Wounds are a major part of clinical equine veterinary practice in the
UK and the range and extent of the injuries horses and ponies seem
to be able to inflict upon themselves, or sustain during the course of
their work, never ceases to amaze those that have to treat such
problems. The general principles of wound healing are now well
defined and can be applied to the horse, although specific equine
wound problems, such as over granulation of distal limb wounds,
are still poorly understood. Basic wound management protocols for
owners and attending veterinarians are based on these wound
healing principles and aim to encourage natural healing processes,
rather than supply a ‘magic silver bullet’ approach. Complicated
wounds, which by definition involve other structures, are common
and can be career or life threatening. Their management and
treatment can be difficult and expensive, but thorough and
methodical examination in the early stages of the problem can
highlight opportunities for aggressive and often effective treatment.
Many of these wound cases are presently referred for diagnosis and
treatment, however, with a methodical and logical approach these
wounds could be dealt with more effectively in general practice, or
earlier referral ensured. This course is designed to help veterinarians
to learn this approach and to give them confidence to take their own
cases further in diagnosis and treatment. This will be supplemented
with the very latest ideas on the treatment of a whole range of
wounds in the horse and pony. Delegates will be encouraged to
interact fully with tutors in the case based and open discussions. In
addition, there will be a tutor led, wet lab practical session. The
combined talents and practical experiences of a group of university-
based and practice equine clinicians, of great experience in this
field, along with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, will stimulate
delegates to assimilate knowledge on, and to discuss, these very
important clinical problems in the horse and pony.
Specific areas to be covered include:
• General principles of wound healing
• Basic techniques of wound management
• Dressings and bandages
• Management of excessive granulation tissue
• Basic suture techniques and skin grafting
• Complicated wound management in case based discussions to include synovial structure penetration, head and eyelid wounds, wounds involving bone/tendon/ligament/muscle and hoof, mouth wounds, penetrations into body cavities, and degloving injuries
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