How do I treat a hoof abscess on my horse?

Answer by  horseylady (49)

If your horse has a hoof abscess you should check for heat and tenderness to pin point where the pain is, then soak the foot for 10 minutes or so, put a poultice on it and within a few days the abscess should drain and become more comfortable.

Answer by  partyanimal33 (452)

You can soak the hoof in hot water with epsom salts and then use a heat poultice to draw the abscess out or get a farrier to lance the abscess.

Answer by  mammakat (11147)

First and foremost consult your farrier AND vet, both are needed. They will direct you whether lancing, corrective hoof care, compresses, antibiotics etc are needed. Do NOT do this on your own- a foundered horse may well need to be euthanized. They CANNOT survive without sound feet and legs.

Answer by  partyanimal33 (452)

With a hoof abscess, you want to draw the puss out of the hoof. A warm poultice and soaking in hot water with epsom salts will help speed up the process. You can also contact your farrier and see if he can dig a channel in the hoof for the puss to escape through.

Answer by  MrsShannonHarrell (768)

Keep hoof clean. Minimum treatment: flush abscess two to three times a day with warm water and povodine solution. Pack area with drawing salve, or cotton balls soaked in PenG. Duct tape in place. Treat until infection clears. consult vet for persistent lameness (over ten days.)

Answer by  Roland27 (16334)

First you need to soak your horses foot in warm water with Epsom salt to try to get the abscess out. Then you need to work closely with your farrier to make sure that your horses feet are properly trimmed so your horse can heal properly. Antibiotics are bad for abscesses.

Answer by  LoganBFishburn (124)

Draining the infection is one way of treating an abscess, but just be careful that you dont cause another infection. For the first two days of treatment, the use of apoultice in draining may be an effective option.