Could it be an abscess?

ktj1891

ktj1891

Well-Known Member
Joined
15 March 2010
Messages
1,584
Visit site
My Boy couple weeks ago had a tiny stone in the white line (I think, im not an expert) which I dug out. It left a little hole. Now he has been a bit sore adjusting to barefoot and also having thrush etc but I can tell with this as he is only like it over stones or going downhill.

But today walking up the steep concrete hill we have to walk up to get to his field he was throwing some lame steps in front which he has never done before. He has also been more grumpy lately and going for the pony I lead out with him which is out of character. He may just be feeling the ground a bit more as we have had some wet weather past few days I don't know.

Any suggestions?
 
It could be an abscess, it could be several things.
I expect you have looked at the barefoot diet posts on here, which recommend various mineral supplements: micronised linseed and hi fibre lo sugar feed. The feeding will improve hoof health, tighten the white line and the hoof capsule.
If I had any doubts, I would put him straight on Pro Hoof for a month, it is more expensive than other minerals because it has more of the expensive minerals.
You can ask Pro Earth [ebay] for advice, there are other companies, just have a look at a few of the posts.
As you are bringing him in daily, I would clean up the feet every day and try tubbing if he will allow. Check for heat. If they are due for trimming get the farrier out sooner.
You could consider stabling for a few days, and poultice the whole hoof to coronet band if there is heat, the poultice is to draw the abscess, but if the horse starts to hop then it is time to call the vet, in the meantime you could ask your vet by telephone.
I don't think it is due to wet weather, though I do like to have them in for at least 6 hours if it has been raining, on dry bedding, a lot of people don't bother.
Abscesses can be quite difficult.
 
Last edited:
He is on low sugar diet may need to tweak a little more. He is on forage plus hoof health balancer started a week ago. He has his feet picked out and sprayed with sole clense everyday. I dont wash them everyday as I dont like them getting wet everyday. Will see how he goes I have to take him to vets this saturday for something else and I am waiting for a trimming appt with a new trimmer :)
 
Have you got the micronised linseed [charnwood milling], it is fantastic stuff for joints skin hooves, joints and condition, also B vitamins, and is soothing to the gut.
I am not one to hose legs or feet, but in this instance I would be tubbing for a few days to bring out the abscess if it is there. Vet should find out the problem and I think there is a problem if it was not just that he stood on a sharp stone one day.
You know to avoid molassed/ moglo chaff, and use non molassed sugar beet to carry the minerals.
I don't think that most trimmers would be as experienced as most farriers when it comes to abscesses.
 
Last edited:
He is on micro linseed, kwik beet and pure condition FP, immuneboost (herb course), yeasacc and brewers yeast. He has been out of hinds since April and fronts September. He was fine walking up the yard which has a slow incline, but once we crossed the road and started walking up the steep hill he threw some lame steps. Will keep an eye on him and see what happens.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top