When you arrive at the barn and you see your horse is injured, most of us start to panic. In fact it is useful to learn the horse first aid, learn how to handle an equine emergency. Finding out what injuries you can treat yourself and figure out when you need to call a veterinarian. Here is an overview what products you can use for minor cuts and scrapes;
| Product |
Antibacterial |
Use on minor cuts & scrapes |
Promotes drying |
Stops proud flesh |
| Aloe Vera* |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Betadine Gel* |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Betadine Scrub* |
Yes |
Yes, but rinse
thoroughly |
Yes |
No |
| Betadine Solution* |
Yes |
Yes, but must
be diluted |
Yes |
No |
| Blu-Kote |
To some extent |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Corona |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Furall** |
Not very good |
Yes |
No |
No—promotes it |
| Fura-Zone** |
Not very good |
Yes |
No |
No—promotes it |
| Granulex V |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes, label claims |
| Horseman’s Dream***** |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Icthammol** |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Neosporin* |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Nolvasan* |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Peroxide*** |
Yes, but needs |
No |
Yes |
No |
| Rubbing Alcohol**** |
long contact time |
No, stings |
Yes |
No |
| Wonder Dust |
To some extent |
No |
Yes |
No—promotes it |
* Water-soluble products. These are best for minor wounds because of: antiseptic properties (except
Aloe Vera); air can penetrate the product; some have emollient properties. Their water solubility also
allows thorough and easy cleaning of the wound. Betadine Solution, however, must be diluted; used
at full strength it actually interferes with antibacterial properties and reduces wound healing. Betadine
Scrub must be thoroughly rinsed. Betadine products contain tamed iodine; never apply tincture of
iodine (7%) to a wound.
*** Peroxide causes the microscopic blood vessels around the wound to recede, thereby limiting healing.** Petroleum-based products. These are most useful for superficial scrapes and as emollients, but
should not be used to thwart infection.
Peroxide is not the best choice in wound care for horse skin.
**** Rubbing alcohol requires about 10 minutes contact time to kill off microorganisms, and it stings
badly when applied to an open skin wound. Limited first-aid value.
***** Horseman’s Dream contains Aloe and Vitamin E; good for minor wound care.
