Question re constant abscesses in horse whose had laminitis..

0ldmare

0ldmare

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My mare had horrendous laminitis last winter (took 3 months to recover and nearly PTS). Eventually it was discovered she had Cushings and she recovered. But she has severe rotation and dropping as a result.

She's been laminitis free since January but has a constant stream of abscesses - probably around 2 per month, random feet. She's once again sound, but is there a point where the abscesses stop? I'm worried about the winter as I imagine the wet/mud is going to exacerbate the problem!

Can anyone tell me their experiences as to whether its likely to get better.
The horse is retired and not shod.
 
It is quite common I'm afraid and is simply natures way of getting rid of the necrotic tissue in the feet. Let nature do her thing and don't be tempted to get antibiotics for them as all that generally does is suppress the abcesses, prolonging the process. The bad news is that they could carry on for some time (the longest I've known is 2 years), depending on the amount of damage that's been done. Sorry, probably not what you wanted to hear but think of it in a positive way - her body is doing everything it can to heal itself.
 
Oldmare - sympathies for your problems and big hugs for the horse.

I've done a few lami's in my time, never had that much issue with abscesses but where they do this is my experience; which may not hold true for your girl but I thought I'd share.

Some horses are very contracted as well as laminitic. Some decontracting horses will abscess. - But I find this is the least likely although it does happen.

Some extreme laminitics recover to the point where they are so much better that they are considered 'cured' but actually they still have some LGL (low grade laminitis) and infection eats in through the damaged laminae - this can get bad enough to abscess. Seen this quite a bit, esp with cushings.

Laminitics often have terrible frogs and infection gets in - eating in at the bottom of the collateral groove or at the bottom of an infected central sulcus. Which in lami's are often deep and narrow rather than being a shallow thumb print.

The sole of a lamintic can become very compromised (thin/weak) leading to much bruising which can lead to abscesses. I always advise clients to boot with gel pads for turnout on hard ground and any exercise until the horse is able to pass various tests.

When you can find and fix the causal factor the abscesses should resolve. But that is the hard part because traditional thinking on that can be counter productive.

I always would recommend consulting a good vet in these circumstances.
 
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Thanks so much for both the very interesting replies, much appreciated :)

2 years :eek: to resolve, that's truly scary, I already feel like I should own shares in the vetwrap and and Animalintex manufacturers!

That's so interesting re the reason for them, I thought infection was getting in from outside mostly

Lucypriory thanks so much, as always you are a mine of information. I've found your posts so helpful for my mare. Her soles are now ultra thick and hard (farrier commented, and also said its a good job as its only the soles holding her up, which is depressing). Her feet are a good shape (now) as new farrier is a superstar. But you can see very obvious seperation around the wall - looks a little like flaky pastry if you know what I mean! I will talk to my vet - I haven't involved them at all in the abscess problem. Good thinking

Its got to the point where I can tell she's getting another just by looking out my bedroom window and her stood still. She has a certain look when the next one is starting :D
 
I have no real experience of laminitis thankfully but I do have access experience!! To save in cash you need only a piece of animalintex cut to size for the hole and a cheap disposable nappy to hold it on then place a hoof boot over the top. This lasts very well and you could get a hoof boot on ebay for a bargain! Also means you can turn out. Good luck!
 
My small pony had laminitis last spring (2010) and spent most of the rest of 2010 with abscesses in various feet. Once winter came he seemed to improve and crossing fingers he has had no abscesses this year. Feet are still not right from all the abscessing last year but as the old grows out, the new growth is coming through better than ever and the farrier is very pleased with it.
I know what you mean about shares in vetrap!
 
Oldmare you are very welcome :-)

You can just use the disposable nappies though - they are truly great.

Can you post a picture of a solar view - or you could email one to me if you prefer (and side view too if possible)
 
Yep! My lad was given the all clear from laminitis but then went on for about four months of being intermittently lame...the worst being on Christmas morning when I thought we were clear of everything! I sobbed for England! My vet suspected abscess rather than repeat laminitis and we got him xrayed in the spring to find several gas pockets from absceses. So I guess they can grumble on for a time. This was back in spring of 2010 that he finally was sound permanently but his hooves are still growing out even now...at the toes you can still see the damaged laminae at the front that are growing down and out. My farrier says it will take up to 18 months as his feet grow slow. Take care, I feel your pain and anguish all too well.
 
Specially for LucyPriory, my old girls flaky feet.

I've photographed her worst foot but she's was not standing totally square, but hopefully you can get a rough idea...

P1000571_0093-1.jpg


And a very poor photo of underneath. I really need to photograph while farrier has them all cleaned up! They dont look very good do they...but she has not got thrush, that I am sure of although it looks a bit like that in the photo

P1000573_0095-1.jpg


And finally, the old girl herself asking what the heck I'm doing photographing her feet! :D

P1000572_0094-1.jpg
 
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