My horse is lame and I think it's a
foot abscess, what should I do?
A hoof abscess is when an infection occurs in the
lamina of the hoof caused by bacteria. It usually
develops after a puncture wound or trauma to the
sole. It often results in sudden onset and severe
lameness. Sometimes you can feel heat in the
hoof and/or swelling in the lower leg and it will
be painful when pressure is applied to the site
of the infection.
Once the abscess is located it needs to be drained
to relieve the pressure. This can be done by using
epsom salts in warm water and/or covering with
a poultice dressing, like an Animalintex, to draw
the infection out. Some will require draining by
puncturing the abscess, this should only be done
by a farrier or veterinarian. The site of the abscess
and the hoof should be kept bandaged and clean
until it heals. Anti-inflammatories and antibiotics
may also be prescribed by a veterinarian for pain
relief and to reduce the chance of another
infection developing.
It is advised that you should always contact your
veterinarian or farrier for assistance to ensure the
right course of treatment is undertaken.
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my pet magazine
Horses, like other large mammals including
cattle, giraffes and elephants, can sleep standing
up. They can do this through a mechanism
known as the "Stay Apparatus". This is where
ligaments, tendons, muscles and bones lock
into place allowing them to rest on three legs
without collapsing. When sleeping standing up
horses are really only dozing or sleeping lightly
which allows them to respond quickly and move
if there is a threat or danger. Horses generally
rest standing up in short bursts for a total of
5-7 hours a day.
Although they catch most of their zzz's while
standing up horses do still need to lie down
for some proper sleep. They will lie down for a
total of 1-3 hours per day, generally in shorter
15-30 minute bursts, in order to get important
REM Sleep.
Horses do not lie down for extended periods of
time for two reasons; it makes them vulnerable
to predators especially wild dogs and because
of their size and weight it can compromise
their body circulation if they are lying down
for extended periods. For a horse to lie down
they need to feel safe and secure in their
surroundings. If they are really stressed or feel
threatened they won't lie down for that much
needed REM sleep which will have a negative
impact on their overall health.
tried+teed
"Highly recommend. The only product recommended by my
farrier and he noticed an improvement after only 6 weeks.
Very palatable also, my horse will eat it straight from my hand."
Wendy, vet-n-pet DIRECT customer
MUSTAD RIGHT BALANCE HOOF TREATMENT
Combines Biotin, Zinc (Zinpro) and Vitamin E that
horses need for strong hooves and healthy coats.
Catching some Zzz's
