Bacteria in wound

[Louisejw]

Does anyone know how long it takes for a wound to become infected once bacteria gets in i.e. if your horse cut itself first thing in the morning when turned out, when you get your horse back in and notice the cut and clean it could infection already have set it?

I have a horse with a bad cut and got antibiotics for her but you can't do that for every horse that cuts itself so what can you do to prevent infection other than cleaning every day and putting a barrier cream on?

Thank you

 

[be positive]

By the time you find most wounds there will be a possibility of infection, bugs will get into almost any injury, it is how you manage them and assessing each injury that is important. A puncture wound, especially one near a joint needs to be treated with extreme caution and usually by a vet, an open wound that may look impressive may be easier to keep clean and infection free.

I always hose really thoroughly, put a poultice on for a day or two and monitor for signs of infection, unless as above it is deep or on a joint, most will heal well without needing anti biotics, a poultice will draw out small amounts of infection, you can then leave them open to finish healing.

Learning to assess injuries is down to experience, if in doubt it is always best to get the vet.

 

[happy_talk]

ditto be positive - assessing wounds and how to do deal with them comes with experience.

The skin is an amazing organ that with the help of the body can clean itself and heal over any wounds. No animal would survive without this tried and tested method! However, if a wound is deep and dirt/bacteria are able to get in, and more importantly, the body can't flush them out again, an infection will occur and antibiotics maybe needed, as well as help from you.
Most wounds that occur will almost immediately be "infected" - in that bacteria and other nasties will be present. We can't watch over our animals for every minute of the day, but we can check them over carefully (at least) daily. Superficial (just the surface) grazes can be washed out and an antibacterial/microbial cream applied. Anything deeper (especially near joints) you should seek advice about from your vet.
And anything wounds that you do find and treat, keep a close eye on them to make sure they are healing. Be aware of swelling and heat near the wound. A small scratch or scab can easily turn into cellulitis (infection in the tissues) that needs veterinary treatment as soon as possible.