A hoof abscess in horses can be caused by a number of things. Commonly, a hoof abscess is caused by gravel or other hard particles entering the hoof through the white line. Infection is then caused when the gravel moves through the hoof to the sensitive tissue. This creates a hoof abscess. Another common way horses will develop a hoof abscess is by having something sharp penetrate the sole or soft frog on the bottom of the hoof.
A hoof abscess can be treated fairly easily at home at a very low cost, which is certainly a better alternative than paying the vet to do it. You will want to be sure to begin treatment at the very first sign of lameness. You will need a soft cloth, Epsom salt, a cup of water, small bowl, and duct tape.
Step 1.
Completely clean off the affected hoof using a hose. You will want to wash off all debris and manure before you begin to keep the area clean and to treat the hoof abscess. Next, gently dry the hoof with a cloth.
Step 2.
The next step to treating a hoof abscess is to create a poultice that will effectively pull out the debris, pus, and bacteria. Add about 1 cup of Epsom salt to the bowl, and just enough water to make a thick solution. It shouldn’t be watery at all. You want a lump of soft, wet salt.
Step 3.
Apply the wet salt to the hoof abscess. Spread it evenly over the base of the hoof, covering the entire sole and frog. If you can tell exactly where debris entered and has caused pain, apply more Epsom salt solution to the area to treat the hoof abscess. When you have finished, place a small clean cloth over the bottom side of the hoof while you are still holding the hoof up.
Step 4.
With the cloth covering the poultice and the entire hoof completely dry, use the duct tape to secure the poultice. It’s difficult to treat a hoof abscess if the horse kicks the poultice off too early, so be sure to wrap it around many times. You will probably find that it is a bit uneven and puts the horse a little off balance, but most likely they will limp from the pain of the abscess anyway and try not to put weight on that hoof.
Bonus Tips:
You must change the poultice every day for one week. Do not leave the same poultice on for more than one day! To help with the pain, consider giving your horse a dose of Bute twice daily. Bute goes by the scientific name phenylbutazone, and can be bought in paste form for around $20. You should get about 12 doses per tube at this price.
If the hoof abscess does not heal within a reasonable period of time, you will need to vet the horse. This method of treatment worked effectively on my horse as she developed an abscess, and should help yours too if a hoof abscess occurs.
