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Discussion on Please Help I am scared to death!
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New Member:
doc61
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 24, 2008 - 11:42 am:
I have a gelding that has an abcess here is a time line of what has happened. Sorry it is so long but after the Vet came out yesterday I have been a wreck and do not know what to do next, I have had this horse for over 10 years and he has never been sick before.
June 7th. – Doc first showed signs of being lame in round pen. He was trotting fione and stopped short. Then after that he began limping. I removed him from round pen put him in a stall looked him over could not find anything at that time.
June 8th. – No changes limping much worse, Started on Bute and epspom salts soakings once a day. Also wrapped hoof in diaper and duct tape. Called vet, the vet I spoke with did not want to come out he said I needed to bring Doc to him. I told him I did not have a trailer and he said there was nothing he could do unless I brought Doc in to try to get him in the first thing in the morning.
June 9th. – Doc in pain lots of lying down and leaning on barn walls. Called Vet again asked for Dr. XXXXXX they said he was out of town until Monday on vacation. Called Farrier left message waited for call back. Continued bute and soaked in epsom salts and warm water. Wrapped hoof again.
June 10th – Still no changes waiting for call from farrier continued bute. Did not soak this day.
June 11th. - Farrier called said he couldn’t be out until Sunday to continue what I was doing and he would see me on Sunday.
June 12th thru June 14th - Continued bute and soaked once a day. Nothing coming to a head some swelling in the knee and ankle. Used DSMO and wraped with saran wrap to sweat out swelling. Swelling did go down in knee and somewhat in ankle.
June 15th. – Farrier came out he said it was an abcess he tested hoof no sensitivity to any part of the bottom of the hoof only at top near coronet band. The farrier said he did not want to try to dig it out it was way to high and it would go ahead and come out thru the c-band. He wrapped it and put a drawing save on the bottom of the hoof said to leave it on for a s long as it would stay on. He said it could take up to 10 days for it to come out and completely drain and not to worry too much.
June 16th. – Wrap that the farrier put on was gone soaked the foot in epsom salts more swelling at c-band wrapped and let him out on the pasture.
June 17th – Lots of swelling at c-band soaked in epsom salts put more drawing save on bottom of hoof and wrapped again. Abcess looks like it may be draining a little.
June 18th – Abcess is draining – soaked in epsom salts put wound dressing on it to keep flies off it.
June 19th – called Dr. xxxxxxxx asked if there was anything else I needed to do for Doc. He said continue to soak in very stout Epsom salts solution, start on antibiotics and continue bute. Picked up antibotics soaked foot and gave bute.
June 20th – Continued antibiotics did not soak toady had to go out of town and husband could not do it himself. He sprayed it off with the hose and gave Doc his meds.
June 21st – Husband called said Doc seemd like he may be running a fever but acbess was still draining. Continued to spray it off with water and give meds.
June 22nd. I returned home Doc had already been given his meds did not seem to have a fever, Sprayed off abcess to keep it clean. Checked his foot now there it redness and swelling on right side of leg just above C-band. It is also wet in this area not sure why (another abcess draining???? )
June 23rd. – Got up called vet asked him to come out because of the change in his leg. Vet came out looked at it said I had a big problem the bone was now infected. Said I needed to get Doc to the office for x-rays I told him I did not have a trailer and doc was really bad at riding in a trailer he said he was pretty certain that the bone was infected and that if it was I would have to put Doc down. By this time I was in tears and he agreed to come out on Wed. and x-ray the foot. He poked a hole in the bottom of the hoof he said it was all about to come off. I looked at it and nothing was coming out of the whole, I could see red and some whiteish yellow in the whole I fig. it was infection. The vet put some save on the bottom and wrapped the foot, gave him some heavy duty antibiotics, pain meds. and a tetnus booster.
I am beside myself because the Vet acted like it was my fault because I waited to long to call him but I was going by what everyone else had said and I had him on antibiotics the day after it broke and started draining. I just don't know how it could have got so bad in this short time. And if it was so infected that the bone was infected why when the vet out a whole in his foot did nothing come out? Now today he is standing in his stall with the foot down not weight bearing but touching the ground. I am new to this area and don't have a vet that I know so I am worried please give me some advice as to what to do next I do have picture but they are not that good because it was taken on my phone. Doc is eating drinking and usuing the bathroom I can't believe he is sick enough that he may need to be put down.
Thanks for any help i am to confused to know where to turn.
 
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Member:
shanson
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 24, 2008 - 12:11 pm:
Sounds like you need to figure out transportation to get him to a good vet facility so they can diagnose the issue and treat accordingly. Have you looked into hiring someone to do this? Also, check around to determine where the nearest major equine facility is. May be best to haul your gelding there if you don't have confidence in local vet. And they may know of folks who can haul him for you. If you're near Knoxville, there's a horse hospital there.
Focus on moving forward to get him help...do not focus on what you may or may not have done wrong. You can handle this! Good luck!
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 24, 2008 - 12:38 pm:
I echo what Sharon said. Your vet should be able to give you a mild tranquilizer to give your guy if needed to help him load and travel. An experienced person should be able to get him into a trailer for you with little problem. Sometimes a companion horse in the trailer will help him load and help keep him calm.
It sounds to me like you need a good clinic/vet hospital. I'm not sure an x-ray alone would show bone infection, unless it was a digital x-ray. I doubt that is what your vet used. Dr.O. would know more about this, but usually there is a computer involved with digitals, I think. Even if bone is infected, I don't think it's a death sentence for your horse, esp. if you can get him treated asap. He should be on hard core antibiotics. Did the vet give you any? imo he should have had this when the vet first saw him.
Hang in there. Don't panic. Don't give up. Get on the internet or the phone and find the closest good clinic. If there are any big breeders or horse farms in your area I'm sure they'd be willing to give you a referral. Your vet should be able to, also. There must be good horse people in your area that can help you with a trailer, esp. if you offer to pay for their time and fuel.
Good luck. I'll be looking forward to seeing pictures of your boy when he's well again.
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 24, 2008 - 12:40 pm:
I just re-read and see the vet gave you antibiotics. What did her give you to use?
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 24, 2008 - 1:06 pm:
Hi Gayle, Gravels are VERY painful for the horse and hard to get to drain all the way....read Dr.O.'s article.
How did your vet determine the bone is infected?
A couple years ago Hank had a gravel and his lameness went on for 3 mos. total I think, finally he blew 3 abscesses one out the cornet band. I worried about bone infection too. He was never on any antibiotics and vet said enough bute for comfort so he could walk....helps drainage. I have a big long post in here about it. I was worried to death also, but as far as the abscess anyway it turned out fine.
Here's the post if you want to read a book. The part about the abscess is in the beginning anyway.
https://www.horseadvice.com/horse/messages/4/25741.html
Good Luck with your horse I hope everything turns out OK.
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Member:
doc61
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 24, 2008 - 1:30 pm:
Thanks everyone for such quick responses... I have been in tears since the vet came out yesterday. When the abcess broke thru I called the vet and he gave me a sulphur drug something called isoprim I think I know prim was in the word though. When he came out yesterday he didn't take any x-rays did not even pick his foot up before he told me I had a problem that the bone was infected. He cut a whole in the bottom of the foot and nothing came squirting out nor did it ooze out... So I was a bit confused. He did give him a HUGE syringe of antibiotics, some pain medication and a tetnus booster. He said he would come back out on Wed. to x-ray I just called to verify it with him and now he sayd he can't come out until Thurs. I don't think I want to wait that long. I only have one more day of antibiotcs left at home. I am going to be looking today and calling some boarding places to get some refrences. I used to be up near Knoxville had a wonderfull vet but we moved in NOvember and I had not found a vet yet. I will read the articles and do all I can I refuse to believe he is as bad off as this vet said he was... Especially since he is eating drinking and pooping as usual... he is not sweating or acting depressed at all. Thanks again and I will keep you posted!
Gayle
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Member:
annes
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 24, 2008 - 2:31 pm:
Gayle, If you are near me in NW TN (Clarksville), I can give you my vet's name. I am praying that you will find the help you need for your horse...
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Member:
doc61
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 24, 2008 - 2:52 pm:
Ann S,
I am in Springfield actually north Springfield toward the Kentucky Line. If your Vet will come out that far please give me his name. I called one that a girl I work with uses in Hendersonville but I am too far out for him to come out there. There is one in Springfield but I have heard some bad things about him or I would have had him come out. I just want one that will take care of him and give him a chance to recover. Thanks for you help.
Gayle
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Member:
annes
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 24, 2008 - 3:32 pm:
Gayle,
I called and they will go to Springfield. It is Gateway Animal Hospital and the number is 931/906-7757. They have two clinics but this one is closer to you. I have used several vets from each of their clinics and have been pleased with all of them...I highly recommend.They make emergency calls at night and weekends. My gut feeling is that you should get someone to look at him ASAP...
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Member:
annes
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Posted on Tuesday, Jun 24, 2008 - 3:43 pm:
Gayle,
I am sure they will be responsive but you can use my name as a referral if you like - Ann Schrichte- I have used them for years. Good luck and let us hear what you find out..
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Wednesday, Jun 25, 2008 - 8:03 am:
Hello Gayle,
It looks like you already have good advice above and a referral to perhaps a more responsive veterinarian. The second breaking out of infection does not mean that the bone is infected but it does mean there is serious undermining of the hoof wall. In fact bone infection would be rare unless there is a penetrating injury on the sole to the bone. Radiographs can be helpful but it may be a bit early for clear changes of osteomyelitis.
I have removed as much as 60% of the horn of hooves with gravels that did not resolve on their own and that is the key: all horn undermined by infection needs to be removed. For that you will need some professional help. For a complete picture of what is happening you should review Diseases of Horses » Lameness » Diseases of the Hoof » Hoof Abscesses, Bruises, and Gravels.
DrO
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Member:
doc61
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Posted on Wednesday, Jun 25, 2008 - 9:18 am:
Hi Dr. O,
Thank you for you reply. When I went home last night Doc was bearing a little weight on that foot and the swelling has gone down to almost nothing. I was very relieved, I called a few vets that people gave me names and because of where I live no one seems to want to come out. I called one just in the next town and The vet that does farm calls is on Vacation until Monday. I am going to rent a trailer tomorrow and take him to a vet in Bowling Green and Hour and a half drive but I got some good ref. for this vet so I will take him tomorrow. I don;t know why the other vet was so doom and gloom without even really looking at his foot before he diagnosed it. The only thing I can think is he was angry that I called the farrier first. I don't know anyway it looks like maybe he is doing better I know I am not out of the woods yet and I do not know how bad his hoof is damaged I will find out tomorrow. I know I panicked but I have had Doc for 12 years and never once has he been sick or needed a vet for anything except routine care, I guess I have been very very lucky with my horses. Thank you again for all your input I will let you know how Doc is doing.
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Wednesday, Jun 25, 2008 - 11:16 am:
Gayle, you think you panicked? You should have seen me when my favorite mare colicked. I'd had her for 20 yrs. at the time and she'd also never been sick a day in her life. I was beside myself and could barely think. After getting her to the vet's, I needed to run back to the barn for something or other, don't remember what, and DrOve half way home before I realized I hadn't put the tailgate back up! (In my defense, it was 3 a.m.) It's really easy to give advice when it isn't an animal or person you are emotionally attached to.
Five years later I still have my mare, and she's never been sick since.
Good luck with your guy. Let us know how he does. It sounds like he is on the right track.
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Member:
suzym
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Posted on Wednesday, Jun 25, 2008 - 11:38 am:
Gayle, I have been where you are. My first horse had a problem local vets could not figure out. He hadn't eaten for six weeks. Long story short - local vet said he'd give steroids for liver damage or I could take him to Texas A&M Vet Hospital. I lived in Dallas, about a 300 mi. trip. I did not have truck or trailer. Hired it done.
My horse turned out to have a nothing but a cut st the back of his tongue! Cost me more to get him there than for those vets to treat him. So, get your horse to that clinic any way you can.
Then, find another vet. 
Keep us posted!
Suzy
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Member:
muffi
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Posted on Wednesday, Jun 25, 2008 - 9:22 pm:
Hooo Gayle - Hang in there - sounds like Doc is doing better already but take him to get a good sound opinion....
good girl...
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Member:
doc61
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Posted on Monday, Jun 30, 2008 - 3:28 pm:
Just wanted to give you all an update on Doc. The local Vet called me on Friday he said it wasn't as bad as what he thought it was and that there was NO bone involvement and he would probably be ok. He gave me some antibiotics and said to keep wrapped and clean. Doc is doing much better and is using the foot more and more each day the wound is probably the grossest thing I have ever seen in my life. I just pray it heals up soon. There is no Skin covering the side of his leg just above the coronet band. How long will it take before it starts to heal over again? I really do not like this Vet he was so quick to say it was hopeless and If I had agreed he would have been willing to put Doc down on Monday. When I went to get the medication on Saturday I had questions and he was supposed to show me the x-rays he had taken he wouldn't even take a minute to talk to me... He pushed me off on the receptionist and walked out the back door when he told me to be there at 8:00 am. I am going to start looking around now that he seems to be on the road to recovery and it is not an extreme emergency. Thank you again for all your input and help it helped a lot to be able to come here for some answers when I couldn't get any from the Vet. I will keep you posted and when Doc is well and doing better I will post some pictures. Oh yeah one more question... Doc has lost alot of weight not being able to graze like he usually does I feed him grain and hay but he still lost weight. I bought some Biotin for his feet and I was going to buy some weight builder but he is so picky he will not eat his feed if I put anything at all on it or in it. Got any suggestions? I have tried covering his meds in his feed with kayro syrup, sorgum & apple sauce he will not touch it. Thanks for your help!
Gayle
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Member:
stevens
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Posted on Monday, Jun 30, 2008 - 4:40 pm:
Hi Gayle,
My gelding is also a picky eater and will not be fooled by any window-dressing on meds. I have to use a dose syringe each and everytime.
Good news about no bone involvement.
Good Luck!
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Monday, Jun 30, 2008 - 5:45 pm:
I also have horses that are difficult to give meds to. No matter what you mix them with, they will eat the "goodies" and the medicine will be left on the bottom. I use either a wormer syringe (left over from worming, washed out and saved) or a 10cc syringe that I've cut a big hole in. I mix the crushed pills with applesauce and squirt it i their mouth like I would when worming. You can also use a small rubber syringe like you would use with an infant. I'm very glad to hear your guy continues to improve. If you haven't yet read the article on wound care, it would be a good thing to read.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Monday, Jun 30, 2008 - 6:33 pm:
Gayle there is information on putting weight on horses at Diseases of Horses » Colic, Diarrhea, GI Tract » Weight Loss in Horses » Overview of Chronic Weight Loss. Also note that methionine can help with horn problems see, Diseases of Horses » Lameness » Diseases of the Hoof » Wall Cracks and Thin Sensitive Soles.
DrO
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Member:
zarr
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Posted on Monday, Jun 30, 2008 - 7:56 pm:
Gayle, way to stick to your guns! Doc is thrilled you did NOT follow suggestions! New vet would seem to be top priority. Glad it will heal and Doc is doing much better! Cindy
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Monday, Jun 30, 2008 - 10:14 pm:
Gayle it seems to take awhile for the wound to heal at the coronet. I kept sugardine on Hanks until it dried up.
That whole ugly crack has to grow all the way down his hoof. That gets quite worrisome looking also. So you will be seeing the remnants of it for around 8 mos.
I have had good luck with watering down alfalfa cubes/ or pellets until they are mushy but not watery and adding meds/ supplements.
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Member:
jchadola
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Posted on Monday, Jun 30, 2008 - 10:25 pm:
Gayle - as far as putting weight on, have you tried Ration Plus. Can get it at some tack shops or order online. Here is Ration Plus' link:
https://www.rationplus.com/about.html
Here's where I order it from:
https://www.longacresfarm.com/p-178-ration-plus-for-horses.aspx
Both of my horses are on it. From what I've read from testing it is great to put weight on. My hard keeper 25 year old thoroughbred looks great. There was an article in Horse Journal on Ration Plus. Horses seem to like it. The man at Long Acres Farm is really nice - might arrange to get it to you fast. Just a thought.
Janice
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Member:
doc61
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 1, 2008 - 8:34 am:
I need some more help today. When I got home last night Doc was not doing well. But not with his front leg he was barely walking his hind end looked like it was going to buckle beneath him. When I was working on cleaning his foot with the abcess and trying to pick up his foot to re-bandage it he almost went down. He is walking very strangely on his back leg (on the same side as the abcess) almost like his knee was going to give out. I am so upset and really don't know what to do for him. I started him back on Bute last night. He didn't seem any better today. I don;t know if he slipped and fell out in the pasture yesterday and is sore or if this is something else coming up. I am going to call and see if I can get someone out today. I will try some of the weight builders thanks for your help and say a prayer for Doc he really needs it right now!
Gayle
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Member:
jchadola
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 1, 2008 - 9:24 am:
Gayle - you really need a good vet right not - there's got to be someone decent you can call and they will come if you will pay them for their extra time. If could be something as simple as Doc favouring his other legs because of the abscessed foot and now the other legs are tired and sore. I'm sure Dr. O could add something to this or let me know if I am wrong. But if I were you I would call vets recommended by others until I found one who would come out if you paid for their extra time. A lot of vets really care and I can't imagine there isn't someone out there who will come out especially if their extra time is paid for. Don't give up on Doc. Call until you get a good vet who will come out. My thoughts are with you and Doc. If you get a good vet to come out (the vet you were using sounded awful), ask about some alternative treatments like physio if his other legs are sore from overcompensating for the abscessed foot. If you can't find anyone to come out, trailer him to a good vet or some of the places recommended by others on this forum. Regardless, he's got to see someone who knows what he or she is doing.
Janice
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Member:
doc61
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 1, 2008 - 9:48 am:
Thanks Janice,
I called the vet that came out the first time he said Doc prob. has nerve damage and he could come out tomorrow if i wanted him to. I really don't trust him so I am calling now to see if the other Vet in town is back from vacation. I just pray it is not nerve damage. He was walking fine yesterday hen I left for work using the foot with the abcess although using it lightly. Then last night he could hardly hold himself up when I tried to re-bandage the sore foot. I kept him in the barn last night and he didn't seem any better this morning. I am scared and don't know what can be happening to him. I am leaving work at noon so I can go check on him.
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Member:
suzym
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 1, 2008 - 12:51 pm:
I totally agree with Janice - there must be someone you could get if you told them what an emergency this was and offered to pay extra.
I've been in this situation too, and if I hadn't managed to get another vet to help her, I wouldn't have my little mare today.
I's SO sorry this second situation has come up. Please hang in there - even seemingly hopeless situations can turn right around.
I will certainly be thinking about you and Doc. Please keep us posted.
Suzy
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Tuesday, Jul 1, 2008 - 10:48 pm:
Gayle, sole abscesses that gravel don't have any nerve complications that I can think of but on the other hand it is unclear from your post what is going on since there are now problems with other legs. You have given bute and other than that I don't have any advice other than that given in the article on abscesses and gravels. Let us know what the veterinary says. Be sure he rights down his objective findings, appraisal, and diagnosis so it is clear in your head what is going on.
DrO
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Member:
hpyhaulr
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 2, 2008 - 7:38 am:
Gayle,
If you need to get Doc to a better clinic, I suggest you call that clinic and ask if they can recommend a local transporter. If they have noone's card in their rolodex or on their bulletin board, call whatever boarding facilities are in your area and if you still come up empty, go to Movemyhorse.com and post your hauling needs. You can also look up the transporters listed on their service by state, and make phone/email contacts that way. With today's fuel the way it is, expect a charge of at least $1 a mile. It may be pricey, but you CAN get him to the care he needs. So sorry you are going through this worry, I haven't got any medical answers for you, just the logistics. Good luck, and yes, keep us posted. We worry for you both too.
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Member:
doc61
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 2, 2008 - 12:41 pm:
When I went home last night Doc was a little better. He was not going down in his back end he was a little stiff when he walked in his back legs but nothing like the night before. I am now wondering if he either slipped and fell in the pasture or maybe my other gelding tried to move up in the pecking order and hurt Doc. I called the vet who orig. came out and he said he would be here first thing this morning to see Doc. I still have been unable to get anyone else out either the vet is on vacation or they don;t come out to where I live. My work schedule has posed a problem as well because I have no Vacation days left as I used them up when my grandmother passed away in March. Anyway back to this Vet he said he would be there first thing he called at 7:15 said he would be there in and hour, hour and a half. He called at 8:30 said he would be there at 9:00 I waited until 10 and had to leave to work as I had already missed two half days when he came out last week. and Both times he was late once and hr and a half and once 2 hours. I realize vets are busy but this is just not right. This whole thing is wearing m out. I do have a question that you might be able to help me with Dr. O the other vet told me to keep his foot wrapped and clean it every day. I have been doing that the infection seems to be gone at what point do I quit wrapping it so it can dry out a little and is there anything I can put on it to help it dry out a little? I was going to try the sugardine like Diane E. had suggested. I just want to know if it would be ok for me to leave the wrap off for an hour or so each evening if I keep him in our front yard where it is clean and dry and low grass? Well I better get back to work I plan on calling the other vet in town on Monday when he is back from his Vacation and have him come out and look at Doc I will keep him stalled and quiet until then, because obviously this other vet doesn't have time to help us.
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 2, 2008 - 1:06 pm:
Hi Gayle, When Hank had his abscess he did the weird back leg thing also. The vet thought it was founder and to this day I'm not sure if it was or not at that point anyway. Do you know how to check for strong digital pulses? Heat + strong digital pulse could indicate he may have another abscess brewing especially if it is just in one hoof, or if all 4 have it it COULD indicate a bout of laminitis, the rocking back on hind legs is one of the classic signs. How is he on sharp corners? I'm not trying to scare you, it could easily be something else, but maybe worth checking out.
1 bute didn't even faze Hanks pain, I had to give him 2 a day for awhile.
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Member:
doc61
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 2, 2008 - 2:54 pm:
Diane,
You could not possibly scare me anymore than the vet did that first day. If I had been someone that said well you know best you're the doctor I believe he would have been willing to put Doc down that first day. As for checking for the digital pule no I don't but I have felt for heat I didn't feel anything I thought was like the front one that abcessed. I did take him out last night and watched him walk and let him graze in the softer area in front of my barn. He did walk much better he didn't act like his rear was going to fold under him each time he took a step. I gave him 11/2 grams of bute yesterday morning. I also had cut is down to a 1/2 gram twice a day the day he acted like he was going to buckle. I was trying to wean him off because he has been on it for about 3 weeks now and I didn't know how long he could continue without it causing more problems. So with just the 1/2 gram he may have just been in too much pain and maybe his rear end was sore form compensating for the front leg. I did notice that when he went to cross the driveway which is covered with gravel he acted like it bothered his back feet, not sure if it was more abcesses brewing or again if it was compensating for front hoof pain. The farrier that trimmed him just prior to all this starting was the first time I had used him as we had just moved here. I am thinking now he cut his soles too thin and thats what started it all. I checked all my other horses feet and they are ALL cracking and splitting and all of their feet are very flat. I talked to my neighbor she gave me her farrier's number he is coming out on Thurs or Saturday and will take care of the other horses and I will have him check Doc's feet for more problems. Thank you for all your suggestions you don;t know how much all of them have helped and kept me from completely loosing it. I am very attached to Doc I have had him for 2 years and this is the first time anything has happened to him. So I guess considering that I am extremely lucky. I will keep you posted and let you know what the new Vet says next week after he return from Vacation until then I will continue to watch him closely and keep him as quiet as possible. Thanks again!
Gayle
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Member:
doc61
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 2, 2008 - 2:58 pm:
Oops in the last post I said I had Doc for 2 years but I have had him for 12 years. Typo! But it really doesn't matter 2 or 12 I would still love him just the same!
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Member:
jchadola
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 2, 2008 - 7:22 pm:
The wrong farrier can do a lot of damage. The farrier I started using about 4 years ago trimmed my 25-year-old horse's (he's 25 now)front feet so that he was standing on his sore heels. He started walking slowly like an old man. I switched to my current farrier about 1-1/2 years ago. She trimmed him and put shoes on his front feet so it took the weight off his heels and he was standing more upright. She used Natural Balance shoes on his front feet. Now he's prancing around and mounting the mares like a 10 year old. So a farrier can do a lot of damage and cause a lot of pain. My farrier and my vet talk to each other about my 2 horses to make sure they are on the same page. That helps avoid potential problems before they start.
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 2, 2008 - 8:12 pm:
Good Luck Gayle let us know how he turns out. These critters do have a way of working their way into our hearts.
I also live in an area where good vets and farriers are hard to come by, gets frustrating sometimes.
That's why I joined this website, between Dr.O. and other members knowledge my horses are much healthier and I am a much smarter owner.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 3, 2008 - 6:15 am:
Gayle, without examining your horse's foot I cannot tell you if it is OK to go without a bandage but assuming the diagnosis remains foot abscess and gravel, as long as the horse is lame there is still infection present. Bandaging's primary goals here are protecting the wound from dirt and contamination and keeping medication in place I typically allow such cases to go without bandaging if the foot kept clean and medicated.
DrO
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Member:
doc61
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 3, 2008 - 11:24 am:
Update on Doc.... When I got home yesterday he was walking better on his hind legs and even tried to pull away a couple times when I was doctoring up his front leg so that was a good sign for me. When I took the bandages off last night I did notice there is a lot of proud flesh growing. I am going to have the new vet out hopefully first of next week and see if he can take a look at to see if it needs to be cut away. I will try to take a picture of him and how he is looking so you can all give me your opinions. I did watch him for quite sometime last evening. When he was walking he is still limping a little on the front foot but he is bearing weight on it almost fully now. As for the rear end I am starting to think it may be a farrier issue.... that did't really show up until he had the added weight on his hind quarters with the abcess in the front. I have never really paid a whole lot of attention to what the farrier's do because I always fig. they knew what they were doing. But now I am going to be much more attentive when it comes to that. He is walking flat on his heels in the back when he takes a step his foot is up and then comes down flat in the back right on his heels. I called a new farrier and he is going to come out next week as well. I hope things are starting to turn around for Doc and he will be feeling like his old self again soon! Thanks for all your help and input I will take a few pictures this weekend and post them on Monday so you can all see better what is going on. I did order some of the Ration plus to help get his weight back up... He looks pittiful next to my other 3 horses... Which they are all a little over weight though... Doc was really looking good and healthy before all this started. But I have faith he will pull thru this and be healthy once again.... He is nothing if not stubborn...LOL Thanks again for all your help and I will keep you posted and let you all know how he does over the weekend.
Gayle
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New Member:
jillianm
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 3, 2008 - 4:35 pm:
I don't know how far from Clarksville you said you were but if you need to move Doc you should call EZ Go stables. They used to haul horses for people without trailers. I had them move my mare from Clarksville down to Texas and they did an outstanding job.
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Member:
doc61
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Posted on Monday, Jul 7, 2008 - 3:52 pm:
Thanks Jillian I am close to Clarksville, But I got a hold of a vet close by he is going to come out on Wed. afternoon and I have a new Farrier that has a lot of experience with this type of problem and he is coming out tonight to take care of my other horses and make sure they don;t end up this way and to look at Doc and tell me if there is anything he can do to help him until the vet gets out. I will let you all know what happens in the morning.
Gayle
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Member:
doc61
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 23, 2008 - 11:11 am:
Well it has been awhile since I have been on here I have been working like crazy to keep Doc well. He does seem to be healing I know I have a long way to go. He has finally started to put some weight back on... sure is funny how quick it came off but it taking longer to come back on... maybe I am a little impatient... I thought I would post some pictures so you can see his progress. I am wondering if I need to have the vet out again because the heel seems to be pulling away from the skin in the back. The vet told me he would probably loose part of his hoof but he didn't cut anyaway. I am having the farrier out again on Friday to trim my other horses and to check on Doc so I guess I will wait and see what he thinks... Unless any you have any comments one way or the other. Thanks for all your help with this I was a wreck the first couple weeks... But I am doing much better now, and Doc is much more comfortable since we put the shoes on him. Here are the pictures let me know what you think.... The first one is when it all started and I had been wrapping it the second one is when the farrier came out put shoes on his front feet and told me to stop wrapping it so it could dry out and heal. The last one I took a couple days ago. Thanks again for all your great advice and comments.
Gayle
  
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Member:
doc61
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 23, 2008 - 11:18 am:
Just thought I would post of picture of his face since all you have seen is all the ugly gross stuff .... Here is a picture Doc he didn't like the flash too well... LOL
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Member:
annes
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 23, 2008 - 4:15 pm:
Gayle,
So glad that Doc is on the mend and doing much better. The pictures certainly show a dramatic improvement. I have been wondering how you were doing and hoping for the best. (He is a handsome guy.) Did you wind up using the vet that was on vacation when all this started? Thanks for letting us hear from you and I am sending good wishes for Doc's speedy recovery.
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Member:
juliem
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 23, 2008 - 4:15 pm:
Thanks for posting the follow-up Gayle, especially the pictures. Is the vet still thinking this is a result of a hoof abcess? No wonder you were so scared. This looks like it was awful! Hope he's well on the way to being healed and glad you're doing better.
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Member:
doc61
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 23, 2008 - 4:36 pm:
Ann,
I used a vet from springfield after I had no luck with the other one this one that wanted to put him down had been on Vacation when it all started then when I realized it was all going bad the new vet was on Vacation that week so I was about to loose it. But it looks like he is on his way back now thank goodness.... Thanks for all the good wishes he is very special to me... He got me thru some ough times when I was going thru my divorce in 2000 so I am very partial to him....
Julie,
Yes the vet says thats what started it all... He said it should have been dug out right away but the farrier I had didn't want to said it would be better to wait for it to come thru on it's own. Then the first vet I had didn't tell me that once it broke thru I was supposed to keep it bandaged just said to give antibiotics and wash it off a couple times a day... thats when it got really bad and infected.... Not sure why it went out the side like it did but I have never seen anything like it... Heck I had never seen an abscess before this... So to say the least I was very freaked out!
Thanks again for all your prayers and kind words this site helped to keep me a little sane during all of this. Take care... I will keep you all posted on his progress!
Gayle
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 23, 2008 - 6:39 pm:
WOW Gayle that's from an abscess?? No wonder you were paniced! Whatever you did, you did a good job, it sure looks better. I bet when the new hoof growth starts it will be weird. Keep us up to date on his progress with pics if you could, that's amazing.
Good Job and he is a beautiful boy, Palomino's are my favorite.
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Wednesday, Jul 23, 2008 - 7:09 pm:
Gayle - thanks for posting the update. The pictures show lots of improvement - he is a handsome boy.
Good luck for continued healing,
Lilo
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Member:
paardex
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 24, 2008 - 3:12 am:
You did a marvelous job! he improved wonderfully.
What a nice colour he has, and if he can be scared of flashlights he feels much better I bet.
Jos
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 24, 2008 - 7:36 am:
Yikes, Gayle. That is one horrific looking abscess. However, looks like you did your absolute best, despite all, and there is dramatic improvement.
So glad Doc is doing so much better!
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 24, 2008 - 8:29 am:
Thanks for the update Gayle and it does look to be healing well. For our suggestions on treating the remaining wounds see, Diseases of Horses » Skin Diseases, Wounds, and Swellings » Wounds / Burns » Long Term Deep Wound Care.
DrO
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Member:
doc61
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Posted on Thursday, Jul 24, 2008 - 10:50 am:
Thank you Dr. O I am going to read the articles you have suggested. I am so very thankful he has started on the road to recovery. Thank you all for the comments and encouragement it has helped far more than you know!
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