Abscess - just the hoof or elsewhere??

Crazydancer

Well-Known Member
Joined
26 July 2010
Messages
1,737
Location
Wimborne
Visit site
My horse had an injury while I was away for 10 days (typical horses!!) and from what I've been told, it sounds like an abscess - but on the inside of her near-hind cannon bone. There was no kick/injury/heat prior, and the horses get checked twice daily, and she had got a kick on the stifle area they'd been keeping an eye on. She just had this area pop up and burst, with puss and yuk.

Has anyone heard of an abscess like that in that area??

And if she had that, would there be a possibility of having another one lurking, lower down?

I've had 3 vet visits, and another booked today, as although the wound itself doesn't looks so bad now (it was deep, to the bone, and has been x-rayed to check nothing sinister) she is getting more lame - last night she was practically on 3 legs, even on bute (1 sachet daily at the moment) so vet is coming back again.
Vet said the only thing she can think that would cause so much lameness even on bute would be an abscess......

Any thoughts or experiences most welcome. :(

Photo:
IMG-20140608-00316_zps1270eb33.jpg
 
Last edited:
Possible, vet to check with hoof testers, ask vet about possible sequestrum forming on the bone where the abscess has burst out, that can cause lameness.
 
Last edited:
Thanks - vet had checked for sequestrum, no sign, cannon and splint bones all looked clean.
Vet checked with hoof testers, no reaction. Also manipulated all joints from the hip down, and all muscles from the back down, nothing.
Still very lame and leg very swollen/filled yesterday, so on that basis we're treating like cellulitis, even though she's been on ABs there shouldn't be an infection, but there clearly is something going on. She had a steroid injection to help reduce the swelling, and we're changing to a different (stronger) AB to see if that helps.
Also upped the bute as the poor mare is so uncomfortable, bless her, she's been so good about us cleaning and messing with it. It's awful when they're in pain. :(
 
Yes my horse did. Came out mid cannon bone but the tendon side at the back. She was lame & then box rested with a check ligament injury & then this burst out & she wasn't lame once to burst out. She was bandaged & had Manuka honey put on it & changed every 3 days for a week then turn out & gentle hacking to encourage drainage .

I'm afraid the hair has never grown back & in the summer it burns in the sun :(
 
Manuka honey is the way to go and change the abs to another type for another 5 days, the infection she has might not be covered by the abs she has been on, dont leave it as it could get worse and cause damage further.
 
Top