Debbie Archer BVMS PhD CertES DipECVS MRCVS Liverpool University Vet School

Richard Coomer MA VetMB CertES DipECVS MRCVS Cotts Farm Equine Clinic, Pembs

Graham Munroe BVSc PhD CertEO DESM DipECVS FRCVS Berwickshire, Scotland

Henry Tremain BVetMed MPhil CertES DipECVS MRCVS Bristol University Vet School

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 many could be dealt with more effectively in general practice, or alternatively 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 lead, 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