Leg wounds are one of the most common calls a veterinarian receives. If the wound is severe, suturing is preferred; however depending on the location of the wound, oftentimes the wound can only be cleaned and bandaged. The most common problems arising from leg wounds are infection and exuberant or excessive granulation tissue, known as “proud flesh”.
First aid for horse leg wounds
Although Equaide has been available for some time and is used by veterinarians, many horse owners might not be aware of the remarkable results in the treatment of horse wounds and equine proud flesh using this product.
© 2013 by Washington State University
Although Equaide has been available for some time and is used by veterinarians, many horse owners might not be aware of the remarkable results in the treatment of horse wounds and equine exuberant granuloma (“proud flesh”).
Typically, wounds on horses are difficult and slow to heal, especially in the limbs below the knee or hock. The limb areas are primarily comprised of bone, tendons and ligaments and lack underlying muscle. The skin is relatively thin and the surface is tense and difficult to effectively suture. Even after wounds are stitched, they often break open due to the excessive tension and motion.
Wounds in this part of the anatomy tend to produce excessive granulation tissue or what is also known as proud flesh. This proud flesh is a disfiguring protrusion from the limb of the horse and is accompanied by inflammation and can significantly lower the abilities and aesthetics, as well as the value of the horse.
There are many compositions that have been proposed as wound healing agents which consist mainly of caustic substances to eat away the granulation tissue. The problem with the caustic substances is that they only destroy cells, and in addition to destroying the exuberant granulation tissue, these substances also destroy healthy cells and may even cause further damage to the wound. These substances have not been significantly effective in promoting the healing of wounds.
Equaide was developed to:
- Dissolve equine exuberant granuloma (“proud flesh”) when present
- Prevent the creation of proud flesh at the start
- Heal both infected and superficial wounds in horses
- Guard against bacterial and fungal conditions typical of a stable environment
If a wound gets infected, antibiotics are essential. Infection will typically be fought with topical solutions as well as internal antibiotics. In the barn environment especially, daily cleansing with an antibacterial soap and antiseptic dressings are recommended.
Equaide creates the perfect wound bed and rapidly improves healing time. Equaide is real medicine with anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory ingredients. It is important that any infection be treated first. Equaide will heal wounds extremely fast, and wounds may abscess if signs of significant infection are not treated ahead of time.
Equaide has been specially formulated to stick to the wound, and will not run or drip off. While bandaging is not necessary, it is recommended since the Equaide could be rubbed off in tall grass or hay.
As always, a veterinarians advice is important in treating all wounds in horses.
Learn more: Wounds in Horses