Minimising scarring from large wounds - any tips?

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Permalink Reply by Jan Jollymour on March 11, 2010 at 10:03am

Hi, Loz:

I took at look at the photos, and really your best bet given the location of the wound is to minimize movement until the sutures are removed. The quieter he is the better, and you really don't want him pulling at the sutures as the wound begins to heal. You might want to check out finding a collar/cradle for him so that he can't nibble at the sutures when they begin to itch.

It looks like your vet's done a great job of closing the wound, and if you can get the horse through the healing (8 - 10) days without him pulling sutures out you should end up with a very thin line which will not be particularly noticeable. I'd be prepared to Acepromazine or something along those lines to keep him quiet in the stall during the initial healing period if he gets rambunctious.

We use a cream made by Eqyss called MegaTek Rebuilder on superficial wounds, and it really helps with inflammantion, infection, and healing, but I wouldn't put it on until the sutures are removed. It smells like Pina Coladas, and I've never had anything but positive responses using it. It fixes all kinds of skin irritations, and may promote hair growth once the sutures are out. I would NOT put anything on the wound while the sutures are still in.

Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Loz on March 14, 2010 at 11:22pm

He seems to be doing ok so far - we keep him rugged to keep the flys away and to stop him from biting at the area.

Unfortunately we've had to let him out in to a bigger paddock to graze because there is fluid swelling underneath the wound and the vet said he would be better of being encouraged to move. The stitches dont seem to be pulling too tight, even with the swelling so hopefully the freedom to move wont inhibit the healing process.

He's currently getting a good dose of bute in the morning and evening so that seems to keep him rather docile, but I think to be on the safe side i will ask the vet about a collar for him, poor lad.

Thank you so much for your product suggestion - I will see if its availble here in Australia.

Thanks again :)

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Permalink Reply by Mary Ginn on March 11, 2010 at 3:20pm

Wow! "Pretty" pictures! We had a horse with a major injury on her upper leg that stitches wouldn't hold together, so she literally had to grow new skin for about the size of my hand. She started with exposed muscle and finished with a barely noticeable scar. Aside from washing/rinsing twice daily to kill bacteria, and once it had drained to the vets satisfaction, I dusted it generously with a product called Wonder Dust made by Farnam. It kept the bugs off and in my opinion really facilitated the healing process, although it still took several months before it was 100% closed. My vet was very impressed with the final result. If you want more info. about the ingredients, just let me know.

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Permalink Reply by Loz on March 14, 2010 at 11:27pm

I know, I still cring at the memory of the vet lifting various peices of skin away from the wound and snipping out bits of flesh...it was definately an experience I would rather keep as a once off!

Lorenzo has a habit of injuring himself - he sliced the flesh of his offhind cannon a few years ago and it was discovered too late to stitch it so we had the same situation, where it was an open wound that had to close over.

Fortunately as it was on his leg we were able to bandage it but it was still a daily treatment.

I have actually heard of Wonder Dust here in Australia, I havent used it but I will definately look in to it!

Thanks Mary - any tried and true advice is fantastic!

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