Repeated abscess’s

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poiuytrewq

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What would be the cause? Hinds only affected.
Been going on several months. Pretty major this time. Both hinds which makes for pretty awkward bandage changes.
I’m hoping for cushings results back today 🤞 I think I’m hoping for positive because at least I can do something about it then.
Hind shoes have been off for over a year except for a 6 week period over summer when I shod and tried riding again so they are pretty used to being bare already and have no nail holes etc.
I don’t have loads of mud. They are half time whether that’s day or night so get a good chance to dry out.
I pick, scrub and spray regularly.
Currently draining out of heels both sides and soles which have been dug out.
He’s been ridiculously sick this time with them. High resp/heart/ temp 39.7 and saa over 1000 (way better now)
Also treating as laminitis as very mild pulses in front have joined the raging ones behind but 🤷‍♀️
No signs of pain with hoof testers even the day before this lot became apparent just broken leg lame.

I never thought I’d be hoping for cushings but I am really worried we have no where else to go on this.
I plan to get the stim test if this does come back negative.
Any other possibilities?
 
You need a really good farrier.

My friend had this with one of hers. Double figures of abcesses each winter. It got to the point where the vet felt PTS might be the best option. Then she sacked her farrier (for another reason) and switched to mine who has an excellent reputation.

Within months he was able to manage the hoof better, worked with the vet to try alternative treatment approaches and treated the horse holistically, looking at feed and care advice. Within a year the number of abcesses had halved and now he has them rarely.

Speak to your local horse-pitals and find out who they use for the most difficult of cases. Find out which farrier your vet uses.
 
my young tb mare had both hinds abcessing repeatedly last year. I think in her case she was just growing out the bad diet from being on a racing yard. She is fine now but they rumbled on for months and I was worried at the time. Xx
 
One of mine has had repeated abscesses this winter. All bar one hoof affected. Farrier is excellent, and has caught a few niggly bits before they became abscessed, otherwise I'm sure I would have been dealing with more. Suspect Cushing's in this one too, but he showed negative on the ACTH stim. Will try the other test. The mud has been horrendous in the walkway between the paddock, water and shelter, I'm pretty sure that's the biggest cause, despite a load of ground work being done before winter. Looks like even more of something will need doing in spring. They have the driest paddock and a load of mud mats in and outside the shelter. Just trying to roll with it and not break down in a sobbing heap each time he says "mum, it's happened again". Not much I can do to improve the environment until the weather dries, waiting for supplements to kick in and getting him tested again.
 
My first thought is Cushings. My big mare had a persistent/intermittent abscess in one hind, vet and farrier were both involved.

Mare was so upset by it all that I had to ask the farrier to stop putting himself at risk trying to open it up. When the ACTH test came back, it was obvious what was the cause and as soon ad the Prascend kicked in, after about a week, I think, it cleared up.

Fingers crossed that yours is as easily sorted.

Eta, if ACTH is negative, I recommend having the TRH-stim test. We had a different mare whose ACTH kept coming back as within normal limits but the TRH was *8x* normal limit.
 
I hope I may get results today and the ponies are both medicated so I have some here and can start straight away.

I have found and have on stand by a (apparently) very good farrier but currently due to the laminitis possibility my vet has said not to touch anyhting until he's a bit more stable.
I do plan to get the other test if this comes back negative. I've heard too many times about that happening @Pearlsasinger.

He's being so good but more than a bit antsy today as he can hear guys fencing a few fields over, god knows how he's going to handle the arrival of many sheep later today
 
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