What causes a hoof abscess in horses? In this article, we look at some frequently asked questions about hoof abscesses, including describing common causes and what to do when you think your horse has one.
Q&A
A hoof abscess is an infection caused by bacteria, and other debris penetrating the horse’s hoof. A pocket of pus forms, and as the abscess gets larger, it becomes acutely painful. The pain can come on rapidly, and the horse or pony will be significantly lame and unable to bear weight on the affected hoof. In some instances, an abscess can be caught early by monitoring any changes in the horse’s gait, keeping a check on the digital pulse and feeling for any warmth in the hoof.
The most common cause is a penetration injury to the hoof. This provides an entry point for bacteria to reach deep into the hoof structure and allow the infection to spread, such as a nail from a loose shoe. It can take up to two weeks for the bacteria to spread, resulting in an abscess, so identifying the initial cause can be difficult.
Infection tracking up the white line is another common cause of a hoof abscess. The white line is the border where the hoof wall meets the sole, and this can become damaged and softened, allowing dirt and bacteria into the inner hoof.
Weather conditions and poor stable management can also predispose a horse to a hoof abscess, as standing in wet conditions for too long can soften the hoof and is a prime breeding ground for bacteria to thrive. Equally, dry weather can result in the hoof becoming brittle, leading to cracks and the creation of additional entry points for bacteria.
Unfortunately, some horses seem to be more susceptible than others, for example those with weak feet or who have had a previous bout of laminitis.
A hot poultice is a very effective way to draw out the hoof abscess. Depending on the severity of the lameness, and heat in the foot, a farrier can be called to locate the abscess and create a drainage hole. A hot poultice can then be applied twice a day. The entire foot should be sterile before applying the poultice, and a bandage should be used to secure. See below for more information.
The farrier
The farrier is your greatest ally in the fight against abscesses and other hoof conditions, so make sure your horse is seen regularly every six to eight weeks for at least a trim and general hoof check-up.
Often, the farrier will be your first call should you suspect your horse or pony has an abscess. Farriers can test for pressure using pincers and extract any puss by scraping out a hole where they suspect the abscess to have formed. Following extraction, ask for the best course of action to take in treating the situation.
Other hoof ailments can include sand and grass cracks, uneven wearing, flaring, bruising, over or under the correct angle from the fetlock to toe, and laminitis. Some hoof ailments come without any signs of lameness or obvious injury which can prove problematic and worrying to horse owners. If in doubt, call your farrier or vet for advice before the situation gets any worse, these problems rarely go away on their own.
Animalintex Hoof Treatment is suitable for rapid treatment of hoof conditions, especially abscesses, and is the only VMD licensed multi-layered absorbent poultice available in the UK.
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Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.