splinter

[lovecharles]

hiya,

my horse got a splinter in his neck. we pulled it out, bathed, iodine, fly repllent. He had a big swelling, but now it's gone down. however, a bit of pus coming out, so bathed and iodined again. looks better, just worried if there is still wood in there. will it work it's way out or should i give the vet a bell?

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

If there's any foreign matter still in there hun the horse's body may form a little capsule round it in which case it needs no more treatment unless it is in the way of tack, rugs etc. But if the splinter has caused a deep infection, the wound site won't heal properly and may swell alarmingly. Be careful because a really nasty localised infection can sometimes escape into the bloodstream and then your horse would be a lot sicker with a high temperature etc etc etc. Is he up to date with his tetanus jabs? That's a real concern as the tetanus bug likes deep puncture wounds.

 

[kellyeaton]

call vet just in case it has got infected!

 

[lovecharles]

hiya, there was a HUGE swelling, but his almost totally gone down, except a little lump. There is no more pus, he is fine in himself, doesn't seem to be sore when touched. i'll give a few more days. thank you for all help.

 

[Tnavas]

Having just had a very swollen painful infected finger from a very tiny rose thorn - abscess was about 2cm long and 1cm wide - I'd say have the vet check it over and give antibiotics and anti tetenus.

Keep the wound open and draining.