Sole abscesses

Sole abscesses—infections inside the sole wall that result in pain from pus, swelling and inflammation—are one of the most common causes of lameness in horses.

Sole abscesses are usually caused by sharp, foreign objects piercing the sole—a nail, piece of glass, wire or similar item. Once it penetrates the sole, it introduces bacteria, launching an infection.

Occasionally sole abscesses are caused by a condition called seedy toe, a separation of the sensitive and insensitive laminae of the sole at the white line. This separation allows dirt and bacteria to work their way into the sensitive sole structures.

Symptoms: Sudden lameness is the most common symptom. The sole wall may be hot to the touch and the pulse may be rapid and pounding in that particular area. If the abscess is advanced, it may have already broken out at the coronary band or bulb of the heel.

Diagnosis: The wound may be so small or new that visual detection is impossible, so your veterinarian will first take a history of the pain’s onset. She may then apply a sole tester—a pliers-like instrument that relies on the horse’s reaction to pain—to the sole to locate the injury. She may also take x-rays to locate any foreign object or to assess the condition of the coffin bone.

Finding the abscess’s location is key to treatment. Once your veterinarian locates the entry point—a small black dot—she’ll follow its similarly dark pus path until it ends at the abscess or disappears. As you might guess, the track’s color makes it difficult to find if it starts in the frog.

Treatment: Generally, the deeper the wound, the longer and more involved treatment will be; recovery from sole wounds is usually quicker and more complete than from abscesses in deeper tissues.

The abscess must be drained and kept free of contaminants with antiseptics. Your veterinarian may administer antibiotics either by injection or by mouth. She’ll cover the injury with a bandage or boot, or devise a shoeing plan with your farrier. Depending on your horse’s vaccination history, she may administer a tetanus injection.

Prevention: Keep your barn and grounds free of objects that could penetrate your horse’s hooves: sharp rocks, wood, glass, syringes, fencing, nails (sweep after farrier visits; beware of construction and roofing projects), etc.

Editor’s note: Always consult your veterinarian for advice on diagnosis, treatment and questions about your Appaloosa’s health. Compiled By Diane rice