1. health and fitness
2. disease

ve t eri nary charl ie c art er M o s s Va l e
Hoof abscesses in horses
Hoof abscesses are one of the most common causes of
acute lameness in horses. Due to the high rainfall present in
the Southern Highlands, particularly in the past six months,
we commonly encounter hoof abscesses in horses.
A hoof abscess occurs when micro-organisms (namely bacteria) gain
access to the hoof. This can occur following:
1. a crack forming in the hoof wall
2. separation of the hoof wall and sole junction known as the
white line (see diagram)
3. penetration of the hoof with a sharp object.
allow bacteria to enter the hoof via small cracks in the hoof wall.
These hoof cracks are particularly prevalent in horses which have
overgrown hooves.
Clinical signs
Hoof abscesses are very painful. Affected horses will be reluctant to
weight bear on the affected hoof. There can be considerably swelling
above the hoof and around the pastern. In severe cases the horse
may be non-weight bearing, and swelling may extend further up
the leg. Often the affected foot will be warm to touch. Pain can be
localised with hoof testers but the condition should not be confused
with other causes of lameness, including laminitis.
It is not unheard of for more than one hoof to be affected.
Treatment
Image obtained from www.miniaturesforu.com
Hoof abscesses are less likely to occur in hooves with a solid hoof
wall and sole junction (white line).
Treatment involves locating and draining the offending area of
infection. The bacteria involved are usually anaerobic and hence
they like an environment without oxygen. Drainage allows oxygen
into the affected area, and is imperative for a full recovery. Once
drainage is established a poultice dressing is applied. Antibiotics
(normally penicillin) are also indicated. Occasionally the abscess
can’t be located and so a poultice dressing is applied and the hoof
is rechecked in two to three days. It is important to note that it is
not advisable to give antibiotics prior to draining the abscess. In the
majority of cases the antibiotics will only suppress the abscess and
increase the time it takes to “break out.” As stated previously, hoof
abscesses are painful so pain relief is also advisable. Phenylbutazone
(a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug or NSAID) provides
effective pain relief, and should be continued for four to five days. A
hoof abscess can also allow tetanus to develop. If your horse is not
up to date with its tetanus toxoid injections (Equivac T), a tetanus
antitoxin should be given (Equivac TAT). This provides short-term,
three -week protection against tetanus whilst the abscess is resolving.
Prevention
Factors that will lead to a weakening of the white line include:
1. poor hoof conformation such as excessive toe length or heels
that are high
2. excessive removal of the sole
3. hoof diseases such as laminitis (founder) or the common
sequellae “seedy toe”
4. excessive moisture.
The best prevention involves proper hoof care for your horse.
In particular, excessive toe length can lead to hoof cracks and
weakening of the white line, and this can lead to formation of a
hoof abscess. A farrier should attend to your horse’s hooves every
six weeks. Thoroughbreds and thoroughbred-cross horses are
commonly used as pleasure horses, and many have below par hoof
conformation. If your horse has a history of hoof problems, visits
may need to be more frequent.
The most common cause of a hoof abscess that we encounter
is excessive moisture following periods of rain. Wet conditions
Charlie is a partner in Beresford Carter veterinary Clinic, Moss
Vale, contact 4868 1310
Princesses, Sirs, Squires,
Courtiers and even a Dragon!
WHAT A KNIGHT is SHYAC's junior production for 2011. It is the tale of King
Arthur, his crazy family and court plus the Knights of the Round Table
- but not as you've ever seen them before...
Show Times
Friday June 10th, 7.00pm
Saturday June 11th, 7.00pm
Sunday June 12th, 2.00pm
Saturday June 18th, 2.00pm & 7.00pm
Sunday June 19th, 2.00pm
At the Mittagong Playhouse
Tickets available at www.shyac.org.au
May 2011
41