small paddock area where he could move around enough, but not go crazy. The first few days the swelling was tremendous and his movement was limited (on his own). It took a good three months to get the healing under control (and retarding proud flesh also). But 6 mths later all that was left was remnants of scarring and he was sound.
The first few weeks were crucial, and diligent care is the priority. The committment to setting aside the time to cleanse/medicate/wrap wounds has to be there...[/quote]
The powder, was it charcol? The old hard boot that I was a friend would put it on any type of open wound, then every day he would cold water it until it would be removed and bleed. I saw him heal some badly torn tissue and never saw any proud flesh develop. I had forgotten that until your response about a powder.
Thanks,
Dave
Tore up his front and back legs something fierce, so much so that the vet wanted to put him down (his owner was a novice). She phoned me to come take a look at him and offer my opinion. I arrived, legs were torn up terribly, but the vet and I were willing to work together to try to 'save' him.
Shipped horse to my barn for care. Antibiotics (SMZ's), bute regimen, topical antibiotic powder (can't remember the name but a couple ounce bottle of the stuff cost $100 bucks 8 yrs. ago!). The dressing was changed twice daily for the first 4 weeks, then once daily thereafter, COLD HOSING and cleaning the wounds with a betadine scrub, then applying the antibiotic powder (by squeezing it a pouf of powder was all that was necessary).
I am also a firm believer in movement, regardless of this type of wound injury - for exactly the reason you've stated, circulation to the site. He was kept in a small paddock area where he could move around enough, but not go crazy. The first few days the swelling was tremendous and his movement was limited (on his own). It took a good three months to get the healing under control (and retarding proud flesh also). But 6 mths later all that was left was remnants of scarring and he was sound.
The first few weeks were crucial, and diligent care is the priority. The committment to setting aside the time to cleanse/medicate/wrap wounds has to be there...[/quote]
The powder, was it charcol? The old hard boot that I was a friend would put it on any type of open wound, then every day he would cold water it until it would be removed and bleed. I saw him heal some badly torn tissue and never saw any proud flesh develop. I had forgotten that until your response about a powder.
Thanks,
Dave
[quote="Marli"]Well I once took care of a QH gelding that attempted to jump a 5 ft. steel panel - he didn't make it, almost gelding himself again!
Tore up his front and back legs something fierce, so much so that the vet wanted to put him down (his owner was a novice). She phoned me to come take a look at him and offer my opinion. I arrived, legs were torn up terribly, but the vet and I were willing to work together to try to 'save' him.
Shipped horse to my barn for care. Antibiotics (SMZ's), bute regimen, topical antibiotic powder (can't remember the name but a couple ounce bottle of the stuff cost $100 bucks 8 yrs. ago!). The dressing was changed twice daily for the first 4 weeks, then once daily thereafter, COLD HOSING and cleaning the wounds with a betadine scrub, then applying the antibiotic powder (by squeezing it a pouf of powder was all that was necessary).
I am also a firm believer in movement, regardless of this type of wound injury - for exactly the reason you've stated, circulation to the site. He was kept in a small paddock area where he could move around enough, but not go crazy. The first few days the swelling was tremendous and his movement was limited (on his own). It took a good three months to get the healing under control (and retarding proud flesh also). But 6 mths later all that was left was remnants of scarring and he was sound.
The first few weeks were crucial, and diligent care is the priority. The committment to setting aside the time to cleanse/medicate/wrap wounds has to be there...[/quote]
Your insight and experience is greatly appreciated...I think the powder was charcoal or the same stuff that you use for filtration...have seen that used successfully on bad tissue wounds which required washing everyday and getting it to bleed. I have copied your email for further reference.
Thanks,
Dave
Tore up his front and back legs something fierce, so much so that the vet wanted to put him down (his owner was a novice). She phoned me to come take a look at him and offer my opinion. I arrived, legs were torn up terribly, but the vet and I were willing to work together to try to 'save' him.
Shipped horse to my barn for care. Antibiotics (SMZ's), bute regimen, topical antibiotic powder (can't remember the name but a couple ounce bottle of the stuff cost $100 bucks 8 yrs. ago!). The dressing was changed twice daily for the first 4 weeks, then once daily thereafter, COLD HOSING and cleaning the wounds with a betadine scrub, then applying the antibiotic powder (by squeezing it a pouf of powder was all that was necessary).
I am also a firm believer in movement, regardless of this type of wound injury - for exactly the reason you've stated, circulation to the site. He was kept in a small paddock area where he could move around enough, but not go crazy. The first few days the swelling was tremendous and his movement was limited (on his own). It took a good three months to get the healing under control (and retarding proud flesh also). But 6 mths later all that was left was remnants of scarring and he was sound.
The first few weeks were crucial, and diligent care is the priority. The committment to setting aside the time to cleanse/medicate/wrap wounds has to be there...[/quote]
Your insight and experience is greatly appreciated...I think the powder was charcoal or the same stuff that you use for filtration...have seen that used successfully on bad tissue wounds which required washing everyday and getting it to bleed. I have copied your email for further reference.
Thanks,
Dave
Dave,
No, the powder that was sprinkled on the open flesh was an antibiotic (topical) powder. The charcoal powder you're referencing I believe, would be 'Wonder Dust'. Wonder dust is used for proud flesh, and does work. At this early stage of the injury, I would avoid using Wonder dust. I wish I could remember the name of the antibiotic topical powder. It was white and came in a small squeeze bottle and was very costly, BUT it worked fantastic.
Is there another horse you could place with her, for company? I would expect that the first few days she's going to be a hurting unit. Pain and swelling are expected, all you can do is try to keep her comfortable and as happy as she can be. The healing process can be a long road, and typically I've found that these types of injuries will go through an 'ugly' stage before you see a turnaround. Don't give up. Stay with her and stay dedicated. Good wishes for your mare!!
No, the powder that was sprinkled on the open flesh was an antibiotic (topical) powder. The charcoal powder you're referencing I believe, would be 'Wonder Dust'. Wonder dust is used for proud flesh, and does work. At this early stage of the injury, I would avoid using Wonder dust. I wish I could remember the name of the antibiotic topical powder. It was white and came in a small squeeze bottle and was very costly, BUT it worked fantastic.
Is there another horse you could place with her, for company? I would expect that the first few days she's going to be a hurting unit. Pain and swelling are expected, all you can do is try to keep her comfortable and as happy as she can be. The healing process can be a long road, and typically I've found that these types of injuries will go through an 'ugly' stage before you see a turnaround. Don't give up. Stay with her and stay dedicated. Good wishes for your mare!!
Is it Nyamyc?
The link is here: http://www.upsher-smith.com/PDFs/NyamycPI.pdf
Nystatin acts by binding to sterols in the cell membrane of susceptible species resulting in a change in membrane permeability and the subsequent leakage of intracellular components. On repeated subculturing with increasing levels of nystatin, Candida albicans does not develop resistance to nystatin. Generally,resistance to nystatin does not develop during therapy. However, other species of Candida (C. tropicalis, C. guilliermondi, C. krusei, and C. stellatoides) become quite resistant on treatment with nystatin and simultaneously become cross resistant to amphotericin as well. This resistance is lost when the antibiotic is removed.
The link is here: http://www.upsher-smith.com/PDFs/NyamycPI.pdf
And thou fly without wings, and conquer without any sword. Oh, horse. - The Qur'an
Re: Healing Severe Wounds
20dourmdd wrote:Just came from the farm...mare got out...tore up left front foreleg from hoof through to knee (see bone); right back leg from hoof to hock...vet says this is the worst...I have a pharmacy in the barn...all of the antibiotics, pain killers, etc. Question: She is in a stall now, but I'm afraid that she won't move enough to help the blood circulate to the injured parts...says the next three days will be critical...An old timer told me when we had another paddock injury not to bandage and put cold water on the injured area twice a day, and let the maggots eat the torn flesh, but we didn't have those injuries wrapped, and we walked the horse a couple of miles a day.
Any thoughts on type of care or substances that will help heal these torn and mutalated body parts?
dourm1
I can't speak to the external treatments but I would recommend something internal called Rapid Response. It is an excellent anti-inflammatory and immune booster. http://www.amerdon.com/ http://www.amerdon.com/rapid_response.html
I don't know if it can be applied to severe open wounds but it DOES have drawing & antibiotic qualities and has been used externally for other types of wounds and soft tissue injuries.
If you call the company, they can advise if it can be applied to the wound. It can definitely be given internally to aid in the healing and immune response process. It has pain relieving properties as well.
Yes...I give it to my own horses and it is good for humans too!
Best of luck with your mare!
WarHorse-
The information on Nystatin sure sounds like the topical powder that I used, but for the life of me I just can't remember the name! Is Nystatin a topical antibiotic that would be prescribed in equine use?
If this is supplied via veterinarian, I would say this just might be the one (and it's *very* costly!).
The information on Nystatin sure sounds like the topical powder that I used, but for the life of me I just can't remember the name! Is Nystatin a topical antibiotic that would be prescribed in equine use?
If this is supplied via veterinarian, I would say this just might be the one (and it's *very* costly!).
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jumper77
- Maiden Special Weight
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The last time I had to deal with a really nasty wound was 15 years ago, so I'm sure there have been changes in how to deal with them, but here's what worked so well for me: (3 yr. old mare fell and tore a chunk out of her left forearm bigger than a hand-- I could stick my finger behind the tendon.) Daily hydrotherapy for 15 min. directly on the wound, to blast away proud flesh and stimulate the blood flow to encourage healing. In the first few days when the leg was still swollen below the wound, I'd hydro the rest of the leg for 5 min. or so to bring down the swelling. Then I'd goop on furazone, let her graze for a few minutes, and put her back in her stall. I tried wrapping it at first, but the wrap never stayed on. The vet said it shouldn't be a problem, since I was blasting off the top layer of the wound every day with the hydro. It was fascinating (although gross) to watch the hole shrink and fill in every day. Within 3 months the wound was entirely healed, the hair was growing back, and the mare was back at the shows. She was left with a very minimal scar. I think the hydro was key. I never had any sort of problem with proud flesh or infection, since I never let a scab develop, and allowed the wound to heal from the inside out.