Do Horse Wounds Heal Faster Covered or Uncovered?

Horses regularly receive cuts, scrapes and punctures just going about their business. If you've been around horses for a long time, you know it's when they get hurt, not if. Fast and attentive care offers your horse the best results possible when he gets a cut, but the wound management that follows the initial treatment dictates how well the wound heals.

Keeping a wound moist, not dripping wet, has become the standard of care for equines. A dry wound left to "air out" will dry out, slowing the healing process because the cells responsible for repair will die off. So, should you cover your horse's wound to help it heal faster? 

To Bandage or Not To Bandage Horse Wounds

Once the injury is cleaned and treated, you must cover it or leave it open.  Deciding whether or not to cover your horse's wound depends on several factors, such as location, depth and severity. Other factors include where the horse is kept and if the wound can remain clean and uncontaminated while healing. Also, some areas on horses are nearly impossible to bandage, and you may have no choice but to leave them open. 

Covered wounds that remain moist heal faster than uncovered ones. Wounds can remain moist using Moisture-Retaining Dressings (MRDs) such as a chitosan-based hydrogel. Keeping wounds moist not only offers faster healing times but also provides benefits such as reduced pain around the site, less risk of infection and less scarring. Maintaining consistent wound moisture is best achieved when the affected site is bandaged. 

When To Bandage Your Horse’s Wounds

When significant layers of skin tissue are injured, keeping the wound covered helps retain healing moisture and repels contaminants like dirt and other environmental debris. Even stall-kept horses risk introducing shavings, urine and manure into open cuts, slows the healing process and increases the risk of infection. Sutured wounds may also require bandaging for the first 3-5 days, but always follow your vet’s instructions.

Horses have less circulation in their lower legs (below the knees or hocks), which can cause slower healing than in other parts of their body. It also contributes to the formation of proud flesh (granulated tissue). Bandaging wounds on the lower leg offers benefits such as tissue support, stability and protection from contamination and flies. Proper leg wound bandaging and a moisturizing hydrogel or spray create an optimal healing environment.

When To Leave Equine Wounds Uncovered

After thoroughly cleansing and applying wound spray, superficial scrapes and minor abrasions can often be left open. Shallow wounds form scabs quickly, and this covering provides some protection. Wounds above the knee or hock usually heal well without being covered. Punctures should be left uncovered as well. Often, wounds along the upper body are at less of a risk for contamination and can be left uncovered, provided they are not gaping. 

As with any injury, regular monitoring is necessary to watch for signs of infection, inflammation or other complications. In some cases where the bandage pressure has created friction, healing times may be improved by leaving it uncovered. Be sure to keep the site clean and free of debris.

When to Consult a Vet for Wounds

Contact your vet for a barn call if you are unsure how to properly treat your horse's wound. They can assess the wound and provide professional care and recommendations on how to care for it going forward. If a cut, puncture or other type of wound you've been caring for yourself begins to show signs of infection, consulting with your veterinarian will ensure you receive the most accurate and appropriate guidance for your horse's particular circumstances.

For wounds that are bleeding excessively, have bone exposed, or are near or in a joint or tendon sheath, it is crucial for proper healing that you contact your veterinarian for care. Deep puncture wounds also require a call to the vet as bacteria can be driven deep into the wound by the penetrating object. Do not attempt to flush puncture wounds as it may push contaminants deeper.