07/09/2026
🐴Lacerations, What Every Horse Owner Should Know 🩺
Cuts and lacerations are one of the most common emergencies we see in horses. While some may look minor, even a small wound can involve important structures such as tendons, joints, ligaments, or tendon sheaths. Prompt treatment can make all the difference in your horse’s recovery.
If your horse gets a laceration:
•Stay calm and safely restrain your horse.
•Control bleeding with firm, clean pressure using gauze or a clean towel.
•If possible, gently rinse the wound with sterile saline or clean water to remove obvious dirt. Avoid aggressive scrubbing.
•Keep the wound as clean as possible and, if practical, cover it with a clean bandage while waiting for your veterinarian.
Call your veterinarian as soon as possible because, time matters!
Many lacerations can be sutured if treated promptly. Waiting too long increases the risk of infection, swelling, delayed healing, and may prevent the wound from being closed. Early treatment often means a better cosmetic outcome, a faster recovery, and fewer long-term complications.
💉 Don’t forget that wounds are also a good time to ensure your horse’s tetanus vaccination is up to date.
When in doubt, it’s always better to have a wound evaluated. What appears to be “just a cut” can sometimes become a much larger problem if left untreated.
At Beguin Veterinary Service, we’re here to help keep your horses healthy and sound. If your horse suffers a laceration, don’t wait, give us a call so we can determine the best course of treatment.
