Definition:
An abscess is an extremely localized infection, which is generally "walled off" within the hoof capsule. There are numerous causes for such infections; however, the primary causes are fungal infections, puncture wounds, and seedy toe. Left unattended, an abscess will migrate up the hoof capsule, following the path of least resistance, until it eventually "blows out" through the hoof wall or, often, at the coronary band.

Symptoms:

Prevention:

Treatment:
Abscesses must be opened and drained from the ground surface; otherwise, they will migrate up the hoof capsule, extending the period and the severity of the lameness. Since opening an abscess is an invasive procedure and often involves contact with sensitive tissue, a veterinarian should be contracted to debride the infected area and administer appropriate medications and tetanus vaccines. Treatment varies according to the practitioner, some recommending a complete paring out of the infected and surrounding area, followed by application of a shoe and pad. Others, myself included, prefer a less invasive approach and recommend providing a small drain hole which should be left open for extended drainage and application of medication(s), poultices, and/or soaks. A compromise approach, which is more expensive but returns a horse to service more quickly, is to provide a small opening for drainage and medication, followed by shoeing with a conventional shoe capped with a removable hospital plate. My general recommendation is to treat the area with Zenadine (a tamed Iodine) before packing the opening with cotton, soaked in Zenadine. The hoof should then be duct taped to ensure that no foreign material enters the infected area. This procedure should be repeated until the opening is dry and healing (usually about a one week period). If I suspect the abscess is still active, I'll apply a poultice (I prefer using Animal Lintex) for at least one day prior to the above treatment.