Small Puncture Wounds?

[chester1234]

P has a few small, close together puncture wounds [fresh] on his near* hind, just where his gaskin [I think it is, thin bit of skin between hing leg and barrel] is. They're swollen like big fly bites [probably 1-2cm in diameter, not excessively prominent though.]

Not sure what to do - I've cleaned them and purple sprayed them [copious amt's], gone through vet kit, we're out of wound hydrogel, only things we have are hydrogen chloride, epsom salts, a cream for abnormal cells [from when 12.2 had sarcoid], purple spray, witch hazel, and tcp or hibiscrub.

 

[mtj]

someone more knowledgeable please correct following if I've got it wrong.

if its a puncture wound do not put any ointments/sprays on. These can cause more harm.

the wounds need to be cleaned with saline solution.

how close together are the wounds?

 

[chester1234]

There in a small area, between 1 & 2 cm apart, so quite localised.

 

[mtj]

do you think he has rolled on something?

 

[Birker2020]

If you are sure there are no foreign bodies under the skin then just hibiscrub and dry. I know this isn't the case with you but for reference you should always get the vet out for a puncture wound near a joint. These type of injuries are often more dangerous than a large gash as they attract bacteria which multiply like mad.

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

Is he up to date with his tetanus jabs? Tetanus thrives in the anaerobic conditions you get in puncture wounds that don't bleed.

 

[Birker2020]

Thank you BOF. The word I was looking for was anerobic, I didn't explain it very well! I have seen horses with their chests ripped open and their skin hanging by their knees, but apparently this kind of injury is a lot easier and a more sucessful outcome than a small puncture wound round a joint or any other area for that matter. If there a lots of little holes
as the OP describes I wonder if someone has taken a pot shot at the horse with an air pellet gun???

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

Holey moley applecart! Shotgun pellet never entered my mind but you're absolutely right - in this day and age it could easily be that

 

[Birker2020]

Yes I'm afraid these things happen. Many years ago I had a horse on loan, a Knabstrup if I remember correctly (very unusual breed) and her owner had her xrays for various small puncture wounds and she was riddled with airgun pellets, which is why it has always stuck in my mind and I've never forgotten it!

P.S Did you used to watch Batman and Robin in the 70's by anychance??? Holey Moley reminds me of Holy Cow which Batman always used to say to Robin!!

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

I was born before the dinsoaurs roamed the earth applecart lol! Yes - used to watch batman and robin - have to be strict with myself on the Forum and say "holy moly" and not "holy batmobiles" which is one of the favourite chez moi when things go wrong (though I do have some other Anglo Saxon in reserve)!!! Keep it to yourself though

 

[alwaysbroke]

Dont like puncute wounds. I keep a small syringe (available at the chemist for measuring childrens medicines) and irrigate wound with cooled boiled water, either with a small amount of Hibiscrub, Iodine solution, or saline solution. You can usaully tell how deep the wound is when you squirt the solution in. I then decide if I need the vet.

Had a horse many years ago that was shot in the back leg with an air gun, the pellet was never removed as the vets at the time (pre ice age!!) thought it would cause less problems being left where it was.

 

[PapaFrita]

I, personally, would sloush (is that even a word?) the wound out using a syringe and some dilute peroxide for a couple of days and then do the same but with a 'weak tea' solution of pevidone. If there is any sign of inflammation, you really must get a vet out ASAP. I do hope it's nothing serious and especially not a shotgun pellet