How to Treat Hoof Abscesses in Horses

Everyone has an opinion on how to treat horses for hoof abscesses. The old cowboys and lifetime horse aficionados swear by soaking. Today's contemporary farriers suggest that soaking may not be the best idea, as it softens the hoof to the point of displacing the coffin bone and causing navicular disease. But whatever stance you take on the issue, the bottom line is your horse is lame and that infection must come out.

An abscess occurs when a foreign object, commonly a nail, a rock, or any number of other sharp matter, punctures either the soft tissue of the frog or the hard tissue of the hoof's sole. The foreign object may remain in the hoof, itself becoming the source of infection, or it may simply create an opening through which dirt and other matter are allowed into the hoof. Often, the initial puncture wound closes, locking the matter inside. The horse's body responds by attacking and attempting to evacuate the invader. It creates a pocket of pus around the foreign matter and begins to move it. It will choose the easiest escape route, the path of least resistance, sometimes traveling downward and out the way it came in, and sometimes traveling upward. In many horses, especially performance horses whose jobs involve severe concussion to the hoof, the abscess will find its way out at the coronet band, creating a small pinhole through which to drain. The pain is caused when the migrating pus pocket comes in contact with nerves. If left untreated, you could end up with a chronically lame horse. Action must be taken immediately.

It is when these abscesses can't find a way out that we get into trouble. We come out to find our favorite riding horse standing on three legs, or worse, down entirely and unable to bear weight on the affected foot. For these extreme cases, a professional must be called immediately. For more moderate cases, you may be able to relieve the pressure with a little dedication and commitment.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hoof testers or hoof pick
• Warm water
• Epsom Salts
• Rubber bucket
• 4 by 4 gauze pads
• Baby diapers or hoof boots
• Stable bandage
• Syringe
• Vetwrap

1. 
    
   Examine the bottom of the hoof for abnormalities.

   The first step is to locate the affected area. A pair of hoof testers is the quickest way to achieve this. But barring ownership of this tool, study the bottom of the hoof for small holes or slits. If you find something suspicious, use your hoof pick to test the area for sensitivity by applying moderate to gentle pressure. The horse will tell you when it hurts. If you still have no luck, try applying an Epsom salt poultice to the entire surface, pad with gauze and bandage or boot. Leave for a few hours, and limit the horse's movement. Provided the abscess isn't too deeply imbedded, the salts will draw out the infection, and you will see blood or pus on the gauze.

2. Once you have located the source of the infection, you need to decide if you can deal with it yourself, or if you need to call your farrier. Your farrier will verify the location of the abscess, and will do what he can to open a pathway for the infection to drain. If you feel your farrier is unnecessary, then you may begin soaking the foot.

3. Before you begin, be aware that when you're ready to remove the hoof from the water, it is important that it not touch the ground and become contaminated with soil or manure. Spreading newspapers can be helpful. Or work in your barn on a clean swept floor or mat.
   
   Have your bandaging material and/or boot ready to use.

4. Soaking must be done two to three times per day. Use warm water, preferably in a rubber bucket as these will not crack should the horse step on the side. Fill the bucket enough to cover the hoof. It usually requires about a gallon of water. Add in ½ to 1 cup of Epsom salts. Allow the salts to dissolve completely. Be sure your horse is in crossties, or well-trained to stand quietly while you work around it. Place the affected hoof into the bucket, and encourage the horse to relax his weight onto it. Horses usually welcome this experience after a bad bout; it feels wonderful! Soak the hoof for 15 or 20 minutes

5. 
    
   Easyboot Epics [TM] with Gaiters[TM] are perfect for protecting the healing hoof while the horse is on turnout.

   Depending on the severity of your case, you may choose to use an Epsom poultice before you bandage. If this is the case, apply the poultice, then the bandage, just as you did for diagnosis. It is important that your bandage material be absorbent, and changed frequently during the first 24 hours so that your drainage is not impeded.
   
   If bandaging rather than booting the hoof, disposable baby diapers are an excellent choice. Apply vet wrap liberally over the diaper to be certain the horse can't remove it with its teeth. Use a stable bandage up the leg under the vet wrap to prevent irritation and rubbing.
   
   If booting, you can use either a medicine boot or even a riding boot, such as Old Mac's[TM] or Easyboots[TM]. Easyboots[TM] work well as they are easy to get on over your gauze.
   
   If the lameness doesn't subside after a day or two of this, call your farrier.

6. 
    
   Soaking the foot provides relief for the abscessed horse.

   After the third day of this procedure, continue washing the hoof but leaving it open. A syringe can be used to evacuate an opening, if there is one. This should be done twice a day for a day or two, then once a day, until you can no longer find an opening. Painting some iodine over the site will both harden the area and disinfect it.

Tips & Warnings

• A clean work space is a must!
• Know your horse. Do not attempt anything that would jeopardize your or his safety.
• Do not hesitate to consult a professional such as your farrier or veterinarian with any concerns regarding your individual case.

Resources

• Easyboot
• Epsom poultice
• hoof testers