Hoof Abscess help!

[SophiaG]

Hello everyone im new here and need some advice.

I have a new partner in crime his name is Sid , im new to horse ownership although i have been loaning for years.

the problem is i bought Sid of my current yard owner he is perfect to ride but we are having some other problems. He mysteriously became lame last week and the owner was positive that it was a twisted fetlock so box rest it was for a few days. He seemed on the mend but then along comes the farrier and notices an abscess- which has now been dug out and im on the way to see in a mo. Im very new to horse illness and problems as im a new horse owner and i have not had to deal with it before so im asking advice at every turn.

Now shouldnt the owner have noticed this? And shouldnt his feet have been checked properly when he was sold to me?

Note: he has not had shoes on since i bought him despite the owner promising every week that he would have and im paying for it

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[sally2008]

Hi Sophia

Abcesses often give no warning of their development until the rapid on-set of lameness. I understand that it can take 5-7 days for pus to build up in the foot to such an extent that it starts to cause pain so, depending on how long you've owned him, it is quite likely that no cause for concern was spotted previously. Abcesses can and do sometimes just break naturally out of the coronary band, this being the first sign that anything has been amiss.

I'd suggest that you speak to the person you've paid to arrange shoeing and either get your money back so that you can call a farrier yourself, or set a deadline by which you want the shoeing done.

If you take some direct side one, front on and underside of the foot photos and post them, then there are many knowledgeable people here who will be able to give you a sensible assessment of any issues he may have and guidance as to the best way forward.

 

[SophiaG]

Thank you Sally

Im on my way now and i will get some photos it will help me understand it better also

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Abscesses can come on very quickly and even horses with healthy hooves can sometimes get them. Low sugar and high fibre diets are good for hoof health (no molasses in his feed).

RE the shoes. Don't forget that many horses can work without shoes (including roadwork). Why don't you get him recovered from the abscess and then see if he's sound without shoes. You can always put them on later.

 

[SophiaG]

Ok on closer inspection he looks fine. Its a tiny hole probably not even the size of a 1p!

Its all nice and clean now and hes all tucked up with more food than he can dream of - I dont think hes been pampered this much in his life!

Thanks for all the help much appreciated

Im just going to keep it nice and clean and the farrier will be coming on Monday to inspect the shoe situation