My horse's leg wound won't heal after stitches. Should I cast or wrap?

I recommend wrapping the leg to keep it clean and prevent her from licking it. While honey promotes healing and I do use it in some of my wounds, I would advise you to also consult the veterinarian that initially treated Holly.

It does look OK overall but the part that’s not healing is due to proud flesh growth (excessive granulation tissue). Usually the proud flesh needs to be trimmed off to get it to heal and the vet can give you something to put on it to keep the proud flesh down until it heals completely. So, I suggest a vet take a look at it. ( https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&catId=102907&id=4952518 )

Hello there. Unfortunately, Lottie's foot lesion appears to have some necrotic (dead) tissue that is likely going to prevent it from healing. Since it has been open so long, it's unlikely that stitches could be put in safely without a drain as there is probably too much bacteria and debris inside to close it up without causing an abscess. I highly recommend contacting a large animal or equine vet to come take a look at it as it may need to be debrided under anesthesia (the necrotic tissue may need to be removed in order for it to heal well). This is very important for your horse's health. I'm glad that you've been cleaning it with iodine, but with how deep the cut is, I also worry about bacteria deep inside the wound that could potentially cause septicemia (an infection of the blood), which could be deadly. Good luck, and I hope that Lottie's foot gets better soon!

Ouch! In some cases where wounds are on areas that can't be closed by suturing or are constantly being agitated, keeping the wound covered to prevent increasing infection/debris from entering the wound may be needed. I've seen success with using manuka honey for treating large infected wounds and increasing healing, (usually with bandage changes every 12-24 hours) as well as using hydrocolloid bandages that protect the area by acting as a sort of skin barrier, allowing the wound to breathe but continue to heal/allow for new tissue growth underneath without allowing debris into it. There is also progress being made with using fish-skin bandages to create another fake skin barrier and allow healing underneath. If you're not currently, I'd recommend speaking with a veterinary dermatologist who can better instruct you in these procedures and monitor progress over time.

Usually these wounds are best managed with a "wet to dry" bandage method. This is a process where a sterile, moist dressing (usually using sterile saline) is applied directly against the wound, and then dry bandage material is placed over it, and the dressing is then secured in place often with a tie over bandage. This type of bandage should be changed daily. Once a good bed of what we call "granulation tissue" has developed (as in the second picture), and the skin edges are close enough to close, then the skin edges can be brought together and closed. Depending on the individual and on the size of the wound, this can take anywhere from a couple of days, to a week or more. I hope that is helpful for you, if you have any specific questions about Jack's case, feel free to request a consultation. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

That is a pretty large wound! That being said though, it looks like it is healing fine. It does not appear swollen or to have discharge coming from it. The tissue looks healthy. Having it stitched when it first happened which would have allowed it to heal faster. I am not sure how long it's been but a wound that size would take weeks to heal without stitches. If I were you I would keep applying a topical antibiotic cream and just leave it be. Stop using the Betadine. If he is licking it you must stop that behavior by using an Elizabethan collar (cone). As long as he keeps licking it will not heal. If you want it to heal faster you need to take him to a vet to have it stitched. Hope this helps. Best wishes!

This can happen , as wounds like that, even with tension cuts, often slough the skin, The skin will have to grow in slowly and it will. However the wound will need regular bandaging and moisture, so you will need to discuss a bandaging schedule with your vet, Have the vet or his techs show you how to bandage the wound, and give you supplies , (ointments, etc),