Hoof Abscess

Question 1

What is a hoof abscess

Answer 1

Damage to the sole or white line of the hoof
Bacterial invasion and colonisation
Resulting in localised infection

Question 2

List 3 predisposing factors to hoof abscess

Answer 2

poor hoof quality
unhygienic environment
history of laminitis

Question 3

List the clinical signs of a hoof abscess

Answer 3

severe acute onset lameness
bounding digital pulse of the affected limb

Question 4

Describe how to diagnose a hoof abscess

Answer 4

Localising the lame limb
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 sole

Question 5

Describe how to locate the lesions within the foot

Answer 5

Remove the shoe
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
EXPLORE!

Question 6

Describe how to relieve the infection in a hoof abscess

Answer 6

Pare the area using hoof knives and nippers, if required
The horse is likely to be reactive at this stage
If required, consider sedation or a palmar digital nerve block to desensitise your patient
Pare until pus is obtained

Question 7

What do we do after we drain pus from hoof abscess

Answer 7

poultice

Question 8

describe poultice use after hoof abscess

Answer 8

Place a wet poultice over the foot
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.

Question 9

what do you need to check if horse has with hoof abscess

Answer 9

tetanus is up to date
if not then requires tetanus antitoxin injection

Question 10

apart from poultice in treating hoof abscess what else do we need to consider

Answer 10

analgesia
tetanus
box rest

Question 11

what should i do if i don’t obtain pus

Answer 11

Sometimes foot abscesses need a day to “brew”
Place a poultice and revisit Next day
Consider radiographs- locate the abscess, rule out other differentials

Question 12

are antimicrobials required for treating hoof abscess

Answer 12

For most No
Antibiotics can prevent a foot abscess from draining by encapsulating

Question 13

List 2 situations when you would use antimicrobials when treating hoof abscesses

Answer 13

Soft tissue infiltration
Readily draining abscess which you’re struggling to get on top of