Page 237 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse
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Figure 6.30 Canker in a hind foot
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made on the clinical signs. It may be confused with thrush in the early
stages.
Treatment
This involves the following.
• Removal of the diseased tissue, which may be performed under sedation or general
anaesthesia and may need to be repeated.
• Topical treatment with an antibiotic effective against anaerobic bacteria; the dressings are
usually changed daily for the first two weeks.
• Keeping the foot clean and dry – often under a hospital plate. This is a special shoe with
a screw-on plate to protect the solar surface of the foot. Dressings can be applied
underneath the plate.
• systemic antibiotics are often administered
• long-term treatment over several weeks or months may be required
