Thoughts please???

[charliechocolate]

I have recently bought an "untouched" 3 year old mare from Germany. To cut a long story short she is not in good condition and at present cannot be handled due to nervousness. She is living in a large foaling box at the moment. 1 week ago I had the vet out as she had devoloped a swollen hind fetlock and from what I could see had some small scrapes etc round the area. Vet came and prescribed 10 days antibiotics and 5 days Danilon. She still has 2 days left on antibiotics and the swelling has all but gone but this am I notice black fluid (infection?) seeping out the coronet band on that hind leg and she is a little stiff on that leg again. I am guessing there is/was an abcess in that foot which has now burst. As she is still on the antibiotics should I let nature run its course keep draining out or should I get more antbiotics from the vet? Any thoughts would be appreciated as I cant wash/scrub it as cant get near her. Many thanks.

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

Poor little mare. I'd move heaven and earth to have her living a more "horsey" life so she can settle and start to lose her nervousness. This means turnout and company. I can't see how she will ever start to grow in confidence of having people round her if she's living 24/7 in a stable, however roomy. Sorry. Obviously, you need your vet's advice on the abscess but be careful with antibx for hoof abscesses as they can encourage the body to form a capsule round the infected area and it will never properly heal. Mare may need to be sedated to carefully investigate the abscess x

 

[charliechocolate]

Hi, I just want to add that she has been living out in a herd for the last 3 years and I am not keepping her trapped in a box away from natural instincts. She is only in for a short period to establish handling and put weight on her by monitoring her feed etc. Please do not "feel sorry" for her as she is very well cared for and will be going out and enjoying all the normal horsey things as soon as possible. I only asked for advice on her foot.

 

[Lucy_Nottingham]

I think vet call again is definetly in order! If it is black, then that is not really the colour of puss coming out of a normal just popped abscess, she may need to be sedated so the vet can drain it using a needle/syringe/ bucket for collecting, whatever is called for!
Black is not a good colour! Vet is definetly required!
Hope she gets better!