multiple abscesses in one hoof

[myhorsefaith]

So, i just got this skinny ottb gelding gelding 2 weeks ago. my farrier was scheduled to come out yesterday, and did.

on the gelding's right front, there is evidence of multiple abscesses having blown up at the coronet. and when working on the hoof- farrier finds multiple holes like swiss cheese.

Horse is sound on right front. Horse not sound on left hind tracking to the left and has very bullnosed left hind.

Vet is coming out on tuesday to do some xrays and further testing- there is some bony lump on the left hind pastern- kind of high.

farrier used hoof testers- didnt elicit a response.

farrier just trimmed horse- wasn't convinced at this point that shoes would be a good idea for several reasons. but once he has enough good hoof for nails to hold, then we might shoe, if the horse needs it.

what i want to know are the reasons why a horse might have so many abscesses on 1 hoof - not all in the same area? basically so i can cover my bases to help fix him.

so, what are they? poor hoof form, diet, injury...etc?

poor guy, i just want to get him sorted out.

[katarine]

exceptionally BAD trimming or abject neglect.

I had a farrier manage to create such a situation in one of mine. Exceptionally BAD work is all it took.

If your farrier is a good one, he/she will make it right over time.

meanwhile get that horse healthy, his hooves will thank you.

[mp]

I agree that bad trimming is the likely culprit. One of mine had three abcesses in the RF over the course of 2 months -- two popped out the coronet band and the other out his heel. When my farrier couldn't/wouldn't give me straight answers on what was going on, I fired him. Found someone to balance my horse's feet and *voila* no more abcesses.

Good nutrition + competent farrier work should get him straightened out. Good luck with him.

PS -- no idea what the bony lump on the pastern is. Is he sound on it?

[myhorsefaith]

Thanks- i hope you guys are right!


PS -- no idea what the bony lump on the pastern is. Is he sound on it?

Well, after his trim yesterday i took him into the arena to see if he knew anything about longeing. Turns out he does know how to longe at w/t/halt.

he is not sound going to the left on that left hind w/ the bony lump thing.

may or may not be related to his unsoundness- guess we'll find out over the course of the next few weeks/months.