Wet or dry poultice?

[SNORKEY]

Hi, my boy has a nasty deep hole which has got infected and farrier said to poultice it today. He was a nightmare to get it on but eventually got a wet one on with a field boot over the top as he won't stay in. After tomorrow lunch time I won't be able to do him again til Friday ( mums seeing to him but won't touch his foot) so, shall I put a wet or dry one on tomorrow which will have to stay on unchanged for 48hrs! I know it's not ideal but I have no choice but to leave it.

 

[Irishbabygirl]

A wet one would be best at this early stage but if you really can't change it for 48hrs I would opt for a dry one. Could a friend do it for you? Or your farrier if he's passing?

 

[rhino]

Is there nobody that can change the bandage, I'm sorry but I don't think it is acceptable to leave any poultice or dressing on an infected wound for 48 hours. Sounds harsh but my horse paid the price for a previous yard's negligence in not changing a dressing (on full livery as I was away).

 

[SNORKEY]

My mums too scared to handle him, and we have them at home so no one else around. Maybe it's better if she takes it off Thursday, she'd be happy doing that. Then il start again Friday.

 

[Tnavas]

The wet poultice should be fine as you want to keep the hoof moist to encourage the pus to drain. A dry poultice may close over the hole preventing drainage.

What I usually do with a foot abscess is to get the antibiotic ointment in a tube that cows are given when they have mastitis. Squeeze the contents into the open abscess. Helps to control the infection topically.

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

If you leave it 48hrs without changing the poultice you are probably going to make the infection worse whether the poultice is wet or dry. If you leave the poultice off the wound will likely close over or be filled with dirt and this will make the infection worse. Pay the vet to do it, or a freelance groom. Horses cost money and that's that. Some things can't be left.