Abscess/Hoof experts...

diamonddogs

diamonddogs

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... advice please while I'm waiting for the farrier to call me back :)

My mare's out at the moment and I really feel for her having to drag a bag round with her specially in this weather. She had the abscess dug out a week ago last Monday, and was on box rest till Friday. Though there was very little gunk coming out while she was in, as soon as she got outside and moving about it started to drain.

The poultice has been clean for two days now, but she still seems a bit sore on it - sound walking in the field in a straight line (apart from having to drag the bag about), but she's very unsure about turning, though seems more worried than in pain.

Question is, normally I'd wait till I'd had a clean poultice and no lameness for a couple of days then plug the hole with hoof putty, but this time I'm a bit wary of stuffing putty in the hole while she's still not 100% because I've never had to dig it out again before - I don't even know if you can; I thought once it had gone off you had to wait for it to grow out or get the farrier to get it out.
 
That's what I thought - actually both scenarios. Probably best to leave to putty for now then?

I was told to dry poultice after three days of hot and wet, so is there any benefit in going back to a hot one, or is it just a case of keep dressing it till she's sound again?
 
I don't use putty, so can't comment on that.

You could tub the hoof in warm water (with a splash of iodine) and then apply a dry poultice, which will protect the sole if it's the dug out area causing the pain. You will also see if there's any gunk coming out when you take the poultice off. I would turn out too. If the horse gets lamer, or doesn't improve then you'll need to get the vet or farrier back.
 
Yes, been scrubbing and syringing with iodine all through and so far the poultice has remained clean (for about 48 hours), so it's probably soreness as she is improving by the day.

The putty - Keratex - has to be kneaded to make it soft enough to go into the hole, and left to set. It will go rock hard and stays in the hole till it grows out, or gets pushed out by new hoof. I suppose it could be teased out, but I'd probably get the farrier to do it.
 
I had one like this a few months ago, turned out to be a second small abscess. I would agree with Farracat, hot tub and dry poultice.
 
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