How to Treat a Leg Wound on Your Horse When No Vet Is Available

In some places, other antibiotic options are available. Find out what is for sale locally by asking at a feed store.

Supplies for Wrapping a Wound

Some wounds cannot be closed, and if no vet is available to suture a wound, it may need to be left open. Wrapping the wound correctly out on the trail can be really hard, depending on where the body was injured, but it is important to keep the dirt and dust out of your horse's wound as soon as it happens. If you are going to move your horse to a stall or dry lot and there is dust, this step is even more important.

• For a neck or body wound, just apply a square pad over the wound and use medical tape on all four sides to hold it down.
• For leg wounds, many of the articles and videos available on the internet recommend a heavy wrapping that is not practical in

•  many situations. In areas affected by screwworms, these bandages need to be removed twice a day to check for infestation. Vetrap, Elasticon, and roll cotton are not available everywhere, so if wrapping a knee, a cannon bone or an injury to the hock, a much lighter bandage can be used.

How to Wrap a Leg Wound on a Horse

1. Start above the wound—at least as high as the width or your roll gauze—as you should not be surprised if this slips later on.
2. Roll the bandage down the leg. Overlap about half of your gauze roll each time you go around.
3. When you get down to the level of the wound, apply your moist