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Successful management of equine wounds relies on knowledge of the stages of wound healing, factors that can alter those stages, how healing stages can be manipulated, and adherence to the principles of wound healing. Challenges that complicate wound management include the inability to immobilize and/or confine equine patients, and maintain a clean environment during the critical initial stages of healing. Because of these challenges, the equine practitioner relies heavily on bandaging and external coaptation techniques to successfully treat and manage wounds. The type of bandage used is dictated by the region of the body that is injured., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Distal limb wounds in horses heal substantially different than trunk wounds, commonly resulting in exuberant granulation tissue and exposed and sequestered bone. Surgical intervention of severe rectovaginal lacerations in the mare should be delayed until the tissues have heeled and scar tissue has remodeled. Wounds resulting in severe hemorrhage require appropriate emergent fluid therapy and potentially transfusion therapy., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Radiographic evaluation of a horse's foot gives tremendous insight into the relationship between the structures within the foot and between the foot and distal limb. The information gained from a radiographic study is highly dependent on the quality of the radiographs. A systematic approach should be taken when planning a radiographic study of the foot. Taking the time to examine the foot and prepare it properly will avoid the need, risk, and expense of repeating images and will improve the quality and therefore the interpretation of your radiographic images. When evaluating the foot for podiatry reasons, it is crucial that the positioning of the patient, foot, and x-ray beam be flawless., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

As with many aspects of clinical medicine, there is yet to be a single or definitive cure for postoperative adhesion formation. Current methods of prevention target risk factors predisposing horses to adhesion formation. Systemic pharmacologic therapies, such as antimicrobials, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Salmonella antiserum, and hyperimmune plasma, help to reduce abdominal inflammation and minimize the effects of endotoxemia. Intra-abdominal or systemic heparin aids in enhancing peritoneal fibrinolysis. Prokinetic therapy promotes early postoperative return of intestinal motility, minimizing the propensity for adhesion formation between apposing adynamic segments of intestine. Mechanical separation of potentially adhesiogenic serosal and peritoneal surfaces is commonly achieved with use of abdominal lavage, protective coating solutions, and barrier membranes. Ongoing and future research is directed toward a better understanding of the local effects of intestinal trauma and the corresponding response of the fibrinolytic system. Recognition of horses at high risk for adhesion formation helps to guide the equine surgeon to an appropriate perioperative and intraoperative plan for adhesion prevention, including good surgical technique and a combination of adjunct therapies.