What is the best treatment for an abscess on a horse?

Answer by  afamb (557)

Your vet will probably want to drain and scrub it. After that keep it wrapped in between treatments of an antibacterial soap wash. The vet may also prescribe an oral antibiotic or give a medicated pain killer to reduce any swelling and further infection in the leg. Keep his stall clean to help cut back on flies.

Answer by  Roland27 (16334)

Do not try to pop it and more importantly do not give him antibiotics! It will cause the abscess to recess into the body and could kill the horse. Just put hot water on the area and pretty soon it will become opaque and it will pop itself.

Answer by  cindylee (135)

Keep your horse stalled in a clean barn and treat the abcess as needed, for drainage, antibiotics, wrapping. It depends on where the abcess is located. Hydrogen Peroxide will clean the wound initially and debris the area. If the abcess leaves a big hole after draining, with correct medication it would heal. Or may even require stitching.

Answer by  MrsShannonHarrell (768)

Hot compress will help draw out infected material. Once area opens, flush with warm water and syringe. Call vet if area can not drain.

Answer by  MrsShannonHarrell (768)

Flush with warm water, hot packs to encourage drainage, ten minutes at a time, probably two to three times a day. Keep area as clean as possible. Dress with drawing salve on gauze pads, secure gauze and salve in place with vet wrap/ self adhesive wrap. Consult vet if sings of systemic infection occur.

Answer by  justmesuzanne (625)

There is no good home remedy for this. You are gambling with your horse's soundness. He needs veterinary attention and antibiotics. Obviously, keep the wound clean and keep your horse quiet. Don't ride him. Put in a call to your vet right away, and get this taken care of before permanent damage results.

Answer by  Katissa (15)

Soak in warm water and epsom salts for 10 minutes. Dry it, then pack the hoof with gauze, epsome salts and iodine. Wrap it securely, and repeat 2 times/day.