Hoof abscess
Cause
Infection can develop followig a penetrating wound, or from a bruised foot or corn. Small particles of dirt can track up a defect in the hoof, generally at the white line, and start an infection. Pus takes about five days to build up to a pressure that causes the considerable pain to the horse.
Symptoms
Acute lameness; the horse is reluctant to move and stands with the affected leg raised with the toe just touching the ground. The foot becomes hot, and the blood vessels entering the foot are enlarged. A definite pulse can be felt at mid-pastern, and some swelling might develop higher at the leg. The pus tracks in the direction of least resistance and this often results in it bursting out at the coronet. The problem in such case is that gravity will always tend to keep some pus below the coronet. Further bacterial multiplication then results in the abscess bursting out again at a later date.
Treatment
-The sole should be thoroughy cleaned, and any sign of a tract explored until the abscess is found and drained
-In early diagnosed cases, hot water tubbing and poulticing will help to mature the abscess in situations where it cannot be found on the first examination.
-Once the infection has been drained, antibiotic treatment is helpful.
