Page 214 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

Tub the foot in a bucket with warm water and Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate –
• approximately 1 tablespoon to 5 litres [8 pt] of water) or table salt (1 teaspoon to 500

VetBooks.ir • ml)to draw out the infection.

Irrigate the hole with a dilute solution of an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide to
discourage the growth of anaerobic bacteria. A syringe can be used for this procedure.

• Poultice or bandage the foot (see pages 76–80). The wound should be protected from
contamination by using suitable dressings or a special boot.

Tubbing and/or poulticing is recommended once or twice daily until there is no more
discharge (Figure 6.16). Poultices are not normally applied for longer than 3 days except
following veterinary advice as they make the tissues very soggy and may slow healing.

Figure 6.16 After 3 days of poulticing, all the pus has drained from this foot

ANTIBIOTICS

Oral or injectable antibiotics are not usually recommended as they may not penetrate into the

damaged hoof tissues. In some cases they can prolong the period of lameness if administered
before drainage is established. Wherever possible their use is avoided due to increasing
concerns over antimicrobial resistance (AMR).