Hoof Abcess

[hummingbird]

I know that it's dangerous and can cripple a horse for life even if you don't have to put it down. However, is there a way you can treat these without the help of a vet? I don't think so, friends of mine say yes. What do you think? I've got a bet riding on this one.

[Scotty]

I wouldn't try it. I may be the coffin bone coming through the sole plate of the hoof. It's extremely painful for the horse and in most cases they have to be put down if it isn't treated correctly.

[Hyde]

I don't have a horse but I have had an abscess. What I have learned is you have to go to a doctor! They hurt, and suck pretty bad! I have seen cats die from them. I would say never try to treat an abscess in any living thing yourself unless it is your only choice.

[hummingbird]

We had to call the vet and the farrier to take care of it. It wasn't foundering but it was an abcess which had to be drained. It's amazing what it looked like when they drained it. I didn't know there was that much drainage in the whole hoof.