Does it make sense to think of an abscess like a pimple?
I read an article by Horse.com that compared a hoof abscess to a zit… I liked the article and it is not too far fetched to compare the two.
There is inflammation, white blood cells, and infection that build and cause pain and pressure. With your horse though it can cause lameness… and if left unsupported it could lead to further complications.
Most recommendations will be topical or externally focused. Which makes sense if the abscess is to believed to be a result of a stone bruise, quarter crack, or puncture wound.
But in more chronic cases or times where it is due to imbalance shoes or trimming, poor stall or paddock maintenance… only caring for the concern topically or externally when it arises does not keep the horse's best interest in mind.
Following Through With The Analogy-
If you or someone close to you has ever struggled with acne, it is often not successful over the long term to only address the concern externally… much like what I just mentioned, it is important to look at the internal environment.
So for your horse you should do the following:
Hoof Abscess Hacks-
Here are my top hoof hack picks to have on hand if my horse experiences a hoof abscess. Always be in contact with a licensed medical professional to ensure further care is not needed. If the abscess has not yet opened, I like to encourage it to drain from the sole…
- A thick natural based ointment like Young Living Animal Scents mixed with Epsom Salts as a pack with a hoof boot or wrap
- Ichthammol drawing salve is another option I like to have on hand and utilize
Once it is draining I like to keep my horse's hoof clean and supporting an environment that bad bacteria don't want to be, so my top picks for that include…
Don't Unknowingly Let Dangerous Digestive Problems Linger-
When toxins build up in the horse's system it can be due to the digestive system not functioning properly… many of the health concerns our horses face today are connected to problems that begin in the GI tract. It has also been my experience that these concerns often are overlooked by equine professionals and horse owners alike.
My mare struggled with #3 on the list for many years and I was told it was a behavior and training issue. I created a free pdf guide that shares 10 Tell Tale Signs Your Horse May Be Suffering From Dangerous Digestive Problems. Click Here to download your copy today.
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