What should I do if my horse has an infected wound with fly strike risk? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
If your horse has an infected wound and there’s a fly strike risk, the main priorities are to keep the wound as clean as you safely can, reduce fly access, and watch closely for signs it’s getting worse. There may be several reasons a wound becomes smelly, sore or attracts flies, so it’s sensible to treat it as a wound that needs careful management rather than assuming it’s just surface dirt.
Things To Check
1. Check how the wound looks and smells. Look for discharge, bad odour, heat, swelling, redness or dead-looking tissue.
2. Check whether flies are landing on it, especially if the weather is warm, the horse is turned out, or the wound is damp.
3. Check if your horse is more sensitive when you touch the area, as pain can suggest it needs closer attention.
4. Check whether the wound is on a leg, near the tail, under the belly, or another spot that’s harder to keep clean and covered.
5. Check for swelling above, below or around the wound, and compare it with the other side if that helps.
6. Check whether the bandage or covering, if there is one, is staying clean, dry and secure without rubbing.
7. Check your horse’s general behaviour, including appetite, energy and whether they seem dull or unsettled.
Common Causes
Most often, infected wounds become more attractive to flies because there’s moisture, discharge or broken skin exposed to the air. Poor drainage, dirty turnout conditions, sweat, mud and warm weather can all make this more likely.
Sometimes a wound that looked minor at first has become contaminated, or a bandage has loosened and allowed flies in. Less commonly, a deeper wound, trapped debris or a wound that isn’t healing normally may be part of the problem.
What To Do
Keep the horse in a cleaner, quieter environment if you can, especially during peak fly times. Remove obvious dirt around the wound gently and keep handling calm so you can continue checking it without making the horse too sore or stressed.
If the wound can be safely protected, use a clean, secure covering that doesn’t rub and can be monitored easily. Change anything that becomes damp, dirty or loose, because that can make fly access more likely.
Keep the surrounding area tidy, remove manure promptly, and reduce standing water or other fly-attracting mess nearby. If the horse is turned out, try to choose times and places where flies are less active, and keep a close eye on the wound after turnout.
Take note of any changes in size, smell, discharge, swelling or discomfort. If it looks worse rather than steadier, that’s a sign the wound needs more than routine home care.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet promptly if the wound is getting bigger, more painful, more swollen or more smelly, if there’s a lot of discharge, or if flies are repeatedly laying eggs or getting into the wound. You should also call if your horse seems unwell, lame, dull, off their food, or if the wound is on or near a joint, tendon or other sensitive area.
If you’re unsure whether the wound can be managed safely at home, it’s better to get advice early than wait and see.
Products That May Help
If you're managing a wound at home, a few horse care essentials can help you keep the area clean, monitor it properly and support your normal first aid routine.
Related Questions
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Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.