09/03/2026
Lacerations can happen quicklyāfrom a fence, trailer, stall, pasture accident, or another unexpected injury. While some wounds may appear minor on the surface, deeper damage to muscles, tendons, joints, or other structures may not be immediately visible.
Call your veterinarian promptly if your horse has:
⢠A deep or gaping wound
⢠A laceration near a joint, tendon, eye, or hoof
⢠Excessive bleeding or bleeding that does not stop
⢠Swelling, severe pain, or lameness
⢠A wound with dirt, debris, or foreign material
⢠A wound that may need sutured or surgical repair
Timing matters! Early evaluation and treatment can help reduce the risk of infection and may improve healing.
* Donāt forget about tetanus! Tetanus protection is especially important when a laceration occurs. Keep your horseās tetanus vaccination up to date, and be sure to tell your veterinarian when your horse last received a tetanus vaccine. Depending on your horseās vaccination history and the type of wound, your veterinarian may recommend a tetanus booster.
When in doubt, call us at 850-386-3619. It is always better to have a laceration evaluated early than to wait and discover a more serious injury later.