When to ride after deep abscess?

[Rosie8888]

Hello, just wondering if anyone could offer some advice please. I called the vet out for my horse two weeks ago due to lameness and he pared away some hoof to release a deep abscess. He said it had tracked quite far up. I kept him inside for a week with clean wraps, antibiotics, Bute and now he’s outside again with the usual hoof cleaning etc every day, no lameness and looking happy. My vet advised wait one month until riding again, is that too soon? I ask because a family member is adamant (they don’t have horses so not sure their right) that I should wait several more weeks for the hoof to regrow and one month is far too soon and would be cruel? I am happy to wait aslong as he needs before riding, the advice is conflicting with my vets that’s all. Please see pic

Thank you to any replies xx

[luvmyhackney]

I wouldn’t ride on that foot until it’s either grown out or I had a good farrier come out and shoe it appropriately and put something to stabilize the hoof wall.

[Rosie8888]

Thank you for responding! Why the vet didn’t say that I don’t know. Will wait it out, thanks

[findeight]

That is more like a partial resection and with that much supporting hoof cut away, yeah, don’t ride and I would be careful to keep him on flat, rock free surfaces 24/7 until it grows out more.

Normally with abscesses, even deep ones, movement helps the inner hoof pump out the infection so tack walking is beneficial and easier on you than hand walking.

Farrier could put a patch on there then a shoe once it stops draining and dries out.

[Rosie8888]

Thank you, learning alot on here. When I mentioned shoeing to my barefoot trimmer, she said don’t shoe, where that is on the hoof it’s a passive weight bearing area so shoeing it will only cause more undesired force in that area and apply unnecessary pressure. She said hoof boots would help instead? Unsure which way to go and the vet which I’ve just spoken to again is indifferent about whether to shoe or boot. Thanks again

[endlessclimb]

That’s silly.

Farrier is not wrong, this is not generally a heavy weight bearing area. But if the foot starts to chip, it will rapidly enter one.

Shoe. The horse doesn’t need boots that are on half the day, he needs support that is on all day, consistently.

My 0.02.

ETA: Your barefoot farrier is doing your horse no favors. Look at the fronts…

[Rosie8888]

Thanks, you speak alot of common sense I overlooked! Yes their over due needing trimming definitely, she had to reschedule our last visit. Glad I came on here to ask

[findeight]

Before shoeing, they use a putty like material which bonds to the hoof and hardens. Farrier then smooth, shapes and sands it so you cannot tell it from the natural hoof. Then they can nail a shoe on or leave it barefoot and the fix allows normal weight distribution and movement. The patch trims out like the natural hoof.

The abscess obviously must be cleared and dry before the procedure but it is usually quite successful. Used for white line disease too.

You can probably find a video of a hoof resection and application of a patch or prosthetic to watch online. Fun to learn new stuff. Even if you do not need it now, it is good to know.

[Rosie8888]

So interesting thank you, il watch that definitely. Off to speak to a farrier now

[Warmblood1]

@endlessclimb

Shoe. The horse doesn’t need boots that are on half the day, he needs support that is on all day, consistently.

So supposedly the Equine Fusion boots are good for rehab and turn out. You take them off for 30 minutes or so a day for the hoof to air out. I haven’t tried these boots but I’ve been speaking to a rep about them. They might be a good option if you didn’t want to shoe.

[Rosie8888]

Thank you that sounds good