Caroline Said:

Big cut what to put on it?

We Answered:

I'd stock up on 0.9% saline solution from the drugstore and flush the whole length of the wound using moderate pressure. You'll need a squeeze bottle or syringe to do the flush. Once it is thoroughly flushed and clean, let it dry before applying an ointment. I recommend EMT, which is a collagen gel that will adhere well and promote healing. It prevents insects from infecting the wound and invests into the tissue to block pain and itch, but doesn't cause immune rejection the way most OTC ointments do. You can buy it at farm or tractor supply stores, or online....Gordon's EMT ointment.

Isotonic saline will not harm healthy cells needed to heal the wound, but it will dehydrate and kill bacteria. the flush will also drown microbes and debride the wound. EMT is the best ointment I've found for wound care, but others that won't interfere with healing include Farnam Hydrogel and Vetericyn . Most other traditionally used ointments actually impair healing and can encourage infection.

You can repeat the saline flushes periodically as the wound heals.

If the horse isn't up to date on tetanus shots, then he should have one now.