Hoof Woes and Super Tips
- Horse Leads
- Nov 19, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Abscesses
Abscesses can be as a result of bacteria entering the hoof capsules defenses. This can be caused by a bruised sole, compromised white line, poor frog health, puncture etc and more prevalent in winter as the hooves become softer and easier for bacteria to get trapped and enter.
The first thing you probably notice is that your horse is lame.
How, why, where??
Sometimes its obvious and erupts quickly.
Complicated abscesses take time to find a way out and could take months and your vet may need to take radiographs to pin point the problem.
Your hoof care provider may also help with hoof testers and a little probing if deemed necessary.
Some abscesses erupt out the back door of the heel, your horse comes sound and you may not even notice, others erupt through the coronet band and that;s probably the worst as so much damage has occurred at the eruption site.
What to do...Always seek veterinary advise in the first instance and work with your hoof care provider.
What can you do to cut it short and minimise the discomfort and damage.
Soak the hoof to soften in warm water. Clean the hoof of all debris.
Apply Epsom Salt Paste liberally to the sole, frog and heels
Cover with non absorbent gauze and vet wrap daily until resolved
Once erupted apply a medicated bandage to keep clean and allow to drain
Epsom salt soaks to encourage further draining.
Reducing the fluids in the abscess will decrease the internal pressure and decrease the pain caused.
Water in the abscess is drawn out because water always moves from low to high concentration solutions by way of Osmosis and the epsom salt paste being a high concentrate draws any water from its surroundings, even through membranes such as hoof and skin.
If the abscess is in the lower part of the hoof then there is a good chance it can be pulled through.
If the abscess has migrated towards the coronary band then the abscess is less likely to be drawn through the sole.
Catching it early at the first sign of discomfort will speed things up and reduce the healing time.
If you suspect an abscess, one of the first products to reach for is Epsom Salt Paste. It helps soften the hoof, encourage drainage and reduce pressure while you work alongside your vet and hoof care provider.
Once the abscess has blown, continue to keep everything clean and free from risk of further infection.
There are many ways to do this depending on the eruption site and how big or small the exit hole is.
There are too many variables in this department to write about so do get in touch on your individual case if you need more help to protect the eruption site and reduce recurring abscesses.
Rachael Raine - Amazon Review
Thought I'd give this a try as the 'traditional' cotton wool based poultices just weren't working for my horses really stubborn and painful hoof abscess. He would not weight bare, even after 3 vet visits and xrays to locate the abscess. Within 2 days of using this poultice he has started walking around and weight bearing!! Wouldn't use anything else now for the initial drawing period.
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