GroomAway – Seal to Heal
The company says: A quick, transparent and flexible wound cover that provides a protective layer in 60 seconds preventing penetration of bacteria, soil, flies and insects. Helps cracked heels and other mud related problems. Ideal for use in emergencies or for hard-to-reach areas such as under the belly. Stain-free and non-toxic, it can be washed off using warm water but is also designed to wear off naturally after time. Ozone friendly, it is a gentle and quiet aerosol offering lasting protection. Ideal for reducing the risk of infection for cut and chafe wounds. 100 ml. RRP: £9.99.
Our tester, Susan Chappelhow, says: How easy can a product to be to use; this is so simple. I have mainly used the spray on grazes and cuts; just cleaned the cut/graze allowed it to dry, sprayed this on and that's it, perfect! This would be great in anyone's grooming kit for the minor grazes. It also works as a barrier to help stop cracked heels from the mud. I really like how easy it is to apply, no sticky creams which get on everything but where they should be, or problems getting it to stay on the cut.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
N.A.F: NaturalintX Dressing & NaturalintX Wrap
The company says: This softly cushioned dressing protects and insulates the leg to support minor wound management. The highly absorbent cotton padding is encased in a tubular non-woven casing to provide a low adherent protective dressing. 500g. RRP: £9.99.
A cohesive, elasticated support bandage, specifically designed to hold wound dressings carefully in place. When applied correctly, at approximately 50% stretch, the wrap will effectively secure the dressing neatly and comfortably over the wound. Efficient and easy to use. RRP: £1.99 each or £23.88 for a box of 12. www.naf-
Our tester, Maria Phillips, says: I found the dressing to be excellent for cushioning the area around small bumps and wounds on the lower legs, so it had a dual purpose in that it not only provided support during the healing process, it also prevented dirt and foreign bodies from entering the wound, therefore keeping the area clean and dry and stopping the risk of infection.
It also is very useful for application over foot poultices. The veterinary wrap was essential to be used in conjunction with the above as it secured the dressing and prevented it from slipping or rubbing as well as keeping the dressing clean for longer. It’s very adhesive so can be used on the lower leg and is also ideal around the hoof. The wrap went a long way and was very easy to use. Essential in the first aid kit for use in the treatment of domestic or farm animals, large or small and it is for that reason I am scoring them as I have.
GroomAway – Aloe Vera Gel
The company says: Made from the best natural ingredients, which helps maintain healthy skin and aids natural recovery from minor grazes and sunburn. Useful for almost any skin condition that needs soothing and astringing. 200ml. RRP:
Our tester, Chris Grant, says: This gel comes in a handy sized little pot, which was very useful for keeping in the grooming kit bag and on the ‘lotions and potions’ shelf at home. With a lengthy test time I have been able to use the gel on a number of occasions and found it to be soothing and kind on the variety of cuts and sores that it was used on. As well as testing on the ponies, I even on occasion used it on my own hands finding it to be beneficial. I found that only a couple of applications were required thus reducing the healing time of any ailments. Also great as a moisturiser, helping to soften the hard skin around any cuts and preventing them from drying out. The gel can be used liberally, making it great value as the pot lasts plenty of time.
Robinson Animal Healthcare – Activ Scrub
The company says: An anti-bacterial cleansing wash ideal for the management of common winter skin problems. Mild and gentle, it is perfect for removing scabs and debris caused by mud fever and rain scald, and used regularly it can effectively cleanse areas susceptible to mud fever, remembering to always thoroughly dry the legs afterwards.500 ml sized pump cap bottle. RRP: around £10. www.robinsonanimalhealthcare.com
Our tester, Pam Harrison, says: This is very easy to use – a BIG plus for me as I’m always short of time – and it’s also impossible to spill it thanks to the pump dispenser, which is helpful if a horse is fidgety. Very effective at cleansing dirt and skin debris and it’s easy to dry legs afterwards. Clearly doesn’t sting and used in warm water is very well tolerated on the mud-related and other minor wounds we had during the test period.
N.A.F - NaturalintX Hoof Poultice & NaturalintX Wrap
The company says: The Hoof Poultice has been designed to comfortably fit your horse’s hoof, reducing preparation time and enabling ease of application. May be applied in three different ways depending on the wound to be dressed, either apply as a hot, cold or dry hoof poultice and hold in place with a NaturalintX Wrap. RRP: £6.99 each or £69.90 for a box of 10.
The Wrap is a cohesive, elasticated support bandage, purpose designed to hold wound dressings carefully in place. When applied correctly at approximately 50% stretch it will effectively secure the dressing neatly and comfortably over the wound. Efficient and easy to use. RRP: £1.99 each or £23.88 for a box of 12. www.naf-equine.eu/uk
Our tester, Caroline Powell, says: Life would be so much more difficult if this hoof poultice didn't exist!! It aids natural healing with a built in mild antiseptic (Boric Acid) and a drawing agent Tragacanth. Can be cut to size to fit your horse’s injury and can be used hot, cold or dry... A little gem for every first aid kit! Top tip - Remember to always make sure the plastic is facing away from the horse ☺.
Now onto another wonder of the horse world... this fantastic wrap, which is perfect for using on top of a foot poultice. Personally, I always worry about putting this type of stretch material on legs as put on too tight, it can cause some serious issues unless the correct padding is applied. However, this is just perfect for foot poulticing. Sticks to itself and now can be colour coordinated to suit your horse’s wardrobe!
The full feature of the Big Test of Healthcare Essentials was published in the March issue of Equine. You can buy a single issue of Equine, or take out an annual (11 issue) subscription securely online from www.theequinestore.co.uk
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