Hot spot - is this something brewing?

[CarolineJ]

Sorry for a really numpty question - this morning Merlin had a spot about the size of my thumb on the outside of his left fore pastern (roughly where the P2 bone is) which is noticeably hotter than the rest of his foot. Can't see anything, prodded it a lot with no reaction and he's sound.

Could it be a brewing abscess that high up? (Luckily never had a horse with one, so don't know what their range is!) If so, what should I do? Hot cloths to bring it out?

Hopefully I'll take him back down to the bottom fields this evening and it'll be normal, but just in case...

 

[FoxedOff]

It could be an abses, If it doesn't go call a farrier out asap, much cheaper and can deal with the problem there!
Hope everything goes well

 

[moorman]

Sorry to be a stick in the mud, but speaking as a farrier I would always encourage an owner to call a vet out to a lame-Or suspected lame horse first, the reason being it is not permitted for a farrier to diagnose, give a prognosis or treat an animal unless referred by a vet. (unless in an emergency)
I keep teaching this to all my students and will always stand by it.
My best clients have great relationship with their vet, and it follows that they seem to have less problems.
If your horse has a bruise for example if the vet sees it at the earliest point in time, they will be aware of it should it change into something more serious.
As for what this costs, It has been proven that one early appointment will save money in the long run.

 

[CarolineJ]

Thanks both All back to normal yesterday and today, but I'll keep half an eye on it.