Blunt abdominal trauma from horse kicks

Abstract

Reports of trauma caused by a horse kick in the abdomen are rare in the literature. This article presents 4 patients with injuries sustained this way. In all cases, injuries were sustained as a result of a sudden act of aggression while tending to the horse. In all the patients, the trauma consisted in severe injuries of abdominal organs, successfully managed by means of damage control procedures. Caution should be exercised during contact with horses, even when the care taker is familiar with the animal. This is particularly important in the case of individuals who are in contact with horses as part of their professional activities, such as horse breeders or veterinarians. Abdominal injuries resulting from horse kicks are generally very severe and should be managed by means of damage control.