should I call the vet?

[L&M]

Just to add to the long list of ailments my lad has had!
He had been intermmitently lame for 2 weeks - called my farrier out but the horse trotted up sound. Decided to give him a week off but was still lame when put back into work, so called the vet.
The vet managed to get a reaction with the hoof testers and when he removed the shoe found an area of bruising/possible abcsess site near his toe - the vet had a good dig around but no pus. Was advised to poultice for 5 days and then get the shoe back on. We are day 2 into the poulticing but no obvious pus yet (can't hot tub as horse is neurotic!)
However tonight the horse is more obviously lame at walk, with pronounced heat in the toe area. Does this mean the the abcsess is coming to a head and should hopefully erupt on its own, or do I need to call my vet/farrier back to dig it out?
Thanks for any advice

 

[cbeebies]

personally I would call the farrier to dig it out as really you dont want it travelling off, they seem to be better at locating and digging than vets! also if it does find a way out it is usually at the corranet (sp) area which isnt so good, My boy has one in his toe area at present took farrier seconds to locate and dig, also you dont want digging going off all over the place as this will then take longer for the hoof to heal, poulticing without a puncture area or dug out hole is really a waste of time! if you were able to soaking foot in hot water with hay on bottom of bucket to absorb concusion would be better as this sometimes softens the hoof enough for it to find an area to burst out of, hope this makes sence and doesnt come across as waffle, good luck anyway

 

[dingle12]

I would keep the poultice on you should get something soon. It sounds as if its working itself out. Do you soak the poultice or put it on dry? for foot its better dry as it makes it sweat so works out faster.

 

[L&M]

'Dingle' - I have been using warm/wet poultices as advised by vet?
In response to 'de' I totally agree in farrier over vet, but in this instance my farrier could not locate the problem whereas my vet did! I like your idea of hay at the bottom of a bucket for tubbing - the horse may find this less scary so will try it tomorrow.
Thanks for your help

 

[amandaco2]

continue wet polticing
sounds like its working its way out.
they are horrid things and smell awful!lets hope his poltice if full of nasty smelling black puss goodness for you tomorrow!