Prevalence of wound, its associated risk factors and wound management practices in carthorses of ten selected towns of Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2017 to April 2018 to estimate the prevalence of wound and associated risk factors in carthorses, and to assess wound management practices in 10 selected towns of Ethiopia. The study was conducted through personal interview and observation of carthorses. Randomly selected 390 drivers and their carthorses were included in this study. The study revealed that, the overall prevalence of wound was 51.5% (n=201). The prevalence of wound significantly varied among the study towns. It was high (70%, n =28) in Shashemene and low (30%, n=9) in Sheno. More than one type of wound was the most common (21%, n=82) type to occur. Harness related wounds such as girth sore (20.8%, n=81), chest sore (11.8%, n=46), bit sore (11.8, n=46), saddle sore (7.9%, 31), tail sore (3.1%, n=12) and collar sore (0.5%, n=2) were observed. The non-harness related wounds identified were fetlock sore (12.3%, n=48), knee sore (3.3%, n=13), whip sore (3.1%, n=12) and other sores (1.5%, n=6). Generally, wound related with harnesses were more frequent. The prevalence of wound was observed significantly different between body condition scores. Horses with body condition score 2 were 2 times more likely to be wounded than horses with better body condition score (BCS=3) [OR: 2.4 95%CI (1.36-4.25)]. Wound prevalence was low in horses where owner own only one horse compared to owners keeping two and more horses [OR: 1.56, 95% CI (1.01-2.33)]. Bits with smooth surface were used in less than half (44.4%, n=173) of the observed animals. Variation in frequency of bit sore was observed based on bit types used. The majority of bit sores were caused by metal bits with rough surface (χ2 =10.52, p= 0.03). Majority (83.3%, n=325) of the owners were aware of proper wound management practices. Carthorses often transport 3 to 4 people at a time, the average working