How can I keep flies out of a wound?

[spotty_pony]

So my spotty boy is sound and doind really well - the cut which was originally the least of my worries as it is only a graze is still very yellow and oozy. I keep cleaning with hibiscrub twice per day and applying cream as per vets instructions but the flues seem attracted to it both in the stable and the field.. any ideas of a wound cream that I can use to keep the flies away?!

 

[Gloi]

Battles summer fly cream.

 

[Pinkvboots]

I would use the silver spray on it first then smother it with a fly barrier cream like mentioned above.

 

[Coblet230]

So my spotty boy is sound and doind really well - the cut which was originally the least of my worries as it is only a graze is still very yellow and oozy. I keep cleaning with hibiscrub twice per day and applying cream as per vets instructions but the flues seem attracted to it both in the stable and the field.. any ideas of a wound cream that I can use to keep the flies away?!

This may be a silly question but is the cut in a place where you can cover it up with a breathable dressing whilst out in the field and then wash and remove the dressing and apply a barrier cream (Vaseline/fly cream) when back in his stable (if he comes in at night of course) where there is perhaps a little more “protection” than when out in the field?
Faffy I know but this method helped my pony heal when he had an open wound on his leg quite recently.
I also put up some of those sticky fly catchers in his stable which filled up quite quickly

 

[xxcharlottexx]

Thick layer of sudocream?

 

[Carrottom]

I find that flamazine cream frequently applied keeps the flies off the wound. If they are on the cream they aren't on the horse.

 

[AmyMay]

Udder salve should help, provided it won’t ‘sting’ the area. It should help with healing too. Has your vet really recommended twice daily washing with hibiscrub?

 

[spotty_pony]

I would use the silver spray on it first then smother it with a fly barrier cream like mentioned above.

you see I would use my silver spray but vet said to keep it moist and that the spray will dry it out?! Surely that's a good thing?!

 

[spotty_pony]

Udder salve should help, provided it won’t ‘sting’ the area. It should help with healing too. Has your vet really recommended twice daily washing with hibiscrub?

not that bit no, I was doing that but only did it once today. Just so worries about it getting infected ?

 

[spotty_pony]

This may be a silly question but is the cut in a place where you can cover it up with a breathable dressing whilst out in the field and then wash and remove the dressing and apply a barrier cream (Vaseline/fly cream) when back in his stable (if he comes in at night of course) where there is perhaps a little more “protection” than when out in the field?
Faffy I know but this method helped my pony heal when he had an open wound on his leg quite recently.
I also put up some of those sticky fly catchers in his stable which filled up quite quickly

It's just above the knee at the front so not an easy place to bandage. Also I am not sure whether covering it would keep it warm and encourage infection but I guess I could use some sort of gauze?

 

[Ellietotz]

I use Lincoln Antibacterial Green Gel for cuts, keeps flies out and keeps it soft.

 

[Coblet230]

It's just above the knee at the front so not an easy place to bandage. Also I am not sure whether covering it would keep it warm and encourage infection but I guess I could use some sort of gauze?

Yes I understand, I put the cream on first then the gauze on top (only one thin sheet of gauze) so the cream still did it’s work but if you are really concerned regarding the heat or it’s too difficult an area would go with a very thick layer of barrier cream (sudocrem etc) as others have suggested,
and as carrottom has said, if the flies are on the cream they are not on your boy ?

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

Don't use Hibiscrub!!! It is ideal for the first day or 2 to make sure the wound is really, totally clean but after that it is too strong (even diluted down completely) and just aggrevates the wound and prevents it from healing as quickly. If it needs cleaned then warm salt water is best after day 2 of any wound!

 

[Wheels]

Aromesse Ultrasalve is fantastic for this type of thing, it's a waxy substance that stays in place and flies cant get through

 

[Coblover63]

I have had success in the past using a piece of clean cotton fabric and glueing it onto the hair around a wound using Copydex rubber-based glue. It holds well yet peels off easily and anything left can be rubbed off. Obviously you have to make sure you have enough margin for the glue to not touch the wound. The fabric prevents flies but is also breatheable

 

[wildwhippet]

this is a weird and wonderful suggestion, but what about putting the cream on and covering it with tubigrip?

 

[Pinkvboots]

you see I would use my silver spray but vet said to keep it moist and that the spray will dry it out?! Surely that's a good thing?!

I would have thought it needs to dry out as well! I wouldn't hibiscrub it now either I would just cold hose it twice a day.

 

[maisie06]

Battles summer fly cream.

This - Brilliant stuff

 

[Errin Paddywack]

When I have had sheep with maggots I have cleared the maggots out then smothered in Battles summer fly cream. Keeps the flies off and keeps the wound soft. Fantastic stuff, can't recommend it enough.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Another vote for summer fly cream. After my grey had her horse V fence incident and she was allowed out, all her cuts were slathered in it on the vet's advice. She was stained yellow for weeks, but it kept the flies off while everything healed.

 

[only_me]

Honey!

when Bill was attacked by sh1tland his massive wound was upper inner thigh so was unable to bandage. Also worried with flies at time - stuck on honey and weirdly no flies at all!!

 

[Lady Jane]

I would check with your vet if you should still be using Hibiscrub and if yes, make sure the dilution is appropriate. Also check whether wet or dry healing is recommended as that dictates whether covering with gauze/and/or cream is best

 

[PSD]

Udder cream or Vaseline

 

[asmp]

I use Lincoln Antibacterial Green Gel for cuts, keeps flies out and keeps it soft.

Same here

 

[Steerpike]

I'm treating a wound in a similar place at the moment, the flies managed to get through the silver spray I was using and also the honey heal cream, I have resorted to using honey with a small dressing over it, I'm hoping it will at least heal the hole in the middle of the wound to then be able to go back to the spray.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Honey heal cream is good stuff at aiding healing, but by its nature it is attractive to flies. I imagine that it's the same with any honey based cream or treatment.

 

[spotty_pony]

I'm treating a wound in a similar place at the moment, the flies managed to get through the silver spray I was using and also the honey heal cream, I have resorted to using honey with a small dressing over it, I'm hoping it will at least heal the hole in the middle of the wound to then be able to go back to the spray.

What sort of dressing are you using?

 

[Sussexbythesea]

I just slather anything like that in Sudocreme.

 

[twiggy2]

If the wound is bad enough the vet has been involved then you may be best to discuss any concerns with the vet as to what to put on the wound etc

 

[teddypops]

I would use a big dollop of sudocrem.