Hoof abscess

[amy_mcc1998]

My pony has an abscess in his hoof and I've got some Epsom salts to soak his foot with. How long should I soak it in the water and how much salt should I put in? Also should I then out a wet or a dry dressing on? He isn't lame yet but his heel is sore to touch

He had something similar in his other foot about a month ago (although vet never actually confirmed what was wrong!!!) and it had already burst so vet said to put a wet dressing on it for a couple of days to draw anything that was left out

 

[ash_vet]

I tend to advise people to hot tub for about 10 minutes twice daily, and wet poultice after. I dont like to wet poultice a foot for more than 3 days in a row though as the foot will completely fall to pieces if you continually get it wet. 3 days wet poultice followed by 3 days dry poultice tends to be sufficient in my experience.

 

[JillA]

Animalintex poultice (cut a piece and damp it in warm water) with vetrap and then duct tape to protect it. Change at least once a day, ideally twice, but you need to ensure there is drainage for any pus so it can be drawn out and the pain will ease.
So if vet never confirmed it, how do you know it is an abscess? Has your farrier or trimmer seen it? There must be an underlying problem if he has had two so soon after each other.