Lumps/blisters on bulbs of heals

willhegofirst

willhegofirst

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My lad has developed lumps on the bulbs of his heals, both hind feet and one front. They are slightly red, look like blisters, and are tender when they first appear, I have a split lip to prove it! Any ideas, I have been putting "heal to hoof" on them. He is unshod and they seen to develop after he was last trimmed, may be a coincidense.
 
Do they break open? What you are describing is spot on for an abscess exit wound, though to get three all at the same time would be very unusual. Has he been treading in something caustic or doing any unusual work recently?
 
They don't break open, one has peeled now, like a blister would, no gunge or anything, he is a bit footy but not lame. Not done any unusal work, someone on the yard suggested a reaction to the buttercups maybe, with the wet weather his heels have been soft.
 
buttercups might be possible, I have lots and I know they can cause sores on the lips. Does your horse have white skin?
 
Might be buttercups. Not only can they cause ulcers and hyper salivation but their effects can cause photosensitisation and neurological signs. Having recently put to sleep a horse with the above signs and confirmed by pm/histo I wild be very careful. Top your field if there are lots of buttercups - it removes the danger.
 
Could they be mites? Mine has suffered really badly this year. It started with what looked like thrush. Then little red spots that turned into splits. The spots were the mite bites and then all the damage to his heel was self inflicted!! He has no feathers and none of the others are suffering!!! This was one hind leg first and then slightly on the other.
 
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