SOFT-TISSUE EMERGENCY IN ADULT HORSES

Equine practitioners are frequently called to attend to soft tissue in juries. The majority of these cases are routine and straightforward; h owever, a certain percentage may present as a life-threatening situati on with potentially serious complications. Client communication, adequ ate preparation, patient stabilization, accurate injury assessment and appropriate wound preparation are key factors to expedite recovery an d achieve a favorable outcome. Understanding the limitations of field therapy and deciding when to transport the case to a clinic or referra l center plays an important role in the successful management of these cases.