When bacteria enter the sensitive part of the sole in hooves, horses can experience painful infections. An infection of this sort is generally called a hoof abscess. Basically, when the bottom of the foot becomes compromised, bacteria gain entrance to the soft tissue. This contamination will tend to fester, forming a pressure-filled pocket and may even move to a spot most suitable for drainage. As the horse's body fights this infection, pressure continues to build and the horse hoof abcess can grow in size. Lameness commonly results.

There are typically two types of caUSes for this ailment. First, puncture wounds from a foreign object like a nail or stone can lead to abscesses. When this happens, determining the entry direction, possibly by X-ray, can greatly assist in its removal and can help determine if damage to vital bones or tendons have occurred. A veterinarian should be contacted for this procedure. Different treatments are necessary for sores that extend too deeply or into crucial areas. Sometimes antibiotics, simple surgical procedures and tetanUS shots are needed.

A second caUSe can be attributed to by-products of more serioUS diseases. Founder, or laminitis, white line disease and other ailments of this region of a horse's anatomy may bring about infectioUS growths of this type. Sometimes, even a corn or bruise can produce the more painful sores. Treating these types of abscesses USually requires manual opening and drainage. If medicine is required or wall integrity needs to be stabilized, Equicast can give the temporary support necessary for natural healing.

By simply studying the caUSes, preventative methods can be easily established. If a horse hoof abcess results from stepping on a nail, gravel becoming lodged under the sole or frequent and lengthy exposure to manure and urine-soaked bedding, provide more sanitary conditions, free of harmful foreign objects. It is also important to participate in regular proper trimming and picking of the hooves. This helps promote a clean, dry and well-trimmed foot and discourages unwanted debris or hoof disease.

Even the work of the most particular of trainers, farriers and stable hands cannot guarantee total prevention, though. A hoof abscess can still emerge. The right care, however, will allow for early detection and best practices for treatment.