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HOOF ABCESS
Foot abscesses usually develop at an area of separation of the horny outer of hoof wall from the softer underlying layer of the hoof, often at the white Dirt accumulates in these cracks and the area soon becomes infected. Such infections can be quite advanced before the abscess affects the sensitive foot, causing pain. Hence, pain from an abscess can develop suddenly, such soon after shoeing or after a hard workout.
Important Points in Treatment:-
- Drainage is the primary means of treating a foot abscess. Softening "drawing" of the infected area and cleanliness are also important.
- After the abscess drains, your horse's pain should progressively lessen, point of near soundness in 3-4 days.
- Most foot abscesses are routine and uncomplicated, but some take more to diagnose and treat. Some foot infections do not form a true abscess. could be related to a puncture wound, rather than separation of hoof In treating a foot abscess, a large area of sole may have to be pared time is needed for the sale to heal and toughen. The condition may been a true abscess, but rather more of a bruise. If the pain persists, take radiographs (x-rays) to rule out a coffin bone fracture. Finally, abscesses undermine the sole considerably, to the extent of requiring followup visits and possibly application of a hospital plate shoe. Hospital plate shoes have a steel plate bolted over the injured sale, protecting and saving the expense of repeated application of tape bandages.
- The tetanus status should always be checked on each puncture patient, since Clostridium tetani, an anaerobic bacterium, can grow in the wounds.
If you have any concerns or questions on Foot Abscesses contact us at 619-659-1180.