What is a hoof abscess?
Monday, November 11, 2024
By Jeri Lockwood
Equine hoof abscesses are a common cause of sudden, severe lameness. In many cases, the horse may have been sound the evening prior, and non-weight-bearing the following day. In some cases, an abscess will present as a slow and increasing lameness. Swelling is possible, which can extend from the coronary band as high as the knee or hock.
Signs and Symptoms of Abscess.
Resulting from a bacterial infection within the hoof capsule, an abscess generally causes a horse to have an acute lameness. In fact, horses experiencing an abscess may present with such sudden, severe, and profound lameness that people may think they have a broken leg.
The classic symptoms of a hoof abscess include:
- A horse that is unwilling or unable to bear weight on the affected leg.
- An increased level of heat in the hoof.
- An elevated or “bounding” digital pulse.
- In some cases, there may be swellings at the coronary band, which could extend into the pastern area.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is typically made with hoof testers, an instrument that pinches the foot, applying pressure to the sole. A positive reaction guides the veterinarian or farrier in knowing where to open the abscess tract. Treatment includes soaking the hoof in warm water and Epsom salts to increase drainage and remove infection and preventing further debris from entering the abscess tract by wrapping the hoof or using a protective boot.
Prevention
Prevention includes routine farrier care since a well-trimmed foot is less likely to develop white line separation and thrush which can lead to abscesses. Additionally, picking out hooves regularly to remove stones which may cause bruising, and applying shoes to thin-soled horses can help.
When the weather cycles between wet and dry, foot abscesses are very common. If your horse develops sudden lameness, please call your farrier. Treatment is important to prevent damage to the coffin bone or hoof wall. Although hoof abscesses are rarely life-threatening, we recommend having your horse evaluated promptly to start treatment, relieve pain, and to rule out other causes of lameness. If your horse repeatedly gets abscesses in the same area, call your veterinarian immediately to determine the cause.
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