Does it make sense to think of an abscess like a pimple?
I read an article by Horse.com that compared a hoof abscess to a zit… I liked the article and it is not too far fetched to compare the two.
There is inflammation, white blood cells, and infection that build and cause pain and pressure. With your horse, though it can cause lameness… and if left unsupported it could lead to further complications.
Most recommendations will be topical or externally focused. Which makes sense if the abscess is to believed to be a result of a stone bruise, quarter crack, or puncture wound.
But in more chronic cases or times where it is due to imbalanced shoes or trimming, poor stall or paddock maintenance… only caring for the concern topically or externally when it arises does not keep the horse’s best interest in mind.
Following Through With The Analogy-
If you or someone close to you has ever struggled with acne, it is often not successful over the long term to only address the concern externally… much like what I just mentioned, it is important to look at the internal environment.
So for your horse, you should do the following:
- check your ingredient lists for synthetics, fillers, and chemicals that could be amplifying the problem (to learn more click here)
- put your horse on a prebiotic, probiotics, and digestive enzymes (my fav is ForeDigest)
- support your horse with a natural-based amino acid supplement (my fav is Equinety)
- help your horse’s body reduce oxidative stress on its own (my fav is Nrf2 Activation)
Hoof Abscess Hacks-
Here are my top hoof hack picks to have on hand if my horse experiences a hoof abscess. Always be in contact with a licensed medical professional to ensure further care is not needed. If the abscess has not yet opened, I like to encourage it to drain from the sole…
- A thick natural-based ointment like Young Living Animal Scents mixed with Epsom Salts as a pack with a hoof boot or wrap
- Ichthammol drawing salve is another option I like to have on hand and utilize
Once it is draining I like to keep my horse’s hoof clean and supporting an environment that bad bacteria don’t want to be, so my top picks for that include…
- Young Living Thieves Cleaner (diluted with water) or Ranch Life Naturals Outlaw Thieves Oil
- Apple Cider Vinegar in a spray bottle
- Aloe Vera Gel in a spray bottle – you can even mix in your favorite cleansing essential oils
Don’t Unknowingly Let Dangerous Horse Health Problems Linger-
Concerns such as a hoof abscess are a reflection of the state of health the horse’s body is in. By the time the abscess has surfaced the risk and imbalance had long been present within the body. The most effective way to support your horse’s health is to stay ahead of concerns like hoof abscesses. If you’re ready to take charge of your horse’s wellness and care I invite you to grab your copy of my book Healthy as a Horse and discover the forgotten framework of care that can transform your horse’s health. Click here to reserve your copy now.
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Life is better when you’re horsin’ around!
