Hoof Abscesses

 develop following small puncture wounds, in any area of damage to the hoof or frog or following an episode of laminitis.

How can I reduce the risk of a hoof abscess?

Regular trimming and shoeing will help to reduce the risk. Avoiding wet and muddy fields following periods of dry weather may also help as these extremes of dry and wet can cause stress and weakening of the hoof and sole.

How do I treat a hoof abscess?

The abscess will need to be identified and drained and the foot poulticed so you will need to call your farrier or vet immediately. Antibiotics are rarely necessary; however, as with all penetrating injuries to the foot, your horse’s tetanus vaccination must be up to date.

Your farrier or vet will initially examine the foot using hoof testers to try and identify where the abscess is. The shoe will need to be removed and then the abscess opened up using hoof knives to pare the sole or wall away. Sometimes it may not be possible to immediately locate the abscess and in these cases poulticing for 24 hours before trying again can be beneficial and reduce the amount of sole which is pared away.

Once the abscess has been opened up a poultice is applied, which should be held in place with a bandage and then protected with tough waterproof tape.

It is usual practice to use a hot wet poultice for the first two or three days and then change to a dry poultice until pus stops draining from the abscess. Your farrier may then wish to plug the abscess hole before putting the shoe back on, if your horse wears them.

Depending on the underlying cause box rest may be recommended. In some instances it may be useful to turn the horse out, with the poultice protected by a heavy plastic bag or boot, as movement will encourage the abscess to drain.