Why is my horse's cut not closing after several days? | arlo.® Atlas

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your horse's cut isn't closing after several days, it doesn't always mean something is seriously wrong. Small wounds can take time to knit together, but healing can be slowed by movement, dirt, rubbing, poor drainage, or a cut that's deeper than it first looked.

The main thing is to check whether it still looks like a minor superficial wound or whether it's becoming red, swollen, hot, painful or wet, as those changes can suggest it needs more attention.

Things To Check

1. Check whether the cut is being stretched by movement, such as over a joint, on the lower leg, or in an area that bends a lot.

2. Look for redness, swelling, heat, discharge, a bad smell or increasing tenderness around the wound.

3. See whether dirt, bedding, mud or hair is sticking to the area and keeping it irritated.

4. Check if the wound edges look neatly joined or if the cut is still open, gaping or separating when the horse moves.

5. Notice whether the horse is rubbing the area, stamping, biting at it or otherwise interfering with healing.

6. Think about whether the wound keeps getting wet from turnout, washing or rain, as this can sometimes delay scabbing and closure.

7. Check for lameness, stiffness or a change in how the horse is using the leg, especially if the cut is near a joint or tendon area.

Common Causes

The most common reason is simply that the cut is in a place that moves a lot, so the skin keeps being pulled apart before it can fully close.

Another common cause is contamination. Mud, bedding, sweat and debris can keep the wound irritated and slow down normal healing.

Sometimes the cut is a little deeper or wider than it first appeared, so it may take longer to close than expected.

Repeated rubbing, licking, or a bandage that slips and rubs can also stop the edges settling.

Less commonly, there may be infection, a foreign body, or deeper tissue involvement, especially if the area is getting worse rather than slowly improving.

What To Do

Keep the area as clean as you reasonably can and avoid repeatedly picking at scabs unless you've been advised to do so by your vet.

Try to reduce mud, dirt and rubbing around the wound, and keep an eye on whether the cut is actually improving day by day, even if it isn't closed yet.

If the wound is in a high-movement area, it may help to limit turnout or exercise for a short time if that's practical and safe for your horse.

If you are cleaning it, be gentle. Over-washing or harsh handling can sometimes make delicate skin more irritated.

Take a clear photo each day so you can compare size, shape and any swelling over time.

When To Contact A Vet

Speak to your vet if the cut is getting more swollen, hot, painful or smelly, if there is discharge, if the wound is gaping, if your horse is lame, or if it is near a joint, tendon or eye. You should also get advice if it has not shown any sign of improvement after several days or you are unsure whether it needs treatment.

Products That May Help

A horse first aid and wound care routine can be useful for keeping the area clean and making day-to-day management a bit easier while the wound is healing.

Horse Care

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