Chest trauma
Luckily, thoracic injuries are relatively uncommon in horses, however, if untreated these injuries can be life threatening. If your horse experiences blunt trauma to the chest such as in a road traffic accident, is kicked or falls at a fence, or has a penetrating chest wound or laceration to the pectoral or axillary region (by the elbow), then this should be classed as an emergency and you should seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.
Chest injury following an accident with a metal gate
©Graham Munroe