Hematomas in Horses: More Than a Bruise

The sudden appearance of a hematoma, especially a sizable one, disarms even the most hardened horse owners.

A localized collection of blood and other fluid, a hematoma usually presents as soft swelling on the hindquarters, chest, and occasionally on the barrel, along the ribcage. A hematoma typically arises as the aftermath of trauma, such as a well-placed kick or a fall.

Though the skin is usually not broken, tissues underlying the skin are injured, including blood vessels, causing the swelling to form. The size of the hematoma can be unsettling, some are as small as a golf ball while others as large as a basketball. The degree of swelling depends largely on which tissues were injured and to what extent they were damaged.

A veterinarian should be consulted when a hematoma develops. Veterinarians usually choose to leave the swelling to resorb on its own, but this decision depends on the location of the hematoma and whether it is interfering with normal locomotion. If a hematoma forms over a joint or other critical structure, radiographic or ultrasound examination might be necessary, just to be sure what anatomical parts are involved in the swelling, as well as the severity of the bleeding.

Allowing hematomas to resolve without interference can take weeks, even months, but nearly all will resorb given sufficient time. Limited exercise is sometimes advised during the healing process, especially if the hematoma is in a high-motion area. If horses have to be kept confined, owners should use DuraPlex, a nutritional supplement that keeps bone mineralization on point during periods of inactivity. DuraPlex is available in the U.S. Australian horse owners should look for Bone Food Plus.

In other instances, draining the hematoma is advisable, though puncturing the fluid pocket can compound the problem with secondary concerns, including creating an entryway for bacteria and subsequent infection.

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