A poultice, also called cataplasm, is a soft moist mass, often heated and medicated, that is spread on cloth over the skin to treat an aching, inflamed, or painful part of the body.

Etymology

---

The word "poultice" comes from the Latin puls, pultes, meaning "porridge."

Uses of Poultice on Horses

---

A poultice is a common treatment used on horses to relieve inflammation. It is usually used on the lower legs, under a stable bandage, to focus treatment on the easily-injured tendons in the area. Poultices are sometimes applied as a precautionary measure after the horse has worked hard, such as after a cross-country run, to prevent heat and filling. They are also used to treat abcess wounds, where a build up of pus needs to be drawn out. Abcesses are fairly common in the foot of the horse, as the horse may tread on something and puncture the sole of its foot, allowing it to become infected. This is a particular risk if the horse pulls a shoe off and tread on one of the nails.

Poultices may also be heated and placed on an area where extra circulation is desired. A hot poultice increases heat and circulation, a cold poultice decreases heat and inflammation. If a hot poultice is used, care must be taken to ensure that it is warm but not too hot as a poultice can hold in heat for a considerable amount of time and may burn the treated area.

The poultice should be left on the horse for 12-24 hours. Following removal, it is best to wash off any remaining poultice with soap, and to thoroughly dry the legs. When poultice is used by itself (without wraps), it will usually be completly dry. Dry poultice is much easier to remove with a curry or brush, or the fingers; it will chip and fall off.

When not to use a poultice

• Poultice should generally not be applied over an open wound, as it may slow the healing process or cause infection.
• Generally, it is not a good idea to poultice a leg that is showing signs of injury, as it may mask the symptoms before the vet has a chance to assess it.
• Care should always be taken to follow the directions on any commericially-bought poultices. If the poultice contains medicines or irritants that could potentially blister, it is best to ask the advice of your vet.

Types of poultice

- 'Animalintex' is a brand name poultice made from an absorbant material

- Bran is also used as a poultice as it is so absorbant. It is packed into the wound and then covered with a piece of sacking or similar material, before being bandaged onto the foot or site of the wound.

- There are also many commerical poultices that are ready-made.

Materials

-'Poultice boots' for use on hooves are available to buy from tack shops and whilst not essential, help to keep the poultice in place. A piece of sacking used with strong duct tape will do just as well.

- Nappies/diapers may also be cut to size to use as a poultice as they are very absorbant and will help to draw out pus. They are especially useful when applying a poultice to the hoof.

-Leg quilts and bandages are often used over the poultice to help keep it in place.

-A covering over the poultice, such as soaked brown paper bags, newspaper, waxed paper, elastic gauze, or plastice wrap can be used to help keep the poutice moist, and to keep it from getting onto the wraps. It should be noted, however, that newpaper and other printed paper may contain irritanting dyes. When using plastic wrap, care must be taken not to put it on too tightly.

Medical treatments | Horse health