How and why to clip your horse’s wound.

 

Regarding wound care, no other creature on the planet will give you as much practice as your horse. Because they can. It’s common for mystery wounds and cuts to appear seemingly out of nowhere. Our job? Take care of them! To do that, you must clip your horse’s wound.

 

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A cleaned and clipped wound has several benefits 

 

  • You can see things much better. This helps you determine if it might be a puncture or what is going on in there. Punctures can be super serious, so call the vet if you have any questions about a wound!

 

  • You can also flush and clean the wound safely without hair all over the place.

 

saline from IV bag to clean a horse leg wound

The cleaning begins.

 

  • You can apply the appropriate medicine, ointments, and topicals much better after you have clipped a wound.

 

  • You can monitor for proud flesh more easily.

 

clippers cleaning a hock sore

This previously clipped ouchie is getting a touch-up before more meds are applied. I prefer to use ointments to keep things moist and flexible. But I still leave it up to the vet to give me the best action plan.

 

A few tips about clipping a wound.

 

  • Use razor-sharp and clean blades! A #40 blade is best, this leaves the least amount of hair. Some fancy 5 in 1 blades go from a #9 to a #40, so you are covered there.

 

  • Cover the wound with some ointment or KY and gauze. This helps to keep clipped hairs from sticking in the wound. All ointments and stuck hairs can then easily be flushed away.

 

new wound on horse lower leg

This (yet) unclipped wound has hairs poking around the edges of the wound.

 

  • Start a few centimeters or so away from the wound edges. Work inward towards the wound. It doesn’t matter if you go with or against the hair. Going with the hair at first will get most of the hair shortened, then you can do some final clean-up by going against the hair growth if needed.

 

When it’s all tidy, you have more info to determine what to do next. Super easy!

 

 

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Shop here for clippers and first aid supplies for your horse.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, which are zero extra charge to you. I can’t thank you enough for your support!  You can also visit my Amazon storefront here:  PEG storefront.

iProven Pet Thermometer for Accurate Fever Detection
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Every horse owner needs a digital thermometer for fast and accurate vital signs

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Horse Measuring Tape
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Use coupon code 15PROEQUINE to save!

The Essential Hoof Book: The Complete Modern Guide to Horse Feet BOOK
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If hooves are your jam, this book is for you. 

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A+D Original Diaper Rash Ointment
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For bits, sores, dry patches, cracked skin, and more. Great for your horse's first aid kit!

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Magic Cushion Hoof Packing 4LBS
$54.59

The gold standard for stinging hooves and anytime you need to pack the hooves.

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EasyCare Easyboot Cloud Hoof Boot
$103.95 $98.85

Support and softness for laminitis and other painful hoof conditions.

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Johnson & Johnson B07J56J4HG Elastikon Elastic Tape, 4" x 5 Yards, Pack of 6
$70.15

This medical tape will quite literally hold your life together, it's that amazing.

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Finish Line Horse Products Fura Free Gel (1 lb)
$19.19

This salve is an alternative to Fura-Zone!

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Cavallo Horse & Rider Sport Regular Sole Hoof Boot
$169.85

These boots are my favorite for wrapping hooves with poultice or clay and a diaper. No more duct tape boots! You can also use inserts with these for more squish.

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Silver Whinnys from Sox For Horses!

Skin protection that can get wet. Use code PEG20 for savings on the Silver Whinnys.

Whinny Wellies from Sox For Horses

Tough, weather-resistant covering for wraps and bandaging.

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WAHL Professional Animal Bravura Cordless Trimmers
$199.99

This cordless trimmer is powerful and comes with the 5-in-2 blade system for versatility.

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Wahl Professional Animal KMC+ 2-Speed Cordless Clipper Kit
$299.99

This is my favorite clipper - It's great for body clipping, trace clipping, and trimming. Cordless for the win!

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Thank you!

 

 

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