Wound Repair & Laceration Treatment for Livestock and Large Animals

Expert Surgical and Medical Care for Injuries in Cattle, Horses, Goats, Sheep, and Pigs

Livestock are prone to injuries in the pasture, barn, trailer, or working environment. Whether it’s a torn flap of skin, deep puncture, horn injury, or hoof-related wound, timely and professional care is essential to prevent infection, minimize pain, and support a full recovery.

At Whittington Veterinary Clinic, we provide both on-site (farm call) and in-clinic wound treatment for large animals. We’re equipped to handle everything from superficial cuts to complex lacerations that involve deeper structures like muscles, joints, or tendons.

Common Causes of Wounds in Livestock

Wounds can occur due to:

  • Barbed wire or metal fencing
  • Horn injuries from other animals
  • Kicks or trampling during transport or handling
  • Nails, protruding objects, or broken gates
  • Predator bites or wildlife encounters
  • Birthing trauma (vaginal, rectal, or udder lacerations)
  • Rope burns or halter-related injuries
  • Improper dehorning or castration aftercare

Some injuries bleed heavily, while others may look mild but involve deeper trauma. That’s why a full evaluation is always recommended, especially if the wound is near a joint, tendon, or body cavity.

Types of Wounds We Commonly Treat

  • Clean lacerations – Often sutured for faster healing
  • Puncture wounds – May appear small but often involve deep infection risk
  • Avulsion injuries – Where skin or tissue is torn away
  • Infected or abscessed wounds – Often require drainage and flushing
  • De-gloving injuries – Skin loss from legs or face, common in horses and pigs
  • Hoof cracks or sole abscesses – Especially in cattle and goats
  • Udder or scrotal tears – May occur during birthing, trauma, or horn injury
  • Joint exposure or tendon sheath injury – Require emergency attention

Our Wound Repair Process

Each wound is unique. We assess the type, location, and extent before creating a treatment plan. Most wound repairs include:

1. Sedation or Local Anesthesia

To keep your animal calm and comfortable during cleaning and repair.

2. Wound Cleaning & Debridement

We flush and clean the wound using sterile solutions, removing dirt, necrotic tissue, and contaminants to reduce infection risk.

3. Suturing or Surgical Repair

If appropriate, we suture the wound in layers to close tissue planes and allow for proper healing. Some wounds may be left partially open to drain if infection is present.

4. Drain Placement

In deep or infected wounds, we may place a drain to allow continued fluid release.

5. Antibiotics & Pain Management

Systemic antibiotics may be administered via injection or prescription, along with anti-inflammatories to control swelling and pain.

6. Bandaging or Protection

Some wounds, particularly on the limbs, may be bandaged and require regular dressing changes.

7. Tetanus Protection

For horses, sheep, and goats, tetanus antitoxin or booster vaccination is often administered.

Aftercare & Recovery Support

We’ll provide you with a clear aftercare plan, which may include:

  • Daily wound inspection or flushing
  • Stall or pen rest to reduce movement stress
  • Bandage changes (we may do these on-farm or in-clinic depending on the case)
  • Signs of complications to watch for (swelling, heat, odor, discharge)
  • Recheck appointments or suture removal (usually 10–14 days post-repair)

Some wounds—especially those involving the lower limbs or joints—may take weeks to fully resolve. We’ll monitor healing closely and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

Why Veterinary Wound Care Matters

Trying to treat wounds without veterinary support can lead to:

  • Delayed healing
  • Abscess formation
  • Proud flesh (excessive scar tissue), especially in horses
  • Joint infections and permanent lameness
  • Painful, disfigured scarring
  • Loss of productivity or even the animal’s life

Quick action and proper technique mean faster healing, fewer complications, and better outcomes for your animals.

When to Call Us Immediately

  • Bleeding that won’t stop
  • Deep or gaping wounds
  • Wounds near joints, eyes, or genitals
  • Evidence of infection (swelling, heat, odor, pus)
  • Animal appears painful, lame, or lethargic
  • Trauma involving multiple animals or severe injury

We’re Here When Your Herd Needs Help

From pasture injuries to surgical wound repair, Whittington Veterinary Clinic provides the dependable, expert care your animals deserve. Call us at (337) 893-8522 to schedule a farm visit or bring your animal in for professional wound treatment.