3equines
Posted : 4/26/2011 3:09:57 PM
definitely keep us informed.
20 questions- Is there swelling, tenderness, or warmth?
Is the fluid clear (if it looks like sweat it probably is)? Clear fluid can be from a cyst surrounding necrotic/ infections tissue the body has walled off, or it can just be an inflammatory reaction.
Do you feel any lumps or masses when you palpate the area - are they soft or hard? A soft, smooshy movable mass is likely an abcess or a cyst; a hard mass would be granular tissue that hasn't healed or has formed around a necrotic or infected area. Cysts can be benign so don't panic
Soundness - any limping, favoring, shortened stride?
Some wounds remain chronic but benign - that is, they never fully heal but don't remain infectious, either. Some are just incredibly slow healing, even after they appear resolved.
If there is no exceptional tenderness or lameness, I would hot pack the area twice a day if possible, I do this by taking a bucket of very hot water and some rags out with me and use hot, warm rags as a compress, rewarming it in the water when it cools. You can get creative and try to find ways to hold the compress on - the thicker the rag/towel the longer it will stay warm. Think Vet Wrap or even a polo wrap, just don't make it tight or leave it on too long that way. I use fleece polo wraps and duct tape for a variety of applicaitons........
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have steered away from Vet Wrap after the incident with Sweet P's tail.