Pus in the foot: horse hoof abscesses Dos and Don’ts

notice your horse is lame. Although a subsolar abscess is most likely your vet may need to rule out other conditions such as a fracture or an infected joint. 
Examine your horse carefully for any wounds or obvious signs of trauma
If you can move them to a confined area and clean their legs down if necessary.
Apply a poultice to the affected foot if you can while you are waiting for help
If you are unsure of how to apply a poultice your vet or farrier will be able to show you.
Follow your vet or farriers instructions on poulticing
It is advisable to keep your horse in a confined space while a poultice is necessary. Duct tape on the base of the poultice will help to prevent it from wearing away.
Avoid mud and wet fields when poulticing
This is because the poultice can become waterlogged with dirt which may delay healing.
If your horse is used to being turned out during the period of confinement remember to reduce the feed intake and monitor for signs of colic
Colic particularly large colon impactions are more common following a sudden reduction in exercise. Ensure that your horse drinks sufficient water when stabled and keep an eye on faecal output.
Remember only a vet can prescribe pain relieving medications or analgesics. Not all cases will need analgesic treatment but it is helpful in many cases. If your horse is not improving call your vet.
Most cases will resolve in 25 days
If your horse is still lame contact your vet as there may be an underlying problem such as a pedal bone fracture or the drainage tract may need to be opened up further.
Remember that it may not be possible to find pus in the early stages
So you may need a follow up visit if this is the case. This doesnt mean anything was missed by the first vet or farrier the pus may take some time to appear.
Monitor the affected leg
In particular for any swelling or inflammation and monitor the opposite limb for signs of laminitis which can be associated with excessive weight bearing.
Speak to your vet about testing for Cushings disease PPID
This is a common underlying cause in cases with recurrent abscesses. 
DONT
Give antibiotics
Most cases of pus in the foot will resolve without antibiotics. Only a vet can prescribe antibiotics and only do so when absolutely necessary this is because some horses can experience side effects from antibiotic therapy. Additionally overuse can