Shawna E. Sawtelle, DVM

03/16/2024

UNDERSTANDING HOOF ABSCESSES
Sooner or later (and especially at this time of year), nearly all horse owners will deal with a hoof abscess. But what does "hoof abscess" actually mean? The diagram below shows a simplified view of the equine hoof to help you visualize the structures involved in this process.

Although most commonly seen during the wet winter and spring months, hoof abscesses can plague horses year-round and usually occur when debris and bacteria enter the foot through hoof cracks and wounds, even horseshoeing holes. The bacteria then get trapped between the sensitive laminae (the tissue layer that bonds the hoof capsule to the coffin bone) and the hoof wall or sole and create pus; the pus builds up over the course of time and puts pressure behind the hoof wall or sole, until it causes the sudden onset of acute lameness when the pain finally becomes too great.

Hoof abscesses can mimic other more serious diseases or injuries, so involving your veterinarian early on in the diagnosis and prompt treatment of this condition is always a good idea. Some abscesses will be uncomplicated and rupture on their own like a large pimple at the coronary band or heel bulbs; other abscesses, however, could require radiographs and will need to be surgically drained.

As always, consult your horse doctor for more information and advice!

07/22/2023

HOOF ABSCESSES EXPLAINED

Sooner or later, nearly all horse owners will deal with a hoof abscess. But what does "hoof abscess" actually mean?

Although most commonly seen during the wet winter and spring months, hoof abscesses can plague horses year-round and usually occur when debris and bacteria enter the foot through hoof cracks and wounds, even horseshoeing holes. The bacteria then get trapped between the sensitive laminae (the tissue layer that bonds the hoof capsule to the coffin bone) and the hoof wall or sole and create pus; the pus builds up over the course of time and puts pressure behind the hoof wall or sole, until it causes the sudden onset of acute lameness when the pain finally becomes too great.
(The diagram below shows a simplified view of the equine hoof to help you visualize the structures involved in this process.)

Hoof abscesses can mimic other more serious diseases or injuries, so involving your veterinarian early on in the diagnosis and prompt treatment of this condition is always a good idea. Some abscesses will be uncomplicated and rupture on their own like a large pimple at the coronary band or heel bulbs; other abscesses, however, could require radiographs and will need to be surgically drained.

Read more about hoof abscesses on our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/hoof-abscesses or better yet consult your primary veterinarian for more information!

11/09/2021

Are you worried about feeding beet pulp to your horse because you heard it may expand in the horse's stomach and cause colic?

No need to fear. Beet pulp's excellent digestibility actually makes it a useful addition to the diet of many types of horses — especially "hard keepers" that need to gain weight, horses with dental problems, convalescing horses, and geriatric horses who have trouble chewing or digesting other types of forage. Because beet pulp is really a fiber supplement, not a grain, you can safely feed as much as you like; just be sure to start with a small quantity and gradually increase the amount you’re feeding.

Read more about feeding beet pulp on our website at https://aaep.org/horsehealth/feeding-beet-pulp. As always, consult your veterinarian for more information and to determine if beet pulp is a good choice for your horse!

11/23/2019

Now offering cremation services.....Compassionate and humane euthanasia services for all pets (horses, dogs, cats, etc) in the comfort of your own home. Availability on evenings and weekends*. PM or call/text 520-477-6737.

03/30/2019

With cases of EHV and EHM in the news, it's important for horse owners to know the difference. To view the AAEP's vaccination guidelines for EHV, visit https://aaep.org/horse-owners/owner-guidelines/owner-vaccination-guidelines/owner-risk-based-vaccination-guidelines

For more information, check out the EHV & EHM disease facts sheet available on the Equine Disease Communication Center website: http://www.equinediseasecc.org/disease-information

01/31/2019

Compassionate and humane euthanasia services for all pets (horses, dogs, cats, etc) in the comfort of your own home. Availability on evenings and weekends*. PM or call/text 520-477-6737.

09/09/2018

Now offering....compassionate and humane euthanasia services for all pets (horses, dogs, cats, etc) in the comfort of your own home. Availability on evenings and weekends*. 520-477-6737.

09/08/2018

I will be attending the Ranch Rodeo in Sonoita tomorrow. Watching my 3 year old filly compete in the junior working ranch horse competition. I will also be available to provide veterinary services. Let me know if you need anything while I’m there. Call/text to 520-477-6737

For ranch horse, ranch rodeo, vendor information and entry forms contact Mike Hughes at 520-255-3144.
For information on how to enter the homemade ice-cream competition contact Leigh Cheatham at 602-390-2790.
For Jr. Ranch Rodeo entries and information contact Rachel Lyman at 520-455-4602.