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1. The risks associated with an open tethering wound are difficult to quantify


2. Bacterial contamination of any wound is to be expected


3. Tetanus is often cited as a serious consequence of tethering injuries but there has been little work conducted to


quantify this risk relative to the thousands of mules with pastern wounds


Figure 2 – Removal of the hair, dust, exudate and wound discharge allowed for a more detailed evaluation of the wound.


Figure 3 – On day four following the application of a dressing regimen, the caudal aspect of the pastern wound still contained a plug of devitalised tissue.


with it? It is known that ponies mount a more effective acute inflammation during second intention wound healing than horses[4,5]


. This may also be true of mules,


given their reputed resistance to disease. The ability to rapidly mobilise large numbers of polymorphonuclear leucocytes may allow wound infection to be controlled and the wound to pass swiftly from the inflammatory phase to the granulation phase. Tetanus is often cited as a serious consequence of tethering injuries6


but there


has been little work conducted to quantify this risk relative to the thousands of mules with pastern wounds. A study by the Society for


FACTORS THAT CAN PREDISPOSE TO INJURIES


Nylon and plastic ropes for tethering — pieces of nylon can break off in the wound, creating chronic foreign body reactions


Use of chains, wire, thin rope or string References 6. Kay G. How useful is tetanus


antitoxin in the treatment of equidae with tetanus? A comparison of three treatment protocols used in the management of 56 cases of equine tetanus presented to the SPANA clinics in Morocco in 2003/2004. In:


Pearson RA (ed) The Fifth International Colloquium on Working Equines: The future for working equines. 2007; Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth: 197.


A full version of this article can be accessed at: http://www.worldwidewounds.com/2011/January/ Cousquer/mulesores.html


FACTORS THAT CAN PREVENT WOUND HEALING


Wound infection Wound oedema/inflammation


Use of constrictive (slip) knots that tighten around a limb Continued trauma Absence of alternative non-traumatic tethering systems Wound Contamination/foreign bodies Loss of body condition Inadequate nutrition


Poor oxygenation Movement


Poorly made or maintained pack saddle Pack saddles that have not been personalised to the mule Clinical disease


Table 1 – Causes of injury and prolonged healing.


the Protection of Animals Abroad (SPANA) saw only 56 cases of equine tetanus hospitalised in Morocco in 18 months[6]


. This may reflect a


widespread resistance to the disease among working equines, but further research is needed before this conclusion can be made.


AUTHOR DETAILS Glen Cousquer is a Veterinary Surgeon, Mountain Leader and Outdoor Educator.


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Wounds International Vol 2 | Issue 1 | ©Wounds International 2011


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