Because horses bear their full weight on relatively small hooves, even a minor puncture, bruise, or abscess can produce sudden, severe lameness. Understanding common hoof injuries helps you respond quickly and appropriately.
Common Hoof Wounds
Sole bruises, puncture wounds from stepping on sharp objects, and abscesses that form when bacteria enter through a crack or wound are among the most frequent causes of sudden hoof-related lameness.
Treatment
Treatment ranges from simple poulticing and rest for a bruise, to drainage and bandaging for an abscess, to more involved veterinary care for a deep puncture wound. Any object still embedded in the hoof should be left for your vet to remove safely.
A puncture near the frog can be more serious than it looks, since it's closer to sensitive internal structures than a puncture in the sole.
Prevention
Keeping paddocks free of debris, scheduling regular farrier visits, and picking out hooves daily all reduce the risk of injury and let you catch small problems early.
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