Hoof abscess

• A hoof abscess is damage to the sole or white line of the hoof. There is bacterial invasion and colonisation resulting in localised infection. Predisposing factors are…

  • Poor hoof quality
  • Unhygienic environment e.g., dirty bedding, turnout in wet conditions
  • History of laminitis which can predispose a horse to “seedy toe” / white line disease
• This often causes an acute onset severe lameness, in rare cases the lameness may be milder. Commonly there is a bounding digital pulse of the affected limb.
• Diagnosis of the hoof abscess involves…

  • Localising the lame limb often done via the visual examination at stance and movement as well as the presence of a digital pulse
  • Examine the foot for anything obvious, such as penetrating injuries and foreign bodies
  • Use of hoof testers
  • Palpate around the hoof wall
  • Percussion of different regions of the sole
  • Horses are not always reactive
• To localise the lesion…

  • Remove the shoe (hammer and then puller from the heel to the toe)
  • Remove the entire surface from the sole
  • Explore the white line using a loop knife

  Look for any signs of abnormalities, such as black patches and explore. To relieve the infection, pare the area using hoof knives and nippers, if required.

  • Pare until pus is obtained (the fluid can look black if it has been there for a long time)
  • Ensure a suitable drainage area is left, to prevent “refilling”
• Place a wet poultice over the foot and replace daily whilst the abscess drains. After a day or two of clean poultices, replace with a dry poultice for 2 days, to allow the foot to harden. Other considerations are…

  • Analgesia -NSAIDs e.g., phenylbutazone or flunixin
  • Does the horse have tetanus coverage?
  • If not, it requires a tetanus antitoxin injection
  • You can start the vaccination course at the same time but will require injection at a different site.
  • Box rest
  • Excessive movement risks the infection tracking towards the coronary band which will prolong treatment time.
• Antibiotics are not necessary for most cases as they can prevent a foot abscess from draining by encapsulating. They may be indicated in cases with…

  • Soft tissue infiltration e.g., secondary cellulitis or lymphangitis
  • Readily draining abscess which you’re struggling to get on top of