Tips to get through an abscess in a hoof
Since we're in fall and the weather is less predictable, I expect people other than myself will start dealing with abscesses! I hadn't had one for several years in a horse so I thought I'd share what worked for me to get it to pop quickly.
Abscesses are in that weird grey area where it is medical, but also hoof/farrier, and also something we all face at some point! It's always assumed you know what to do but you second guess yourself the whole time because it's just so darned painful for the horse.
🏥 Absolutely first, make sure it is an abscess. The telltale sign is a horse that isn't lame one day, and then looks like they've been shot the next and are almost non-weight bearing. Also look for heat in part of the hoof, fast pulse on that leg, and no other visible injuries. Your farrier and vet can also help with diagnosis.
💅 Get your farrier out to take a look. Mine did not want to "dig it out" because he didn't feel it was close to the surface and did not want to open a large hole which takes longer to heal and introduces risk of secondary infection. For one that's soft on the surface, he'll pop it manually, but this one wasn't ready.
💧🧂 Soak soak soak! Epsom salts (lots) with very warm water 20 minutes twice a day. I highly recommend a hoof boot for this (see photo). This allows them to wiggle a bit without you getting frustrated and having to start over with a bucket.
🎁💝 Pick a poultice or poultice pad to help draw it out. I used Animalintex pads and an Epsom salt poultice combined. Wrap in a diaper and/or vet wrap. Then use duct tape or a boot meant for medical use to keep everything in place. I often make a duct tape pad - so several strips one direction, then several the other way, and then just place on top of previous layer.
💊 Medicate for pain with your veterinarian's advice. Mine recommended bute, but to try not to do for several days in a row for the stomach/gut/kidneys. If your horse is very low/depressed, make sure they are hydrated if you use medications. Manure and skin tests can help guide you with how hydrated they are.
🍸 Pour yourself a drink because this whole process is unpleasant!
⌛ Keep up the process until you see the abscess blow. Normally your horse will come in more sound when this happened.
🔁 Annnnd keep it up because it needs to stay clean while it drains. I am switching to ichthammol now that it has popped to pull more out.
✨ Other things to remember:
🐴 Keep your horse on at least partial turnout. Movement is your friend.
📞 Always talk to your vet when you suspect an abscess. Mine did not need to come visit but I like to keep them aware in case I need an emergency call if something changes.
⚠️ if the leg swells at any point, call your vet. The infection has spread and you need antibiotics.
🚨 trim your bandage so it does NOT constrict the coronet band. If you do not know how to wrap a hoof, have your vet show you ☺️
Does anyone else have a tried & true remedy or recipe to share?
Have you ever had an abscess in a horse's hoof?
20votes
Never!
Yes, once or twice
Yes, many!
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