Why do horses get hoof abscesses and how are they treated?

Tetanus is a bacteria found in the soil that can infect a horse through a wound in the skin or hoof wall. It is important that your horse is vaccinated against Tetanus because the infection can be fatal. If the horse hasn’t been vaccinated, an antitoxin injection may be given as a precaution, but this should be followed up with a vaccination course to ensure that the horse is protected in the future. 

Prevention is better than cure!

Foot abscesses are most commonly seen during the winter months as the ground is wet and muddy, this can cause the hooves to become softer, making it easier for damage to occur to the foot, allowing bacteria to enter. Some horses have thinner soles and therefore may be more prone to abscesses, in these horses, a plate or pad can be placed over the sole of the foot to prevent trauma to the foot. Abscesses can also be prevented by carrying out good foot care, including daily hoof picking to remove mud and stones and regular foot trimming by the farrier to prevent overgrowths and imbalance. 

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