Horse Kicked in Jaw

[Serenity06]

My 30 year old mare was kicked in the jaw after she nipped at another horse. It was pretty hard and afterwards she ran off hanging her head low. There is an open wound where the hoof hit, bit it's small with just a bit a bleeding. I cleaned it and put wonder dust on it. She ate all her food but slowly and she's still drinking plenty. Should I be worried? I really can't afford a vet bill, but I don't want her to be in too much pain. Will it heal on its own? Anyone have experience with similar circumstances?

 

[Bunnylady]

The cut/scrape on the skin where the other horse's hoof connected concerns me less than what may be going on inside. Depending on just where and how the other horse hit her, she may have broken teeth (assuming that a 30-year-old horse still has some!) Of course, she may just be sore from bruising; do you have any Banamine?

Kicks to the head can be serious; I know of a horse that was blinded that way. But then, hoof-to-head connections that we never know about are bound to happen pretty frequently, too. I understand you wanting to keep costs down, but I'm sure you understand that it's impossible to guess at the true extent of the damage from this side of a computer screen. It could be minor, or not. I hope for both of your sakes that she is feeling better today!

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

Bunny lady definitely makes a good point! Kicks to the head can often result is fractures of the jaw, skull, or teeth and it's difficult to know what's going on without something like radiographs. However, if she seems to improve and is eating and the swelling doesn't persist for more than a few days, more tests may not be necessary. Horse radiographs aren't always the best either so I don't think people always need to just jump right in and pay for them.

Keep a close eye on her and I would just keep it in the back of your mind that the vet may need to be called if she doesn't improve. Keep an eye on the skin wound just to prevent infection and make sure she is eating and not dropping her feed. If you see that, or no improvement I would give your vet a call. You could also look into care credit, which is great for people who can't afford a full vet bill up front.

An NSAID like banamine or phenylbutazone is not a bad idea but I wouldn't over do it. they tend to cause GI problems if used for too long.

 

[Serenity06]

No, I don't have any banamine. I looked at her teeth and everything looked okay, but it was getting dark. I'll try to get a better look today. She's acting normal except for slow eating so maybe it's just sore. If I don't see any improvement, or if it gets worse I'll look into a vet visit.

 

[donrae]

I'd be eating slow too, if someone punched me in the jaw

Were it my mare, I'd be inclined to watchful waiting as advised above. Yes, bad things can happen, but overall horses are pretty tough when it comes to getting kicked. I'm guessing you know this girl well enough to spot any change in behavior over the next few days.

 

[Serenity06]

She's seems to be doing better. She let me feel around it, and put pressure on it (unlike yesterday). Still happy, alert and eating. I think all is well, but I'll stay on the look out for any sign of infection or broken teeth.

 

[rides2far]

Glad to hear she's doing better. We sold a beautiful Quarter Horse gelding to our farrier, who just loves him. He recently was kicked in the face & his nose was broken. He has healed, but his nose will never look normal. It hasn't affected him - he is a reining horse. Hopefully your girl will heal just fine.

 

[Serenity06]

Maybe she'll heal as good as he did. She's too old to take anymore blows to the head like that, and we have with the calmest horses! But I feel like she'll be okay now. Thanks

 

[rides2far]

How's she doing today?

 

[Serenity06]

She's doing great. The swelling has gone down a great deal and the wound is healing. She's back to eating normal, and acting like her usual lazy self. Everything is looking good. Thanks for asking about her!