Is this an abscess?

[vicz999]

Hi everyone!


Please could I have some advice on what people believe the "cut" to be in the picture? We think it's an abscess that might of erupted up further on leg in the pastern but is this possible?


He first felt slightly lame last Sat but by Monday seemed fine and we presumed he had stood on a stone. He has schooled brilliantly in field and school over week but when on road last night felt lame on right not left, (the foot with the "cut" is left) - took him home and only saw this as it had started to puss and bleed! No heat or swelling before yesterday and not only slight heat in hoof but no tender points that I can locate!

Any advice or help greatly appreciated

 

[Meowy Catkin]

That wont have started as an abscess in the hoof.

 

[_GG_]

That wont have started as an abscess in the hoof.

I agree with this and as he's been inconsistent in soundness for a week now, I would get a vet out. If he needs ABs, he's better having them sooner rather than later and I would personally want it looked at by a vet and nobody else.

 

[amandap]

It could be a burst abscess but I agree its unlikely to have tracked up from the hoof. The unsoundness may be unrelated to this. Could it be a boot rub? I'd also want the vet to cast an eye over it, it imght just be a case of keeping clean but best to check.

 

[PorkChop]

I would doubt whether this has happened because of an abscess tbh, just treat it like an open wound.

 

[unicornystar]

looks like a very nasty bacterial infection, you need antibiotics.....!

My chap was lame through a bacterial infection far smaller than that picture, for a couple of days, he was fine within 2 days with antibiotics and out the following weekend sound as a pound.

Defo a vet job!

 

[Old Bat]

Looks like possibly an infected flybite, there's some funny b*****s around. I'd do vet and antibiotics for sure.