Hoof wall resection, any advice?

[onemorehorse]

My horse has recently had a hoof wall resection for a deep abscess. Has anyone been through this and have any advice, tips on aftercare? How long does it take to fully heal? Can they be turned out or is box rest the only way? Thank you x

 

[PurBee]

Hopefully someone will reply who’s personally dealt with it, but from what ive gathered, if its wrapped well to prevent dirt/soil/stones getting to the resected bit, and a hoof boot used for support if needed, they can be turned out. Providing horse is sound enough on that hoof for movement.
Depending on how severe the resection depends on the wrapping/boot used.

Thought i’d answer that bit, in case you were wondering if box rest is essential until the hoof wall grows out, which is a long time!

Ask your vet/farrier whether turn-out with footpad and/or boot would be ok as theyre seeing the horse personally. He may be too sore initially for turn-out but at some point usually turn-out is ok if area kept protected and clean.

 

[Surbie]

Mine had a partial resection in October 5 years ago. He was on box rest for a few weeks with the dressing changed 3x day, then the yard rigged a dry concrete area for him in front of his box, about the size of 6 stables, where he could mooch and keep the dressing clean and dryish despite the snow/rain/hail. He then graduated to the school overnight with a sensible friend for company. He was able to go out in February with the hole plugged and from March without a plug.

Michen had a thread about a more drastic resection here:
https://forums.horseandhound.co.uk/threads/hoof-wall-resection-gas-pocket.746628/