The Symptoms of Equine Wound Infections

Like all other animals, if a horse is wounded attention must be given to the wound as quickly as possible. Ideally, care will be provided before any infection has a chance to take root. However, if not treated quickly, and sometimes even if treated immediately, an infection can occur. Infections must be treated as rapidly as possible. Untreated infections can result in pain, discomfort, serious illness and potentially even death.

Periwound Cellulitis

• Cellulitis is a skin infection caused by bacteria. Periwound cellulitis is cellulitis in the area around the wound. The skin may become swollen, hot and discolored. Usually, a veterinarian is required to diagnose cellulitis. Equine cellulitis can result from an infected wound.

Erythema

• Erythema is a skin infection characterized by an outbreaks of spots, bumps, lesions and rings of normal and red skin. Fatigue, fever and itching may also be present. A veterinarian is usually required to diagnose erythema. An infected wound is the most common cause of equine erythema.

Swelling

• Swelling is when a part of the horse's body enlarges or bulges. Swelling can either be minor or severe, occurring when excess fluids go to an area of the body. This is often the result of the body sending its defense resources to fight an infection.

Increased Local Temperature

• Much like a human's, a horse's body can increase the temperature of an area to aid in fighting an infection. This is the cause of fevers. If the area immediately around a horse's wound is elevated, there is a good chance the wound is infected.

Increased Exudate

• Exudate is something the body removes from itself via the skin. This can be in the form of sweat or other fluids. When there is excessive exudate around a wound, it is indicative that the body is attempting to remove something harmful from the area.

Smell

• An infected wound often has a very foul odor. This odor smells like rotting or rancid meat.