Hoof Abcess

hummingbird · 08-22-2011, 05:41 PM

I know that it's dangerous and can cripple a horse for life even if you don't have to put it down. However, is there a way you can treat these without the help of a vet? I don't think so, friends of mine say yes. What do you think? I've got a bet riding on this one.

Scotty · 08-31-2011, 08:32 PM

I wouldn't try it. I may be the coffin bone coming through the sole plate of the hoof. It's extremely painful for the horse and in most cases they have to be put down if it isn't treated correctly.

Hyde · 09-01-2011, 12:41 PM

I don't have a horse but I have had an abscess. What I have learned is you have to go to a doctor! They hurt, and suck pretty bad! I have seen cats die from them. I would say never try to treat an abscess in any living thing yourself unless it is your only choice.

hummingbird · 09-04-2011, 09:46 PM

We had to call the vet and the farrier to take care of it. It wasn't foundering but it was an abcess which had to be drained. It's amazing what it looked like when they drained it. I didn't know there was that much drainage in the whole hoof.

ppine · 11-15-2011, 11:55 AM

I had some pens once that seemed to have some old junk buried in them. My mules go hoof abcesses several times over the years. Because they can be crippling injuries that cause a lot of pain, they are dangerous to work on. Get the vet to open up the wound. Use antibiotics and some mild pain killer. Soak in epsom salts 2-3 times a day. My mules got to like the epsom salts because they figured out it made them feel better. They would leave a foot in a bucket for 20 minutes or so. For a mild abcess that an animal can walk on, try some bute and epsom salts first for a day or two.

ppine · 11-15-2011, 11:56 AM

I had some pens once that seemed to have some old junk buried in them. My mules go hoof abcesses several times over the years. Because they can be crippling injuries that cause a lot of pain, they are dangerous to work on. Get the vet to open up the wound. Use antibiotics and some mild pain killer. Soak in epsom salts 2-3 times a day. My mules got to like the epsom salts because they figured out it made them feel better. They would leave a foot in a bucket for 20 minutes or so. For a mild abcess that an animal can walk on, try some bute and epsom salts first for a day or two.

Also pack the wound in icthamayl or other antibacterial and wrap the foot to keep out dirt, or use an easy boot.

Pathfinder1 · 11-15-2011, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hummingbird

I know that it's dangerous and can cripple a horse for life even if you don't have to put it down. However, is there a way you can treat these without the help of a vet? I don't think so, friends of mine say yes. What do you think? I've got a bet riding on this one.

I usually don't trek very far,
when all around ailing horses are.

Hi...

I would seek the advice of someone who knew a whole lot more than I do about horses. Get it to your vet right away...!!

Then...perhaps...you can assist in further treatment, with your vet's recommendations.