How Can I Tell If My Horse Needs Stitches?
Full thickness lacerations heal faster and with less scarring when they're sutured. | Photo: Alexandra Beckstett/The Horse

Q: If my horse gets a cut, how can I tell if it’s severe enough to require a veterinarian’s attention and stitches? Also if a laceration does need stitches, how soon after the injury happens does a vet need to see (and suture) it? —Randy, Washington

A: There are a few good ways to decide whether a horse’s wound needs veterinary attention:

1.  As in real estate, think location, location, location! If there is a wound over a joint, tendon, or eye, it very well may need to be seen even if it doesn’t look “bad

Create a free account with TheHorse.com to view this content.

TheHorse.com is home to thousands of free articles about horse health care. In order to access some of our exclusive free content, you must be signed into TheHorse.com.

Start your free account today!

Already have an account?
and continue reading.