Horse Illustrated Magazine

One of the most common causes of sudden-onset lameness in a horse is an abscess of the hoof.  These occur when bacteria invade a horse’s hoof, and the horse becomes lame when the infection reaches the sensitive structures of the foot.  Besides showing varying degrees of lameness, a horse with an abscess will be sensitive to hoof testers or percussion and may have lower leg swelling or an increased digital pulse.

The abscess may erupt on its own, either from the sole of the hoof or at the coronary band.  Otherwise, your vet will pare away the sole to locate and drain the site of infection.

Soaking the hoof several times a day will eventually cause an abscess to erupt and drain. However, some vets now advise against frequent soaking as it may weaken the hoof wall.  Some horse owners instead choose to apply drawing agents, such as ichthamol or Epsom salts, directly to the hoof under a bandage.

The goal in the treatment of a horse’s hoof abscess is to draw out the infection and keep the area clean to prevent reinfection while the hoof heals.  Once you have confirmed the diagnosis with your vet, follow the steps below to put your horse on the road to recovery.

Your horse may be sound in as little as a couple of days.  Once the abscess has drained, keeping the hoof protected from dirt and debris is the best way to avoid complications or reinfection.  And of course, always consult your vet to help you decide the best course of action. 

For further reading on treatment of hoof abscesses in horses, click here >>