MINOR CUTS

This month at Riverdene three cases have illustrated how apparently minor cuts may conceal much more serious problems, and may require aggressive management if they are not to turn into disasters.

Two racehorses in work sustained small (3-4 cm) cuts to the caudal (back) aspect of their lower legs. These wounds were clean and fresh, and their trainer’s had kept them this way with appropriate bandaging while they promptly sought veterinary attention.

Due to the location of these cuts, it was decided that instead of simply suturing the skin closed a more thorough investigation was required. Both horses were immediately transferred to the hospital where they underwent general anaesthesia.

One case involved penetration of the tendon sheath and partial severing of the tendon. The tendon sheath was extensively flushed and closed and the horse maintained on antibiotics as tendon sheath infection can be career ending and even life threatening.

Exploration of the second case revealed a completely severed flexor tendon that was not visible until the wound was extended down the leg. The wound was flushed, the tendon sutured and the leg placed in a cast.

The third case occurred in a standardbred foal where the wound had entered the fetlock joint. This joint underwent extensive flushing and the wound was debrided and sutured closed.

All three injuries were initially though to be fairly minor but could have become life threatening if they were inadequately treated as infection in the above mentioned structures can cause crippling lameness and can be very hard to resolve once established.

All three horses are progressing well at this stage and their treatment is ongoing.

Please call us promptly for assessment of any lower limb injury that may have penetrated a synovial structure in order that the most effective and timely treatment can be initiated.