Warm Hoof , no lameness?

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sillyprune

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My TB was showing signs of very minor lameness just over 8 days ago and I felt his leg and hoof to see if there was swelling or warmth- there was warmth in his hoof so I called the farrier to come and check his foot for an abscess or something similar etc. He had a good prod around and couldn't find anything wrong with him and he said his lameness was almost unnoticeable so he said to leave it a few days to see if it goes away.

It has now been just over a week and Harry isn't lame at all anymore, but his hoof is still warm?
Where does this leave me? should I call the vet or leave him for a few more days and see if it goes away completely. He's not lame or uncomfortable & he's perfectly fine in himself too.
 
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If sound, do nothing, warmth could be from a minor stone bruise that will resolve itself with no further issue. If lameness reappears, that's the time to ask for professional advice.
 
Could be bruise or an abscess brewing. they can take ages to track down, or up and pop open.


If you horse is sound carry on, just be carefull and extra aware.
If he starts acting up, then give him the benefit of the doubt.
 
Is it warmer compared to other feet? If not he could just have warm feet. My mare has warmer feet than my gelding, but they are all the same warmth and very consistent. A friend's pony has very cold feet so it's great to check when the grass comes through as they heat up quickly if it's too rich and she can keep on top of any lami risk and tailor his turnout to suit.

If it's just one warm foot it could be a bruise or maybe an abcess developing, but hard to tell really. Especially if you don't feel the feet temperatures regularly
 
Kick on and monitor . Don't be tempted to use bute. If there is a problem it will show up soon enough.

If I had a £1 for every warm hoof which never ended with a problem I'd be quite rich!
 
My gelding had very very slight lameness that came and went, had it for a day or two then would go for several weeks or longer, this went on for nearly two years, neither farrier was able to find anything though very occasionally he was a bit sensitive when I picked his feet but as he can be a bit of a tit it was inconclusive, finally an abscess erupted on his heel.
The farrier was mortified as he tried digging it out there was a tiny spot of blood but poulticed and the problem has never recurred but I have since been giving supplements as he had had 5 in total but none since.
 
My tb recently had a hot hoof. His was an abcess and burst in great style!! Hoof now cold again. As others have said as long as he is sound monitor and continue to exercise.
 
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