We get this comment frequently - "I don't know if it needs sutures or not".  Here are some guidelines when a wound cannot be sutured:
 
1.  A wound cannot be sutured if the skin edges cannot be brought together without excessive tension.  The picture on the right shows a laceration over the knee with some loss of skin.  On exam - the skin edges could not be brought together so this wound was treated with cleaning and bandaging.
 
2.  In general - wounds that are greater than 12 hours old are contaminated  but still require cleaning and debridement to assess tissue health.  These wounds may still need sutures.
 
3.  Puncture wounds are generally not completely sutured as these usually have bacteria which has been forced into deeper tissues and will need to be open to drain.
 
4.  Wounds that have been grossly contaminated with dirt, gravel and manure at the time of injury - these are very difficult to get clean enough to suture shut.  Many wounds are sutured partially closed, with the bottom left open for drainage.  Often general anesthesia and surgical debridement maybe the best option for recovery.

Care Credit
Convienient payment options
We are now offering Care Credit. This patient payment plan is a new option we are offering that allows you to pay over time with monthly payments through a company called Care Credit. If you qualify, you might be able to use this form of credit for services you can't afford at the current time. Please call the office for more information or visit the website:
www.carecredit.com

Pick up an
Emergency Horse Care poster at our office.  This poster has helpful information you will need in common emergency situations as well as a section with Normal Vital Signs.  Keep one on the wall in your barn just in case.   They are
 waterproof so they will last a long time.