You are familiar with the tragic scenes from movies, where a horse with a broken leg is squeezed on the head so that it will not suffer. So, is it not possible to treat really serious fractures in horses?
The treatment and healing process of bone fractures in horses is much more difficult compared to small animals such as cats, dogs or humans. Average with a weight of 500 kg The fractures in the legs of these large animals can be of different types.
Treating a bone that does not break into pieces despite cracking is relatively simple. If it is divided into two parts and has caused an open wound on the skin complete fracture occurred. If it is divided into more pieces, a comminuted fracture has occurred.
Situation can be determined by X-raying a horse suspected of having a broken leg.
If the broken bones have caused damage to the muscles and nerves, there is a serious fracture. The blood flow in this area may be impaired and over time the wound may become damaged. increased risk of infection. The amount of antibiotics to be given to prevent infection must be directly proportional to the horse’s size, so it is very difficult to treat infection in horses.
The first intervention at the moment of the fracture is very important.
As such a heavy animal will try to stand on all fours to maintain its balance, it will reflexively he will step on his broken foot, which will cause the fracture to worsen. However, animals such as cats and dogs can stand on three legs, unfortunately horses cannot cope with it.
It is very important not to move the broken leg during the healing process.
There should be no load on the damaged area, but it is very difficult to achieve this in horses. It is not possible for them to lie down for weeks. During the healing process, the horse will put its weight on the other three legs, so its healthy hooves will be overloaded, which will increase the risk of infection.
Shooting scenes are very common in movies, but it’s worth remembering that these often took place in the past years and in the countryside far from the vet.
Although the treatment of leg fractures in horses is still difficult, it should be noted that thanks to modern medicine, the death rate has decreased compared to the past. If it is seen that there is a fracture that is too serious to be treated and two separate veterinarians agree put to sleep preferable.
Sources: 1, 2, 3
RELATED NEWS