Bruised Sole or Hoof Abcess?

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Morgan123

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Hiya, how would i know the difference between the early stages of an abscess, and a bruised sole?
My barefoot welsh cob has a separation in his front foot - this is quite normal and my farrier doesn't worry about them, we just keep them clean and keep an eye on them. However, he's been a bit foot sore recently, especially over stones – so has had a bit of time off (still accustoming to being barefoot). When I led him out of his stable thismorning he was very careful on the front hoof with the separation – but improved as he walked and was almost 100% sound when walking on grass. I’ve hosed and cleaned it as normal – and will poultice it tonight to be one the safe side – but there isn’t really any heat or particular puffiness (all his legs are a little puffy when in). If it’s an abcess, I want to call the vet ASAP before it gets really bad, but obviously don’t want to call the vet out if it’s just a bruise! The hoof is black, btu I can’t really see any discolouration as when white feet bruise.
Any ideas?

Thank you!
 
Agree with this, especially on an unshod horse. My pony went unshod and would be hopping lame on grass if he had the start of an absess but almost sound on hard ground. either way I'd geta vet or farrier to have a look as soon as you can
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Sounds like a bruised sole. Usually the abscess lameness comes on very suddenly and very dramatically. Have you checked around the white line of the hoof and is the pulse stronger around that pastern or is ther any heat? x
 
Thanks for your help! Think it must be a bruised sole AND something higher up the lef - fetlock is now swollen but not pastern, so must have pulled something. Grr. Will have to have vet out i think. Thank you, though!
 
The leg can swell and fill with abscesses and bruised soles... my mare's leg was quite swollen yesterday, all around the fetlock and even going up towards the tendon. Turns out she has a severe bruised sole!
 
thansk - yeh, same happened before, but then his pastern adn coronet would be swollen too - they seem to be ok (for the moment!). Will keep an eye on it...! Thansk for your help.
 
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