Depending on the breed of equine you typically work with, hoof abscesses may be part of your daily life, or you may have never heard of them before. A hoof abscess is a painful infection that occurs when bacteria enters the hoof capsule and creates a pocket of pus. The abscess can cause severe lameness and pain, and is one of the most common causes of sudden lameness in horses. Luckily, with proper identification and knowledgeable treatment, hoof abscesses don’t have to mean a permanently lame horse or send them into premature retirement.
In this edition we’ll learn:
- What a hoof abscess is
- The most common causes of hoof abscesses
- The signs and symptoms of a hoof abscess
- Treatment and management of hoof abscesses
Our Soft Ride team always strives to keep your horse healthy and comfortable. We hope having a basic understanding of hoof abscesses can help identify and manage any potential issues.
The Soft Ride Team
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A hoof abscess is a localized bacterial infection inside the horse's hoof, often causing sudden, severe lameness. When bacteria invade the hoof—typically through cracks, punctures, or separations like the white line—a pocket of pus forms under pressure, creating significant pain. This is similar to an infection under a fingernail in humans, but the rigid hoof structure makes it much harder for the infection to escape. Eventually, the abscess may rupture through the sole or at the coronary band, providing some relief. While painful, hoof abscesses are generally treatable and rarely life-threatening, especially with timely intervention from a veterinarian or farrier.
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Most Common Causes of Hoof Abscesses
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Hoof abscesses are typically caused by bacteria entering the hoof, but several factors contribute to this condition:
- Wet weather or alternating wet and dry conditions
- Penetrating injuries like punctures or nails
- Poor hoof health or lack of regular farrier care
- Cracks or splits in the hoof wall
- Bruising to the sole of the hoof
- White line disease or other infections
- Thin soles
- Poor hoof hygiene
- Foreign objects like stones trapped in the hoof
- Overgrown hooves
To prevent abscesses, ensure routine hoof care, keep hooves clean, and manage hoof health, especially during wet weather.
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Signs and Symptoms of Hoof Abscesses
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- Sudden lameness (severe or increasing over time)
- Heat in the hoof
- Swelling, often extending up the leg
- A strong digital pulse in the affected hoof
- Sensitivity to pressure (especially with hoof testers)
- Refusal to bear weight on the hoof
- Discharge or rupture at the coronary band or sole
When trying to spot a hoof abscess, look for sudden, severe lameness that appears without warning. You may notice the hoof feeling warmer than usual, and the horse might not want to put weight on the affected foot. Swelling can also occur and sometimes travel up the leg. If you press on the sole of the hoof with a hoof tester and your horse reacts sharply, this is another strong indicator. Over time, the abscess may drain naturally, either through the sole or the coronary band, but prompt treatment will relieve the horse’s pain faster.
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Most Common Treatments for Hoof Abscesses
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- Drainage and opening the abscess: Your vet or farrier may open the abscess with a hoof knife to release the pressure and infection, providing immediate relief.
- Soaking the hoof: The hoof is often soaked in warm water with Epsom salts to soften the hoof and encourage the abscess to drain. This also helps to clean out any remaining infection.
- Poultices and wrapping: After draining, a poultice or medicated dressing is applied to the hoof to draw out remaining infection and keep the area clean. Wrapping the hoof protects it while healing. Using a Soft Ride boot to hold on the wrapping can help prolong the longevity of the wrap.
- Anti-inflammatory medications: Pain relief through anti-inflammatory medications is common to make your horse more comfortable during recovery.
- Shoeing adjustments or protective boots: For horses with chronic abscesses or thin soles, protective Soft Ride boots or corrective shoeing with SoftRider shoes may be recommended to prevent recurrence.
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All American Quarter Horse Congress
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The AQHA Congress is the largest single-breed horse show in the world. Congress is held in Columbus, Ohio, and hosted by the Ohio Quarter Horse Association. OQHA is committed to setting the standard in the equine industry by engaging equine enthusiasts through world-class competition, recreational activities, education, and engagement of the next generation of participants and industry leaders.
Event Information:
Soft Ride Booth - 602
September 29 - October 27
Ohio Expo Center
717 East 17th Ave.
Columbus, OH 43211
info@quarterhorsecongress.com
614-505-7200
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American Association of Equine Practitioners Annual Convention
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The AAEP Annual Convention & Trade Show is the world’s largest continuing education event dedicated to equine practice, anchored by more than 100 hours of continuing education and a 300-exhibitor-strong trade show featuring the newest products and services for practice.
Event Information:
Soft Ride Booth - 955
December 7th-11th
Location:
Orange County Convention Center
9800 International Drive
Orlando, FL
800-443-0177 (U.S. and Canada)
859-233-0147
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As we continue our drive to keep your horse on his feet, we've received more than 15 patents, ship to over 50 countries, and work with more than 6,000 veterinarians around the world, as well as every veterinarian school in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. And with horse owners from every discipline using our products, we can safely and proudly say, "The best in the world rely on Soft-Ride."
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