What to look for, how to treat simple wounds, and when you should call the vet

First Aid for Minor Horse Injuries: What to Do Before the Vet Arrives

As horse owners, we all know that heart-dropping feeling when we find a horse limping or notice an unexpected cut. Feeling nervous is normal. The good news is that many minor injuries can be managed safely at home with calm, careful steps.

This guide will help you:

• Stay focused during the initial assessment
• Provide basic first aid for simple wounds
• Recognize emergencies
• Gather the information your veterinarian will appreciate if you need to call

Step One: Observe Before You Act

Don’t panic. Take a breath.
Before touching anything, take a moment to watch your horse and assess the situation.

Body Language

Ask yourself:

• Is the horse standing quietly or restless?
• Is weight being shifted repeatedly from leg to leg?
• Is the horse willing to bear weight on the injured limb?

Calm behavior often indicates a less severe injury, while agitation or refusal to stand may signal pain or shock.

Vital Signs to Check

Heart Rate

• Normal adult horse heart rate: 36–48 beats per minute (bpm)

Respiration

• Observe breathing:
• Is it rapid?
• Labored?
• Are the nostrils flared?

Temperature

• Normal range: 98.0–100.7°F
• Temperature may be slightly higher if:
• The horse is stressed
• The horse has been standing in the sun

Abnormal vital signs can indicate pain, infection, or shock.

Bleeding and Signs of Shock

Evaluate Bleeding

• Is there active, heavy, or pulsating bleeding?
• Is blood pooling or soaking through bandages quickly?

Watch for Signs of Shock

• Very fast heart rate
• Rapid breathing
• Cold ears or limbs
• Bright red or pale gums
• Sweating without exertion

🚨 Emergency Alert
If you see heavy bleeding, rapid breathing, sweating, or signs of shock, call your veterinarian immediately. These situations require professional care right away.

Quick Definition: What Is Shock?

Shock occurs when the horse’s organs are not receiving enough blood due to:

• Blood loss
• Severe infection

Common Signs of Shock

• Very fast pulse (over 100 bpm)
• Cool ears or legs
• White or bright red gums
• Dilated pupils
• Rapid breathing

Shock is life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary attention.

Step-by-Step Guide for Simple Wound Care

If your horse is:

• Calm
• Bearing weight
• Bleeding lightly

You can begin basic first aid.

1. Clean the Area

“Dilution is the solution to pollution.”

• Rinse the wound thoroughly with clean water
• Hose water is perfectly acceptable

2. Stop the Bleeding

• Apply a clean cloth or gauze pads
• Maxi pads work exceptionally well
• Secure with a light Vetrap bandage

If bleeding continues:

• Do not remove the soaked layer
• Add fresh padding on top and continue pressure

⚠️ Severe Bleeding Note
In cases of serious bleeding:

• Apply firm pressure
• Add more padding and tighter wrapping as needed
• You should already be on the phone with your veterinarian

3. Disinfect the Wound

• Gently clean with Betadine scrub, if tolerated
• Avoid:
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Rubbing alcohol

These products damage healthy tissue and slow healing (and alcohol burns).

4. Apply Medication

Acceptable topical options include:

• Neosporin
• Silver sulfadiazine (SSD)
• Furacin

5. Apply a Bandage

• Use soft padding (cotton roll or clean gauze)
• Apply Vetrap lightly over padding (not tight for minor wounds)
• Tuck in the ends to prevent unraveling
• Place a No-Bow and standing wrap over the bandage

Bandage Care

• Check bandages twice daily
• Remove every 12–24 hours
• Re-clean the wound
• Re-apply medication
• Use fresh padding and a clean wrap

Watch for Infection: Warning Signs

Some wounds can worsen instead of heal. Monitor closely for:

• Increasing swelling
• Heat around the wound
• Thick or foul-smelling discharge
• Worsening lameness
• Fever
• Excessive pain or sensitivity

When to Involve Your Veterinarian

Certain injuries always require professional care.

Deep Puncture Wounds

Examples:

• Stepping on a nail
• Impalement by fencing or sharp objects

Why these are dangerous:

• Bacteria can be trapped deep inside

Important:
If it can be safely avoided, do not remove the object. Leaving it in place helps the veterinarian assess the wound path using X-rays or ultrasound.

Joint or Tendon Injuries

Wounds or swelling near:

• Hocks
• Knees
• Fetlocks

Tendon Injury Clues

• Extensor tendon damage:
• Horse knuckles over
• Difficulty placing the hoof flat
• Flexor tendon damage:
• Fetlock drops
• Toe lifts off the ground
• Suspensory ligament injury:
• Generalized swelling or swelling along the sides of the fetlock
• Noticeable fetlock drop
• Lameness

Severe Lameness

• Horse will not put weight on the leg

This may indicate:

• Fracture
• Severe soft-tissue injury

Final Guidance

In serious cases:

• Call your veterinarian first
• Follow their instructions until they arrive

Early veterinary care can prevent long-term complications and improve outcomes for your horse.

Staying calm, observant, and prepared makes all the difference.

In these cases, call your vet first and follow their instructions until they arrive.

Early veterinary care can prevent long‐term problems.

This article was written by the veterinarians at North Bridge Equine Associates, an ambulatory equine veterinary practice serving horses in Massachusetts and surrounding regions. The information provided is intended for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for veterinary examination or care. 

North Bridge Equine Associates
978-337-1260 

info@northbridgeequine.com 

www.northbridgeequine.com 

Servicing Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and seasonal service to Aiken, South Carolina