Help; My horse has broken a leg!
The above statement is a very common thought when you arrive at your horse that cannot stand on one of its legs. However, a foot abscess, is a common cause of a very lame horse. Normally there are no other signs on the leg to indicate what could be wrong. Sometimes the horse might even go lame when ridden.
Most horse owners have heard of, or have experience of a foot abscess in their own horse. The key is to seek urgent help, so that the abscess (pocket of infection inside the hoof capsule), can be released. This gives immediate pain relief, and can help prevent some of the complications that go along side the condition of a foot abscess.
Foot abscess are very painful due to the pressure that builds up inside of the hoof. The hoof does not expand, so it becomes like a tight cast on the foot.
Interesting facts about the foot abscess:
Bacterial penetration of the foot can happen up to several weeks before any signs are seen. These bacteria are implanted into the deeper layers of the sole, and the more superficial layers then close over the top, trapping the infection. Wet weather can trigger the development of an abscess due to moisture absorption of the hoof.
Antibiotics are not a first line treatment for the foot abscess.
Tetanus cover is vital!
Prevention:
The key to prevention of a foot abscess is the promotion of good foot health! Daily picking out of the feet to remove mud and small stones.
Early treatment of seedy toe and thrush.
Regular trimming or shoeing.
Avoid gate ways and water troughs from becoming continually wet and muddy.
I hope you find this helpful.
Enjoy the sunshine today.
From your team at Central Lakes Equine