FAO Wally hot hoof question

[chez111]

Hi there,
Ive directed this one at you Wally (hope you dont mind) because I like your 'considered', responses but if anyone else has any experience of similar then please post.

Last week my neddy seemed a little sore on one foot - he seems ok now but theres a fair bit of heat in the hoof, no swelling, heat, strong pulse or bumps on the leg itself the only thing thats wrong is the heat. Im just going to give him a week ff but have you any clue what it might be?
What are the common causes og heat?

Hope you can advise.

Chez

[ponyvet]

Heat usually suggests some sort of inflammatory process as it represents increased blood flow to the area. however you need to consider this in relation to the other signs available to you. As you say there is no swelling, pulse or heat anywhere else, I wouldn't be to concerned as long as he isn't actually lame any more. if he is then you need to get your farrier or vet out to take a look at this foot and see if there is any chance that he may have punctured his sole, and an abscess could be brewing in there. The farrier or vet will dig out a drainage tract and all should be well.

If he isn't lame or sore now, I think he should be fine to treat as normal, just keep an eye on his foot and look out for any signs of soreness.

hope that helps. ;)

[chez111]

Thanks Ponyvet I'll follow your advise,

Its funny because he has been shod quite recently - Im convinced its purely a foot thing rather than a leg thing.

I'll keep an eye on it.

Chez

[Wally]

Don't forget that a horse's foot can be quite warm without there being anything wrong with it. You'd be amazed at just how hot they can get just normally. A horses' foot shouldn't necssisarily be cold, there is a lot of blood going round them.

Some folk, through books and the like, are given the impression that a horse's foot should be cold and only get warm when something is up.:D