Abscess numpty question

[Salcey]

Horse appears hopping lame on LF with a hot hoof, raised pulse. So have started tubbing the foot morning and evening as suspected abscess but still turning out as normal but with hoof boots on. Do I start to poultice any hot areas now or wait for it to burst? Also how long would you wait for it to burst before resorting to getting the farrier/vet out to dig?

 

[JillA]

I would get a farrier out - like, yesterday! IME vets don't dig as confidently as farriers, who after all are hoof specialists, and until you have a point of exit for any pus, there isn't much point in poulticing. I think allowing it to find it's own exit is not only dangerous,(there have been instances of pus tracking around the inside of the foot damaging the pedal bone) but cruel - why would you allow your horse to continue 10/10th lame when you can quickly relieve that acute pain by releasing the pressure?
If the farrier finds a track and releases pus, a couple of days of poulticing and keeping clean and dry should allow the hoof to seal over the hole and then heal it. The pain will have gone by that time.

 

[Circe]

I'm another one that gets farrier asap. I personally don't like the abscess bursting by itself. My horse had a reoccurring abscess when I got him, and it had burst itself through the coronary band, and front of the hoof wall, which caused damage to the hoof wall, which had to then grow out.
Ive also seen horses unwilling to stand because of the pain of an abscess that still hasn't burst, I think that is wrong when a farrier can open the sole and give them relief in minutes.
Kx

 

[SirBrastias]

My farriers sometimes hard to get hold of so I always get the vet. Much rather spend the money and have a quick recovery. My vets (equine hospital) have always been very good and very thorough, when it comes to abscesses.

 

[mightymammoth]

i would get the farrier or vet but in the mean time hot poultice and carry on soaking the hoof as you are. How is his hoof today