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HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Lameness » Diseases of the Hoof » Hoof Abscesses, Bruises, and Gravels »
  Discussion on Newly diagnosed abcess
Author Message
New Member:
Doroann

Posted on Sunday, Sep 14, 2003 - 3:59 pm:

My 5 year old morgan mare was recently diagnosed with a foreleg abcess in her club foot. Although she has worn shoes in the past she has been barefoot for 1 year while we use corrective/balanced trimming techniques to bring her club foot down at the heel. We've had much success - it looks terrific. Now this abcess is scaring me very much - it has been 9 days since the onset and she is extremely lame in this foot - I'm beginning to worry about coffin bone rotation or other problems assoc. with her deformity rather than an abcess? The vet could not dig far enough to find a pathway or actual abcess - there is heat in her hoof and a very slight increase in digital pulse, if any. I have been soaking it minimally (she doesn't like it!) and have been packing/wrapping it with antiphylogistine. Do you suggest x-rays or any other diagnostic tests to rule out other problems - and is it normal for an abcess to take this long to erupt? I might add my natural hoof care specialist is urging me NOT to let anyone "dig" into her hoof b/c he feels it will create more problems for her in the future.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Sep 15, 2003 - 5:21 am:

If you have read our article on abscesses you know we think that abscesses should be paired out quickly, if this is the problem and it is treated properly he will be sound in just a day or two. When allowed to fester then erupt at the white line more damage is done to the deep tissues than when drained. If you are uncertain about diagnosis and treatment I suggest you get a second opinion on the situration.
DrO
Member:
Tcascio

Posted on Saturday, Mar 18, 2006 - 7:47 pm:

I have a question regarding abscesses. My mare was lame 4 days ago. The Ferrier came out and said she had an abscess. He said to put soak it in epsom salt and water then pack it with some medicine and then put a boot on. After 3 or 4 days it should have come to the surface and popped on it's own. If it hasn't popped he said to pop it myself when it comes to the surface. It has been 4 days and she is walking much better. I took off the boot and soaked her foot to clean it but I can't find the abscess or any puss. I put her back out without the boot and she seems to be walking better but she does show a tiny little limp. I took her shoes off about 2 weeks ago and a new ferrier trimmed her too short. I am wondering if it is an abscess or a bruise. Does this treatment sound right?
Thank you
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Mar 19, 2006 - 9:19 am:

Unfortunately the diagnosis is not firm so we cannot really help with a specific therapy. It is unusual for an abscess to improve if it does not drain so some other problem is possible. We have an article that deals with the treatment of undiagnosed lameness at Equine Diseases » Lameness » First Aid for the Lame Horse. In the article check out the Acute Lameness of Unknown Cause section for general and specific recommendations. If this is an abscess or bruise what you are doing seems reasonable as long as it continues to improve if not see the article associated with this discussion for more.
DrO
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