Update - abscess is now just a bruise

NewtoMules · 06-04-2008, 09:54 PM

I spoke with my vet today. He said the new girl must have a bruise and NOT an abscess because she is now sound. He said if she had an abscess, now way would she be sound this soon, even on bute. She should be getting worse and worse until it blows out.

So, he said it is most likely a bruise. He gave the okay to ride her since she is sound and not in pain, but to keep her on sandy ground and not ride over rocks or sticks and re-aggravate the bruise.

I think a bruise is better than an abscess

but forgot to ask how much longer I should soak and pack the hoof.

I was thinking another week? And maybe just a few more days on bute?

redboy · 06-05-2008, 08:20 AM

U don't really need to soak it if it's not an abscess.
Usually the soaking allows the hoof to soften, thereby allowing the ichthammol that U R packing the foot with, to draw the foreign object out of the hoof.
Usually an abscess is an object (stone, piece of glass, something) that has worked it's way up into the hoof, and is in the process of working it's way out. Lameness occurs when that object gets pushed up against the sensitive tissue area (the laminae) and, usually it will pop out of the top around the cornet band. U will see a small hole there oft times, and the infection will drain out at the hole. Sometimes the farrier can cut it open and it will drain from that site. It's the pressure that causes the pain for the horse.
And, U can most likely quit the bute. Bute is for pain. Bute isn't to be given regularly, but rather sparingly. Bute can B very hard on a horse's stomach.

I would NOT B in a huge hurry to ride. Give her some time off, about 3-5(maybe 7) days to recoup. When she feels better, U will see a difference in her attitude. It isn't a long time in the overall scheme of things, it allows the hoof time to heal, it avoids future injury to an already sore spot.
I'm sure U have heard, "no hoof, no horse", lo horses R big animals, they can actually B fragile in many ways. And oft times U have to give them some time to heal, so small things don't become chronic issues.
Give her a couple days, brush her, love on her, hand walk her to a nice grassy spot. She will like that too

. Good luck, Redboy

RenosGirl · 06-05-2008, 08:27 AM

agree with Redboy, there is nothing that would be more upsetting then having find out that she is gone lame from riding. 7 days is not bad, but I wouldn't just leave her in the pasture. like he said I would take her out walk her in some soft ground, love her, and groom her, and feed her. Let her have a mini vacation.

NewtoMules · 06-05-2008, 09:26 AM

Well, as of today she has had 6 days off. I was going to try and ride today and see how she does.

I don't want to soak, but the vet felt it would help heal the bruise.

I guess I will keep doing it to be on the safe side.

redboy · 06-05-2008, 09:51 AM

He might not be sure..., if it is an abscess, it will help, and if not, it can't hurt.
Just go easy on your girl, not too demanding, it will be better for everybody in the long run

RB

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06-04-2008, 09:54 PM
NewtoMules Weanling Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 436	Update - abscess is now just a bruise I spoke with my vet today. He said the new girl must have a bruise and NOT an abscess because she is now sound. He said if she had an abscess, now way would she be sound this soon, even on bute. She should be getting worse and worse until it blows out. So, he said it is most likely a bruise. He gave the okay to ride her since she is sound and not in pain, but to keep her on sandy ground and not ride over rocks or sticks and re-aggravate the bruise. I think a bruise is better than an abscess but forgot to ask how much longer I should soak and pack the hoof. I was thinking another week? And maybe just a few more days on bute? __________________ "Some of my best leading men have been dogs and horses." - Elizabeth Taylor http://outofshaperider.blogspot.com

06-05-2008, 08:20 AM
redboy Yearling Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Eastern Shore of Maryland Posts: 900	U don't really need to soak it if it's not an abscess. Usually the soaking allows the hoof to soften, thereby allowing the ichthammol that U R packing the foot with, to draw the foreign object out of the hoof. Usually an abscess is an object (stone, piece of glass, something) that has worked it's way up into the hoof, and is in the process of working it's way out. Lameness occurs when that object gets pushed up against the sensitive tissue area (the laminae) and, usually it will pop out of the top around the cornet band. U will see a small hole there oft times, and the infection will drain out at the hole. Sometimes the farrier can cut it open and it will drain from that site. It's the pressure that causes the pain for the horse. And, U can most likely quit the bute. Bute is for pain. Bute isn't to be given regularly, but rather sparingly. Bute can B very hard on a horse's stomach. I would NOT B in a huge hurry to ride. Give her some time off, about 3-5(maybe 7) days to recoup. When she feels better, U will see a difference in her attitude. It isn't a long time in the overall scheme of things, it allows the hoof time to heal, it avoids future injury to an already sore spot. I'm sure U have heard, "no hoof, no horse", lo horses R big animals, they can actually B fragile in many ways. And oft times U have to give them some time to heal, so small things don't become chronic issues. Give her a couple days, brush her, love on her, hand walk her to a nice grassy spot. She will like that too. Good luck, Redboy

06-05-2008, 08:27 AM
RenosGirl Yearling Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 502	agree with Redboy, there is nothing that would be more upsetting then having find out that she is gone lame from riding. 7 days is not bad, but I wouldn't just leave her in the pasture. like he said I would take her out walk her in some soft ground, love her, and groom her, and feed her. Let her have a mini vacation. __________________ Go and love your babies today, and everyday...you never know when it could be the last time.

06-05-2008, 09:26 AM
NewtoMules Weanling Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 436	Well, as of today she has had 6 days off. I was going to try and ride today and see how she does. I don't want to soak, but the vet felt it would help heal the bruise. I guess I will keep doing it to be on the safe side. __________________ "Some of my best leading men have been dogs and horses." - Elizabeth Taylor http://outofshaperider.blogspot.com

06-05-2008, 09:51 AM
redboy Yearling Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Eastern Shore of Maryland Posts: 900	He might not be sure..., if it is an abscess, it will help, and if not, it can't hurt. Just go easy on your girl, not too demanding, it will be better for everybody in the long run RB