For some reason, horses appear to be more prone to development of some kinds of abscesses during warmer summer weather. Abscesses can affect the skin of the horse and often are found in the hoof where they lead to lameness.
An abscess is a lump or growth that may be found anywhere on the horse. It occurs as a result of an infection that the horse’s body is combating. This lump is usually rather painful and as time passes it is likely to rupture, releasing nasty pus. The process may take up to a week to complete, and can be extremely uncomfortable for the horse.
While veterinarians agree that abscesses are usually caused when bacteria gain entry into the the horse's body either through an injury, because of a disease such as strangles, a fly bite or other penetration of the skin or the hoof, the pus that occurs causes pronounced pain if on the horse's body, or lameness if the infection is in the hoof.
Upon examining the affected area, your veterinarian should easily be able to determine whether the wound is an abscess and what caused it. Blood tests may be ordered to check for other infections. Many times, minor things will get into or under the skin and become infected, causing an abscess. On occasion, a veterinarian may prescribe an antibiotic to cure the infection affecting that particular area of the horse's body. Never drain an abscess yourself.
If the abscess has not been present for long, the wound may be cleaned with an antiseptic scrub. To drain the infection, the veterinarian may use a poultice -- a soft moist mass which is often heated and medicated, and then applied over the infected area.
If the abscess is in the hoof, it may have to be trimmed and drained . The course of treatment varies from case to case (and will be determined by the type of infection), so do not attempt to administer treatment yourself. A farrier or veterinarian should examine the hoof and determine the best treatment for that particular case.
Caring for a horse with an abscess does not have to be tricky. After the abscess has been treated, keeping it away from dirt and air is critical. You may use a horse boot to do this, but there are other methods as well. Check to make sure the area is healing and pay close attention to your horse's overall health. If other symptoms appear (even less serious ones), or if it develops lameness or changes in its appetite, have your horse checked out by a veterinarian immediately.
Remember, an abscess is painful at any stage, so reduce your horse's activity for awhile. You may even need to separate it from other horses