abscess

[mindymoo]

I have a very lame pony with an abscess, she has been lame since friday and has had the vet out twice so far, first time friday night and vet couldnt find any obvious track but took off her shoe, gave her an painkiller and antibiotic. Another vet came out saturday, sedated her as she wasnt happy with him messing with her foot, then he had a good dig around and was quite sure he had found the track of infection. Ever since then shes been tubbed and poulticed twice a day, still on antibiotics, was walking slightly better yesterday but is worse today. Only a small amount of pus each time on the poultice. Anyone had any experience of these vile things? i think i will be getting him out again tomorrow for another look. I don't like keeping her foot covered for so long, its making her poor hoof soft. Any ideas or suggestiong please??

[magic]

hi, sorry for you and your pony's troubles but don't despair my cob had an abscess that seemed to last for ever - I know it is heartbreaking to see your bestriend in such distress - I found that the longer you can keep it draining the easier the pain becomes- try to get it as clean as possible - afterwards I used a boot when I turned him out inorder to keep the area clean but let the sole harden ( becarefull that the boot does not rub) then stockholm tar on the sole and frog when there boot comes off. You can get a foot dsinfectent spray and an aluminium spray that protects the area but my boy hates "snakes" . I now use either Effol or Gold label hoof oil with pine tar in it which I buy in litre contaiers as it is half the price of the other brands. I also have some homeopathic prevention and treatment which a homeopath prescibes. If you want any Of the addresses or private chat feel free to private message me. I am sure there are lots of people out there who have many different things for you to try I am sure that you will find a method that works for you Best wishes to you both

[mindymoo]

hi and thanks for your reply. Had the vet out again because she was no sounder, he sedated her again and had another poke about and opened up the track a bit more. Ive poulticed it and will just leave it alone until tomorrow morning now. He thinks we just have to watch her and persevere becuse it may take some time. I hate having her sedated, she's becoming wise to it now and gets quite upset, but of course its the only way he can get a good look at her. Im off to buy a poultice boot tomorrow, not sure which to go for, any suggestions? im so sick of gamgee and vetwrap its untrue! :mad:

[doris]

Sometimes a soak in warm water with some Epson Salts added helps to get the abscess draining. They are a real pain - literally.

[mindymoo]

hi, yes im tubbing it twice a day in hot salt water.

[magic]

how are you getting on, hope conditions have improved for you.