Wet Weather Hoof Troubles: Thrush and Abscess

While we are always grateful for precipitation here in Colorado, wet and muddy conditions contribute to the development of two common horse hoof conditions: abscesses and thrush.

Abscesses

A hoof abscess commonly presents as an acute onset severe lameness without obvious signs of injury. Abscesses occur when bacteria is trapped within the foot. Wet conditions can soften the foot, allowing easier access of bacteria. A deep bruise, hot nail, or other foreign body can also lead to abscess formation. Horses with poor hoof quality or white line disease can be more susceptible to abscesses.

Exam findings that help your vet localize the lameness to the foot include an increased digital pulse, localized warmth of the foot, and sensitivity to hoof testers. Radiographs may be recommended to rule out other more serious problems or foreign bodies. In some cases, radiographs may show a tell-tale pocket of gas (infection).

Most abscess resolve in about 7-10 days. The key to improved comfort is drainage of the abscess, resulting in relief of pressure. Care during this time includes application of a poultice to allow drainage while also keeping the foot clean. The most common methods used are a medicated poultice pad (Animalintex) or packing the foot with magnapaste. Both methods help draw out infection and are much easier (and more quickly successful) than soaking your horse’s foot in a bucket of warm water and Epsom salt. A drainage tract is needed for healing, but this tract can potentially allow more bacteria back into the foot, so a proper foot wrap over a poultice pad or magnapaste is essential for cleanliness. Elastikon and duct tape are invaluable for a good foot bandage!

Thrush

Thrush is another common hoof condition linked to wet conditions. You may notice a strong odor when picking your horse’s feet, and wet dark material along the sides and center of the frog. The odor is due to infection with anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that thrive in areas with little to no oxygen). Severe infection can cause sensitivity when using the hoof pick or pressing on infected areas, and sometimes lameness.

Poor hoof conformation and infrequent farrier care can contribute to the development of thrush. Treatment options for thrush include topical drying/antibacterial products (Thrushbuster, dilute betadine, copper sulfate, etc) and farrier work to remove exfoliating frog that may trap additional moisture. A dry environment is also critical.

Observing an acute onset severe lameness in your horse warrants at least a conversation with your vet and most likely an exam. Good management, including a clean dry environment, regular farrier care, and checking/picking out your horse’s feet daily can help minimize his risk of developing a hoof abscess or thrush.

Why is my horse suddenly severely lame?

Have you ever come home from and gone out to see your horse only to find that they’re hobbling around on three, with no obvious sign of trauma or any other issues? You think back to the morning, and there was no indication that anything was wrong. Your horse was happy to see you, happy to eat breakfast. What could have happened?

Unfortunately, here in Colorado, that is an all-too-common scenario, and one that we see regularly in our practice. The vast majority of the time that a horse shows these signs, the diagnosis is a hoof abscess – nasty infections within the foot that can very quickly leave a horse on 3 legs.

An abscess is an infection that is creating pus.  This pus, along with the swelling associated with the infection, causes a significant amount of pressure – especially within the hoof capsule.  As this pressure develops, the horse becomes more and more lame, and the act of putting weight on the hoof causes the pressure to build even more.

The signs associated with hoof abscesses are usually sudden severe lameness, and often a distinct or throbbing pulse in the affected foot.  There can be pain associated with palpation of the coronary band on the affected foot, but not always.

 How did your horse get that abscess, and why is it so common in Colorado?

Unfortunately, our environment lends itself to creating these issues.  The dry ground our horses live on causes dry hooves, which have a tendency to get bruised.  A bruise in the bottom of the equine foot is a petri dish waiting to happen.  Add a little bit of water to the ground and as the foot soaks it in, along come the bacteria and shortly thereafter, the abscess.

Hoof abscesses are certainly a common issue within our practice, and with proper treatment and care, they can resolve quickly and return your horse to 100%.  But to prevent complications, and be assured that an abscess is the correct diagnosis, you should involve your vet quickly. It is always possible that the lameness is a fracture or break, or cellulitis.

So keep an eye on your horse, and if they suddenly come up lame for seemingly no reason whatsoever, give us a call!

Happy spring everyone.

 

Sudden severe lameness. What are the signs of a hoof abscess?

QUESTION:
I left for work this morning and my 9 year old gelding was moving normally at that time. When I returned home, he was extremely lame, not wanting to place any weight on his Left front foot. After looking him over, I could not find any swelling or heat in the leg. I talked with my veterinarian over the phone, and he explained that it was likely a hoof abscess. Could you discuss hoof abscesses here?

ANSWER:
This is a very common scenario…one day the horse is fine, and the next, he is extremely lame with no apparent injury. Without swelling on the limb, and any other marks / wounds, this is most likely a hoof abscess.

Hoof abscesses occur when bacteria make their way into the sensitive portion of the foot, and begin to create pus within the confines of the foot. With no easy way to expand, and the growing amount of pus, the pressure increases, and begins to cause severe pain. The bacteria usually finds its way in with the assistance of moisture, making abscesses much more common during the winter and spring months.

The signs associated with hoof abscesses are usually severe lameness, and often a more distinct or throbbing pulse in the affected foot. There can be pain associated with palpation of the coronary band on the affected foot.
Hoof abscesses are certainly a common issue within our practice, and with proper treatment and care, can resolve quickly. It is certainly a condition that an owner should involve a vet quickly, to prevent any complications and assure that an abscess is the correct diagnosis.