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Discussion on First aid Advice for Puncture Wound inside Rear Leg
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Angie
Member
Username: Ajudson1
Post Number: 765
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, Sep 21, 2006 - 4:52 pm: |   |
DrO.,
I was out enjoying a beautiful fall ride in the woods only to have Cody shoot out and up like a rocket suddenly.
I dismounted and saw bleeding, put a wad of kleenex on it, and walked slowly home, 1.5 miles I am guessing.
Slight bleeding the whole time, thought some prickly weeds, or raspberry bushes gouged him.
After hosing it off and checking with a flash light, here's what I found:
A deep, 2" at least, puncture wound inside his left rear leg. If you look at his flank, go straight down, then looking underneath, it is mid way between the flank and his sheath. Right in the crease. Must have been a freaky thing with a branch jabbing him from a downed tree.
(I am a little shook up yet, can't think of one body part!)
I gave him 3 CC of Tetanous. And stuck NFZ in the wound as best I could.
This was after a conversation with my farrier who I called for immediate advice.
Questions: Is he better off outside or in his stall? He's really stiff now, about 2 hours later. I worry the other horses will knock him right down, he doesn't seem to be doing too well on 3 legs right now.
Should I give him Penicillin today, or as my farrier said, what and see how the wound looks tomorrow.
He suggested 2 shots of 20 cc each in each hind qtr., 2 days, followed by 1 shot daily for another 2 days, if the wound looked infected.
Are there any specific concerns regarding a puncture wound in this area? Any close internal organs, long term muscle damage?
The wound looked like it was clotting, and when I got a glance up in it, well, it looked awful to my eye of course, but I didn't see anything foreign, looked red is all....probably looking at muscle tissue?
Should I take a turkey baster and shoot some Betadine solution in it as per the puncture wound article?
And of course rinse it good twice a day, and re apply antibiotic?
Thanks,
My sweet Cody: why do these things happen to your best horse always? |
Ann Schrichte
Member
Username: Annes
Post Number: 158
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, Sep 21, 2006 - 6:35 pm: | |
Angie, I would definitely keep him away from the other horses and I think a small paddock by himself to provide a little exercise would be good. By all means flush with the betadine mixture at least 2x a day and make sure you don't have any swelling or signs of infection. If it were me I would get my vet to examine it. I hope Cody has a speedy recovery. |
Angie
Member
Username: Ajudson1
Post Number: 766
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, Sep 21, 2006 - 8:02 pm: | |
Thanks Ann,
I have him in with the oldest mare for company as the 2 young ones were wanting to play.
Looking at it again, it appears to be about 1.5" by 1" at the mouth of the opening. So looks bigger than I thought at first. But I still think at least 2" deep.
And more in the inner thigh than the crease...I'll try to get a picture tomorrow, seems my mind is a little on the fritz right now and don't trust my memory.
Still a little bit of draining going on, his tail is red at the end of it, his leg wet, but not gushing blood so I am not too concerned about that part of it.
He's grazing/eating hay, just not putting weight on that leg. Warm around his flank and haunch area. Feet are cool, my other concern.
Happy to see me if I don't poke around too much!!
If I think our large animal vet has anything to offer that I can't do myself, or purchase myself, I will call her. But I haven't had positive experiences with her and horses.
Now if DrO would only respond so I can get a better nights sleep......just ease my mind Doc? |
Angie
Member
Username: Ajudson1
Post Number: 770
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, Sep 21, 2006 - 9:28 pm: | |
DrO,
Just got done reading about Splodge under Badly cut Foal, wondering about some of the treatments....Do I need anything besides water, antibiotic ointment? Something besides straight penicillin if I start that?
If I don't have vet out tomorrow, I will see her this weekend at Equifest and would like to be knowledgeable as far as options for treatments go.
No more questions tonight, promise!!!!
And thanks much. |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro
Post Number: 16698
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Friday, Sep 22, 2006 - 6:50 am: | |
Good Morning Angie,
This is a common horse injury and I agree that the occurred from a stick jabbing up into the inguinal area. In some of these wounds pieces break off and is left trapped up in the wound so the horse needs a thorough exam of the deepest parts of this wound. My guess is this will require sedation and possibly light surgery to insure adequate exploration and drainage.
Besides the first aid for wound care which you will find at Diseases of Horses » Skin Diseases » Wounds / Burns » Wounds: First Aid Care your questions about antibiotics are covered at Diseases of Horses » Skin Diseases » Wounds / Burns » Long Term Deep Wound Care.
DrO
PS Angie, you should not look upon this site as a replacement for emergency veterinary care when there are situations that you are unsure of. We provide extensive articles on first aid and emergency therapy that you can access without waiting for a reply and these may help you. But if the situation requires emergency consultation, you should always call your veterinarian. |
Angie
Member
Username: Ajudson1
Post Number: 771
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Friday, Sep 22, 2006 - 7:36 am: | |
Thanks DrO,
As soon as it is light out, I will see what the wound looks like this morning after water treatment.
I was not thinking emergency treatment, but wanted to clarify that I am doing what needs to be done at this time. (to me, emergency means lots of gushing blood, broken bones, shock,)
Slept better than I thought I would, so thinking more clearly now.
Have the printed articles from the above subjects. |
Linda S.
Member
Username: Banthony
Post Number: 161
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Friday, Sep 22, 2006 - 8:41 am: | |
Angie,
My horse came in from the pasture with a similar wound many years ago. I had the vet out and she explored it but couldn't find anything left in it. I did a round of antibiotics, bute, and flushing and it closed over.
But it started abscessing every 3-6 months for the next 2 years! It was probed, ultrasounded, etc. but nothing was ever found. The vets wanted me to call them just before it burst so they could follow the tract, but for one reason or another that never happened.
Finally after 2 years it resolved on its own. Either the foreign body finally came out or was walled off by scar tissue so not to trigger an immune response.
I would definitely recommend a veterinary exam. |
Corinne Meadows
Member
Username: Corinne
Post Number: 551
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Friday, Sep 22, 2006 - 10:45 am: | |
Angie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Cody! Good luck with the wound care. I meant to write and tell you after this all happened but I got caught up with school work. Hope he heals well soon with no complications!
Hugs!
Corinne |
Angie
Member
Username: Ajudson1
Post Number: 772
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Friday, Sep 22, 2006 - 11:33 am: | |
Thanks Linda and Corinne.
Waiting for the vet to return my call, have left 2 messages.
Not sure how well I did with the water getting in there, but don't think I would enjoy water hitting it either with a wound like that.
Cody is really, really hurting, but his attitude is good. Standing lightly on that leg, but not wanting to walk. Some shaking in just that area, not his whole body at this time.
I am concerend about the depth of the wound, I used a 20cc syringe to put a Betadine solution in the wound, and the syringe went all the way in!!!
Can anyone tell me about possible long term muscle damage?
DR.O,
The penicillin I have is called Twin Pen, says about use for cattle, but nothing about horses. If my vet don't get back to me, and I feel the need to use Penicillin, would that be acceptable, and at what dose...20cc in each back leg as my farrier suggested?
Will post again if vet shows up. |
Corinne Meadows
Member
Username: Corinne
Post Number: 553
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Friday, Sep 22, 2006 - 11:59 am: | |
Angie,
With the shaking....what is his temp? Is he still hydrated and urinating normally? Are his mucous membranes ie...gums pink and moist?
Corinne |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro
Post Number: 16703
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Friday, Sep 22, 2006 - 1:02 pm: | |
Though there are many products that are perfectly acceptable in either animal, I cannot really comment on a product that I cannot examine. We do have information on the different forms of penicillin available and you may find more pertinent information here: Treatments and Medications for Horses » Antibiotics and Antimicrobials » Penicillin.
Permanent muscle damage is unlikely from the wound you describe unless it becomes complicated by serious infection.
DrO |
Linda S.
Member
Username: Banthony
Post Number: 164
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Friday, Sep 22, 2006 - 2:32 pm: | |
Angie - are you giving him anything for pain and inflammation? Bute? |
Angie
Member
Username: Ajudson1
Post Number: 774
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Friday, Sep 22, 2006 - 4:26 pm: | |
To clarify, Cody was only a little shaky in the area of his flank. Vitals were fine this morning, drinking and urinated good. Will check all this evening.
Have not heard back from the vet, I do know that I will see 2 vets tomorrow at Equifest; one I've used before who comes for 90 minutes away, and another I haven't met from about 400 miles away that is working with my equine dentist who will be here. At least I think he will be with the dentist, I hope so as this vet is totally EQUINE, and has 20 years experience. If I have to beg, bribe or whatever it takes, I'll see if he can make time after Equifest to come out if no one else will respond!!!
DrO,
The Twin Pen bottle says:
Each ML contains 150,000 units penicillin G benzathine,
and 150,000 units of penicillin G procaine
with small amounts of preservatives and other stuff.
It says it's good for Bacterial Pneumonia, Upper Respiratory infections and Blackleg...for cattle.
I did order this from a horse catalog!
I don't feel real comfortable giving that as I worry about bad reactions I can't respond to correctly.
Would you recommend Bute as this time? I do have some tablets left and have success giving them ground up in molasses using an empty wormer tube.
A little off subject but something that I am curious about:
I have always thought Bute was like ibuprofen, works on swelling and pain.
My husband learned from medical personal at work, that ibuprofen should never be given the first 24 hours after an injury as it interferes with the swelling. It prevents the swelling, which in turn slows down the healing.
I guess after 24 hours it's o.k. to use.
Any comments on this and Bute in horses?
I did not give Bute yet for that reason but think I will now. |
Angie
Member
Username: Ajudson1
Post Number: 775
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Friday, Sep 22, 2006 - 4:29 pm: | |
And DrO, thanks for the encouraging words on the muscle damage. I guess I can be thankful that it was only muscles that were punctured, not any thing important like his heart, kidneys, etc. |
Dawson
Member
Username: Dawson
Post Number: 34
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Friday, Sep 22, 2006 - 6:00 pm: | |
Angie; I agree if you are not sure of what you are giving or how Cody will react I'd wait for the Vet. If his vitals are good, he eats, drinks, his gums are pink and the plumbing is working he sounds in good shape, and not overly uncomfortable.
As far as Bute, I use it as my second choice because it can tough on the stomach. Banamine eases discomfort and helps with swelling.
BUT.... if you have not given Cody either of these before a reaction is possible, I'd keep dialing... for a vet. It's hard not to worry at times like these hang in there. |
Catherine McCourt
Member
Username: Kstud
Post Number: 73
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Friday, Sep 22, 2006 - 7:04 pm: | |
Hi Angie, poor Cody, that is such a sore wound. I see that you read my mail on Splodge, even though I am a vet myself, when I heard about Splodge's injuries I got my husband to call another vet straight away as I would not be home for 4 or 5 hours. I guess what I am saying is that it is vital to have a vet look at any wound that is dirty or deep to ensure that it is cleaned out properly and as soon as possible after the injury. At least you do not have to worry then about there being anything left in the wound. It sounds like this is difficult where you are, but without at least sedating the horse I cannot see how the wound can be properly evaluated. If Cody has been given Penicillin before then the Penicillin you have is fine and should not cause a reaction. Without knowing his weight it is not possible to recommend a dose but 40mls would be a very large dose.
With the amount of pain you mention I really think Cody should be examined by a vet but in the meantime if he is getting sick or sorer then you should probably give the Penicillin (using new needle, clean syringe and deep intramuscular site). My fear with puncture wounds is anaerobic bacteria and I often flush the wound once with Hydrogen Peroxide, the 6% then diluted one in three with sterile water. I know that in some quarters this is not favoured but in deep puncture wounds it can flush out a lot of debris. I would follow this with DR O's pressurised water . |
Angie
Member
Username: Ajudson1
Post Number: 776
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Friday, Sep 22, 2006 - 8:56 pm: | |
Catherine,
Hi, Ya, I read about Splodge and found it encouraging, heart breaking and informative...all at the same time. Glad he's doing better, what an ordeal, huh? Most people would have put him down I bet.
I did finally talk to 2 different vets, both within an hour of each other. Seems both were having days filled with emergencies, and my regular vet only got "missed calls" on her cell, no messages.
So it don't appear anyone can look into the wound much now as it is closing up already. I can see a difference from this morning, don't know if it's healing or swelling or both?
Cody was a little less perky, but still eating. My husband helped with the water and I feel we got a good amount of flushing done.
Per vets instructions Cody got flushed, Betadine shot into wound again, the Penicillin, 2 shots of 20cc, (he's about 1500 lbs, measured the more accurate way of taking the heart girth, length, and using some formula) 2 tabs of Bute. And temp taken....101 just barely at that mark.
I'll check again before bed to see if he drank, he emptied 2 buckets at noon, but no pee, just manure.
I have arranged to meet my regular vet on a dairy farm tomorrow afternoon and get another bottle of Bute Pills from her, and 2 cans of some powder antibiotic so I can stop with the shots....I don't like giving penicillin...so much to put into the horse!
I am praying there is nothing left inside the wound, and hope fully Cody will eat whatever the powder antibiotic is! I have molasses fingers from the Bute mixture.....Poor Cody, getting things stuck in him every where.
He's my "squealing, bucker"...we always laugh cuz he sounds like a girl!! And he has such a distinct paw, buck, squeal routine! It's tough to see him barely moving.
Thanks everyone for your help. |
Holly Wood
Member
Username: Hwood
Post Number: 1466
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Friday, Sep 22, 2006 - 9:33 pm: | |
Hey, Angie,
The powder is probably Tucoprim . . . Like Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim, but our vet here told us today that it is tougher on the stomach . . . so if Cody starts with diarrhea with the Tucoprim, you can try a couple TBLS of yogurt. Also, usually, you can double up on the Bute for the first loading dose . . . then give one, twice a day for the second day, then give one a day . . . per our vet's recommendations. Hope you see some improvement soon . . . Today might be the most sore day for him . . . and at least you have some other options for a vet now.
Look forward to hearing good news. |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro
Post Number: 16705
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Saturday, Sep 23, 2006 - 7:59 am: | |
We regularly use ibuprofen or naproxen on our own injuries when they occur. If there is an adverse effect on the outcome of healing I am unaware of it.
It sounds like this wound is much deeper than originally thought. It sounds like you have the antibiotic and bute issue covered but I sure would like to see that wound examined thoroughly while the horse is under sedation.
DrO |
Angie
Member
Username: Ajudson1
Post Number: 777
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, Sep 23, 2006 - 8:31 am: | |
DrO,
I agree. I checked Cody about 11 last night, and I didn't like what I saw: Swelling worse down the leg, and I thought the wound itself looked worse. Light drainage doing on, but of course the Bedatine solution is draining out too.
I felt heat in all of his feet, but he was standing like before, didn't seem more uncomfortable. I didn't think the digital pulse was any different though.
He's still eating and all, eyes look good.
Vet will be doing surgery on a cow nearby at 3 she hopes, so I will see it I can connect with her this morning and ask her to come here after and check the wound better.
I assume this can be done at home, under sedation?
Will it involve cutting into the area more?
We don't own a trailer, and the other clinic isn't keen on sending vets out on call, but it is an option.
Is it too soon to be expecting improvement in the lameness from pain, and the swelling to be subsiding? The accident happened about 1:45 Thursday afternoon. I think it got worse, not better the first 24 hours.
Holly,
I was just discussing the yogurt with Brian as we were having some with our oatmeal; thanks for the reminder, I planned on looking for that info on here as I recall it being discussed.
Off to torment poor Cody some more...wish me luck. |
Lilo
Member
Username: Lilo
Post Number: 303
Registered: 4-2000
| | Posted on Saturday, Sep 23, 2006 - 9:08 am: | |
Good luck with Cody! You have a tough situation, not having Vets nearby. Makes me feel grateful - having a Vet who will do emergency calls, and a Veterinary Hospital about a 40 minute trailer ride away.
Best wishes for a complete recovery,
Lilo |
Catherine McCourt
Member
Username: Kstud
Post Number: 74
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, Sep 23, 2006 - 1:51 pm: | |
Hi Angie, I don't think it is good at all that the wound is closing. I think Cody needs to be sedated and the wound opened right up and explored then flushed out and left open to drain. Closing too soon is the biggest problem with puncture wounds and you could get septicaemia or worse. Think you will have to stamp your feet a bit here and insist a vet comes out. Hang on there Angie, it is so horrible when everything is going badly but I am sure he will be fine after.
Catherine |
Angie
Member
Username: Ajudson1
Post Number: 778
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, Sep 23, 2006 - 4:07 pm: | |
Lilo, thanks.
Catherine,
I do have vet coming later today, or early this evening. I suspect it will be later than sooner. And yes, I am going to insist on sedation and the wound be looked at, and flushed thoroughly. It's in a really bad spot to see much of anything, and that's with my head on the ground looking up and a flashlight in my free hand.
Cody was feeling sassy this morning, and the flushing did not go well. We have done it in another stall, (porous flooring, and old hay to absorb the water, not as bad as you might be thinking) as it's been raining here. I think we only got water in him, or near the wound, for 5 minutes.
I did though feel the wound when using the syringe to put the Betadine solution in him...again the tube almost got lost in him! Felt "solid" as far as my fingers went in. Not "raw" I guess is what I am saying.
He was happy to go out in the round pen and graze for an hour, then just as happy to come in as the flies were horrible. Now he's out again, and it's nice to see him moving a little bit better. Eyes still bright, attitude good. But I know that don't guarantee there is nothing inside the wound yet that can still make trouble.
I do see thickening under his stomach on that side and the outer and inner thigh which is what I am worried about. I am sure some swelling is normal, but not sure how far it should be spreading. And I can't say how much is right around the actual hole.
If my vet doesn't do anything,(and once she's here, I am sure she'll do a thorough examination) I have the names and numbers of 2 who are here this weekend for Equifest...both volunteered to help me out if I needed them!! One from WI, one from Lower MI, so I feel much better knowing that.
The one may retire here, so I want to stay in contact with that one for sure.
I'll let you know after the vet leaves what's what. |
Corinne Meadows
Member
Username: Corinne
Post Number: 556
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, Sep 23, 2006 - 4:59 pm: | |
Oh Angie...still praying for you and Cody and hopefully the vet will make it out to be able to explore. Sending good energy and prayers your way!
Don't forget to breath if you must put your foot down! It will allow you to stay rational!
Hugs via internet for your boy.
Take care,
Corinne |
Angie
Member
Username: Ajudson1
Post Number: 779
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, Sep 23, 2006 - 7:52 pm: | |
Hey Corinne, I think your healing thoughts helped, as did everyone elses...your email made my smile!
Here's what the vet did:
Sedated Cody, but left him standing. Pulled about 4-5 b.b. sized pieces of bark/wood out of the wound. Very Stinky Pieces!!!
Flushed the wound very well with water, and then pushed 3 syringes of Betadine solution through the wound.
One IV of Banamine.
Gave him 2 more shots of Penicillin, 20cc. each, (nice, I don't have to do that anymore)
She also thought the dose was a little high, but did that amount...interesting.
Left a bottle of Bute tabs with me, to be given at my descrection.
Left me with 2 cans of Tucoprin(?)
Dose: 2 scoops 2x daily for up to 14 days. Can go less if wound doesn't "smell or look bad".
After she left, I checked the wound myself while Cody was sleepy yet.
I could stick 3 of my fingers up in the area, and by pushing hard against his skin where it hit my thumb and little finger area, I felt the end of the puncture, barely. So we are talking 5" to 6" deep, and the shape as if a spear went in, ya know, 3 or 4 sided point? And 3 fingers wide.
Probably a NO, NO, but I did that bare handed so I could feel around good. I did not feel anything except smooth muscle (I presume) felt like it was healing.
I also cleaned his sheath the while he was so nice and relaxed...how rude of me, huh? He has a hard tumor like thing the size of a large jelly bean, but it's inside, so looks like I have something else to watch. Forgot to ask vet about it. Darn.
DR.O,
If I have trouble rinsing the wound with water, at this point, and just get the Betadine in there, how bad would that be? I would like to do 3 syringes of Betadine 2x daily....and that's asking him to tolerate a lot. (tomorrow I will rinse him outside, may do better than inside)
Anything you would suggest different?
I feel pretty good with the way Cody is acting and the wound cleaning.
So knocking on wood here, saying lots of little prayers. |
Angie
Member
Username: Ajudson1
Post Number: 781
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, Sep 23, 2006 - 9:23 pm: | |
What is Tucoprin? I don't see it listed here, did a search here and googled. |
Wiley G Gillmor
Member
Username: Wgillmor
Post Number: 35
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, Sep 23, 2006 - 9:46 pm: | |
Angie,
Tucoprim. A brand name for a combination of Trimethoprim and Sulfadiazine. Our vet swears it is more palatable than the usual sulfa drugs, but that is not my experience.
http://www.pfizerah.com/product_overview.asp?drug=TU&country=US&lang=EN&species= EQ
Wiley |
Holly Wood
Member
Username: Hwood
Post Number: 1468
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, Sep 23, 2006 - 10:13 pm: | |
Wo very wonderful to hear the news about your Cody. Ahhh . . . sleep well tonight.
Ditto to Wiley, Angie. I have used Tucoprim on at least two occasions, and have not had digestive upsets with it, but our vet here told us that it causes irritation in some horses . . . diarrhea. It's supposedly easier to administer in feed than are the Sulfamethoxazole tabs . . . but the tabs dissolve so easily in water, and are quite palatable in the horses I've had to dose with them. |
Corinne Meadows
Member
Username: Corinne
Post Number: 557
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, Sep 23, 2006 - 10:16 pm: | |
So good to hear Angie that the vet was able to do some exploring and found some bits of sticks that needed to be removed.
For what it's worth, I know he will do just fine. I feel it in my heart. Anyway, I hear you and Brian (did I get your husband's name right?) might make it out in Oct or Nov (well to KS anyway). Herb and I and the dogs would love to come up and to meet you all and then you can exchange pics of a very healthy Cody romping around the turnout!
So tell Cody he better get well so he can pose for the camera.
Continue to keep us updated.
God Bless,
Corinne |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro
Post Number: 16707
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Sunday, Sep 24, 2006 - 9:00 am: | |
Those BB size contaminants would have kept the wound from healing properly for weeks or worse, may have set up infection that spread to surrounding healthy tissues.
The water under pressure will flush the exudate and bacteria out while keeping the wound open so that it can heal from the inside out. It is most important over the next 3 days to remove any contamination and give a chance for granulation tissue to form. For more on your antibiotic see, Treatments and Medications for Horses » Antibiotics and Antimicrobials » Trimethoprim -Sulfa.
DrO |
Angie
Member
Username: Ajudson1
Post Number: 783
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, Sep 24, 2006 - 2:32 pm: | |
DrO and Wiley,
Thanks for info on Tucoprim, I guess I could have just read the label. Feeling sheepish here.
Here's the good and not so good update:
GOOD: Cody is walking better on leg, barely dragging the heel now. He ate the med mixed in sweet feed with applesauce and molasses. 2 scoops seemed like a lot, and the can sure don't hold much!
We were able to flush the wound at close range for a good amount time...YA HOO!!
Got the syringe in him and flushed him good with Betadine solutine, and also was able to feel around in the wound again with my fingers....there is for sure one spot that is more tender than the rest and is the deepest part. (amazing what a bucket of grain does to take their mind off of what else is being done to them)
Gave him Bute again from empty worming tube, that was actually what he gave us the most trouble with!! I am going to try that in grain also, but not with the antibiotic in case he don't eat it.
Not so Good News: The stuff that drained over night looked yucky, so there is still something bothering inside I think.
The swelling under his stomach is like grapefruit sized. The vet said that was just how the wound was draining(?)
Need I do anything special with that, or will exercise and time take care of that? He is out grazing, has the whole pasture to himself, much to the dismay of the rest of the herd.
I was in the barn last night at 1 a.m. to give him hay as by then the tranq had worn off completely. He was "talking" a blue streak then, lol!!!
Thankfully Brian is on his long weekend and able to help until he goes to work, which is 10 Wed night. So Thursday morning I will be on my own; hopefully Cody will be done with any signs of infection in there by then. |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro
Post Number: 16712
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Sunday, Sep 24, 2006 - 4:51 pm: | |
For the first 24 hours I would not be too concerned with yucky but lets watch to see if the drainage improves, though your yucky might be OK to me. Yes the swelling at the stomach is edema, you might try a little massage on that. Infection will not resolve completely till the wound completely heals but as long as the wound is healing and it can drain all will be well.
DrO |
Angie
Member
Username: Ajudson1
Post Number: 785
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Monday, Sep 25, 2006 - 6:58 pm: | |
DAY 4 UPDATE:
As far as I can tell, things are progressing good. Cody even trotted a few strides yesterday when he saw me with the halter, but he decided that wasn't the thing to do (ouch) and just walked away instead!
He's being an ANGEL; stands in the cross ties (they are not actually tied, but he don't know that) the while I flush his wound. And he's eating both the antibiotic and the Bute in his grain with lots of molasses and applesauce.
And my vet called to see how he was, another small miracle and she thought things sounded good. Just be glad when the swelling under his stomach goes down also as she said he has to stay on the antibiotics til that is gone.
I think I will just give Bute in the evening grain before he is stalled for the night and none in the morning, don't what him too frisky, do we on pasture?
My husband said if we ever build another barn in our life time, he will either put a wash area in, or slope the cement in the aisle....never planned on so much water in the barn! |
Angie
Member
Username: Ajudson1
Post Number: 786
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Monday, Sep 25, 2006 - 9:29 pm: | |
Updated too soon:
Tonight I got pieces of wood/bark out of the wound. There is another piece in there but I was not able to get it out, Cody was getting nasty and he's never done that before so I didn't push my luck. Was working alone, will try again tomorrow.
At least the pieces were loose, not embedded, so they are working their way out. (I hope) |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro
Post Number: 16719
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Tuesday, Sep 26, 2006 - 7:21 am: | |
Considering what a difficult place this is to work in, if the wound is contaminated with dozens of small pieces of wood this may take a while. If there is a reason to believe there are still pieces lodged up in the wound, I would consider a short term anesthetic episode to turn the horse over so that a better attempt at cleaning the wound can be made.
DrO |
Angie
Member
Username: Ajudson1
Post Number: 789
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, Sep 26, 2006 - 5:19 pm: | |
DrO,
Vet will come Thursday noon. She said she may cut the skin so that she can get in the wound better. I guess she got all 4 of her fingers in there Sat night, I can only get 3 in and know I am not reaching the end of the wound as well as I would like.
She does NOT want to lay him down as she feels the wound will not drain as well. And will NOT sew up the cut if she makes one, thus keeping the wound open longer I guess.
I'd like to see him laid out also, and a good light held near the wound, the while we hold it open and dig into things.
More discharge than normal this morning. But Cody seems even better than yesterday, only see lameness when he extends that hind leg back and he hesitates a moment before bringing it forward in his stride.
We went and found the killer tree limb that did the damage. I hope to take a picture of it, and will try to uploade it here. I know it's the right limb, there is grey hair on the end of it!!!
Maybe Thursday before sedation wears off I can get a picture of the wound also. If nothing else for MY "vet career" file, grin. |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro
Post Number: 16725
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Tuesday, Sep 26, 2006 - 10:26 pm: | |
Everyone agrees no sutures but she does not feel she can get a better view with the horse unconscious, upside down, and with the legs spread wide?
DrO |
Angie
Member
Username: Ajudson1
Post Number: 790
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, Sep 27, 2006 - 6:30 am: | |
DrO:
those are my thoughts also. But maybe she is thinking right, that we wouldn't be able to really see inside the wound anyhow? And it will be cleaned based on what one feels? I did ask Sat night about using something to see in there, and she doesn't own anything special for that.
A Question:
Does the amount of, or lack of, lameness, have any indication whether or not there may still be bark/wood in the wound? Cody is moving better daily, and he's full of pep, bright eyed and bushy tailed!
They discharge from the wound was a larger quantity yesterday a.m. and p.m., but with the Betadine being pumped in there, hard to tell if it's anything | |
