Abscess

An abscess is a lump or growth that you may find anywhere on your horse. It occurs as a result of an infection your 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.

Symptoms and Types

• Slight swelling under the skin
• A firm lump or growth
• Secretions of pus
• Unusually high temperature
• Decreased appetite
• Lameness

Causes

• Penetration of the skin surface with a foreign object
• A splinter
• A wound
• A nail in the foot, quite common
• Infections
• Strangles (distemper)

Diagnosis

Upon examining the affected area, your veterinarian should easily be able to determine whether the wound is an abscess and what caused it. They may then order blood tests to check for other infections. Many times, minor things will get into or under the skin and become infected, causing an abscess.

Treatment

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. Also, the hoof may have to be trimmed and drained if the abscess is located on the foot. 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.

Living and Management

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.