Page 213 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

black/grey material from the lesion, confirming that this is the infected area. When the

wound is on or close to the white line, it is necessary to remove the shoe.
VetBooks.ir Treatment

The aim of treatment is to drain the abscess and prevent reinfection.

DRAINAGE OF THE ABSCESS

A small area of the sole is removed to allow the escape of pus which may forcefully spurt
from the wound (Figure 6.15). This often brings immediate relief. If the horn is very hard, it

is sometimes necessary to poultice the foot overnight to make locating and draining the
abscess easier. With a deep-seated abscess, more than one examination may be required

before the infection is located. Occasionally a horse will not tolerate any attempt to drain the
abscess and light sedation or nerve blocks are required.

Figure 6.15 A draining abscess; bubbles of gas are released with the pus

ELIMINATING THE INFECTION

The whole foot should be thoroughly cleaned.
• Scrub off any mud, droppings or bedding material.