An abscess. Those two words can be frustrating to hear for equestrians. The good news is an abscess is much better than dealing with most injuries on a horse. Abscesses can blow on their own, but you can help the process along and put your horse at ease with daily care. Below you will find a list of tried and true treatment options. Everyone has their favorite way to manage an abscess in a hoof, but it’s a good idea to have these items on hand.
Start with Soaking
A simple rubber feed pan can be used to soak your horses foot with Epson salt. But sometimes horses aren’t always cooperative. Dealing with an abscess is made easier with hoof soaking boots. All of these options are meant for horses confined to a stall or small paddock, not pasture turnout. The goal is to soften the hoof so the pressure from the abscess can be relieved.
Davis Hoof Boot /TUBBEASE Hoof Sock / EquiFit Pack-N-Stick Hoof Tape / yeezo Hoof Soaking Boots
Another great option for soaking are Animalintex hoof poultice pads. These pads are pre-cut and ready to go.
Epsom Salt Poultice – Buy Now >
I use this multi-purpose epson salt poultice and it works really well with drawing out abscesses. It’s a wonderful product to have on hand in your tack room.
Hawthorne Ichthammol – Buy Now >
Ichthammol is another great drawing product to have in your medicine cabinet.
Life Data Labs Hoof Clay – Buy Now >
Dynarex Povidone Iodine Scrub Solution / Epsom Salt / Epsom Salt Poultice Flow Gel / Adhesive Vet Wrap /
Don’t forget to have plenty of vet wrap and epson salts on hand.
Controlled Iodine Spray – Buy Now >
Pouring iodine into a hoof can be messy. But this controlled iodine spray really keeps your hands clean and goes exactly where you want it.
Absorbine Hooflex Magic Cushion Hoof Packing – Buy Now >
I like to use Magic Cushion near the end of an abscess. I often pack my horses foot with this after an abscess has popped and we are slowly getting back to work. It offers protection and helps reduce heat and soreness in the foot.
Absorbine Hooflex Magic Cushion Xtreme – Buy Now >
Keratex Hoof Putty – Buy Now >
Hoof putty is great for filling, sealing and protecting holes left behind from blown abscesses. After an abscess has drained, you you want to keep the area clean and free of debris. This putty can help do the job.
Do you have any go to abscess treatment products? Leave your secrets below in the comments if you would like to share. I have used a lot of these products with success. Dealing with an abscess is never fun but the sooner you treated, the sooner a road to recovery is ahead for you and your horse.
Looking for even more practical finds for your horse barn? Be sure to read The Best Slow Feeders for your Horse.
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