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Discussion on Remove Scabs?

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Laurie-Ann
Member
Username: Maggienm

Post Number: 8
Registered: 6-2004
Posted on Wednesday, Jul 28, 2004 - 11:54 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

I read an article about wound care that stressed that the scab must be removed each day to prevent the wound from healing from the outside in.
But, if the wound is a rope burn on the fetlock is that necessary? Also, what is the best way to treat a superficial rope burn? Should it be kept soft with some type of heavy ointment like vaseline? What about liquid bandaid? After the wound was cleaned and sprayed with a antiinfectant would spraying with liquid bandaid be a good idea? I was wondering how to treat the wound the next day if covered with l.b.
One horse has a deeper burn on a hind foot, I cleaned the hoof to start with then soaked the leg in water and betadine, then smeared antibiotic cream over it, it has developed hard crusty scabs. Should they be removed and if so how? Should I try to put a bandage over the would? Someone suggested if after treating the wound I put a thick grease like vaseline, thevaseline would protect it from dirt and flies.(they actually suggested lard I know this was used quite a bit years ago) On another leg he has a mild burn, I don't soak that one I just apply cream. Should I continue what I'm doing?
thank you.
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Holly Zukowski
Member
Username: Cowgrl

Post Number: 308
Registered: 6-2004
Posted on Wednesday, Jul 28, 2004 - 2:47 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

With most abrasions, you should "think pink" that is, not applying a drying agent like Schriners or gentmycin (sp?). To remove the scabs, soak in warm water to soften, gently peel off, clean the wound, dry completely, then apply ointment. I don't use }vaseline as in hot weather it becomes too soft and runs right off. I like "SWAT" - it's thick, will stay where you put, keep dirt out, and it'll keep flies off. If you're concerned about dirt getting into the wound, wrapping with gauze and then vet wrap would be the way I'd go.

The treatment I described is what I have done with my horse and he healed up very nicely with no scar.
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Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro

Post Number: 10880
Registered: 1-1997
Posted on Wednesday, Jul 28, 2004 - 9:54 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Superficial abraisons that have a healthy dry scab (no puss) can and should be left in place. Dressing with a dry antibacterial like nitrofurazones spray works best. If the wound stays moist treat it as described in our articles on wound care.
DrO
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Holly Zukowski
Member
Username: Cowgrl

Post Number: 309
Registered: 6-2004
Posted on Thursday, Jul 29, 2004 - 11:23 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

Well, I stand (or is it sit?) corrected. I guess there's a reason I didn't go to vet school
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Gwen Robison
Member
Username: Gwen

Post Number: 141
Registered: 6-2004
Posted on Friday, Jan 20, 2006 - 8:39 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

I have read the postings and articles, and just want to clarify. My horse was kicked about a week ago on the inside hock area. The scab was picked a bit on Tuesday when he got into another fight. When I saw him this morning, his lower leg was puffy and when I picked the scab by his hock, it had puss. I wiped the puss, and put furazone on it. I am trying hard not to overreact, but as some of you know, I had a horse end up in the hospital a year and a half ago because of infection, so I want to treat this RIGHT! Thanks for any help!
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Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro

Post Number: 14553
Registered: 1-1997
Posted on Friday, Jan 20, 2006 - 9:08 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Gwen without examining the wound we cannot know what exactly would be proper care. But for any skin wound this is not what are article recommends for first aid treatment, read again Equine Diseases » Skin Diseases » Wounds / Burns » Wounds: First Aid.
DrO
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Gwen Robison
Member
Username: Gwen

Post Number: 142
Registered: 6-2004
Posted on Friday, Jan 20, 2006 - 9:35 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

I looked in the wrong spot. I looked in first aide instead of skin diseases. This afternoon, I hosed it and found the part that was oozing. I still feel like it isn't 100% clean and am not sure how to get it all out without getting kicked. Anyway, I did what I could and scrubbed it a bit with Betadine, then sprayed furazone. We'll see! Thank you for responding, Dr. O.
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