Emma Poole DVM

01/14/2025

One of the most vomit-inducing moments as a horse owner - your horse was normal yesterday, but today walking up for breakfast they’re suddenly toe-touching- looks like a broken leg- absolutely CRIPPLED at a walk lame.

Your veterinarian comes out for an exam, applies hoof testers and maybe takes some radiographs…YESSS. It’s just a hoof abscess!! Whew 😅

While they’re one of the most common things we see, hoof abscesses can be frustrating, and not always straightforward. A few facts and findings I’ve put together:

🐴 Lower limb swelling prior to abscess rupture is actually very common!

🐴 We can’t always see them on a radiograph, but abscesses can show up as a dark pocket within the sole 🧐 🔍

🐴 The objective is to get the abscess to rupture. This can be accomplished by soaking the foot, and applying various poultice bandages. Before rupture, we try to AVOID substances that will harden the foot (like betadine or iodine).

🐴 It’s important to keep the foot wrapped during and after the abscess blows. We want to keep that area clean, as there is often an open defect in the sole or coronary band that we don’t want exposed to more bacteria 🦠

🐴 Drainage is usually black, gray or yellow liquid or pus. Once the abscess pops, the horse is usually immediately more comfortable 🙌

🐴 After the abscess is COMPLETELY done draining, THEN we want to strengthen the foot. That’s when your betadine or iodine based products come in handy 💪

Even though they are commonplace, it’s important to let your vet (and farrier!) know if you suspect your horse has a hoof abscess. We have lots of tricks and tips we’ve learned over the years, and we’re here to help 🫶

05/18/2024

“TA absorption causes metabolic derangements, most notably a marked hyperinsulinemia that is more severe in horses with elevated baseline insulin values. The influence of baseline endocrinopathies on response to corticosteroid administration as well as the effect of corticosteroid-induced metabolic derangements warrant further investigation as risk factors for corticosteroid-associated laminitis.”

Awesome and very informative paper from my favorite research lab!
THIS is why we get so nervous about injecting triamcinolone (steroid) in horses with insulin dysregulation and/or PPID.

Thankfully there are many other non-steroid options now including ArthramidVet and Alpha2EQ. I have been thrilled with both of these products . The companies are wonderful to work with and we are seeing amazing results in our patients!!

Steroid-associated laminitis remains a major concern with use of corticosteroids in horses. Individual case factors such as joint pathology, pre-existing endocrinopathies, or corticosteroid type, dose, and timing influencing steroid-induced laminitis risk have not been investigated. This study aimed...

05/16/2024

Chronic or non-healing wounds!

These are very common in horses for many reasons. Horses don’t inherently have great blood flow 🩸 to distal limbs, and wounds often occur in high motion areas that are difficult to immobilize. 🐎

These often require sharp debridement ✂️ 🔪 to help stimulate the tissues to continue healing, and remove any unhealthy tissue. Applying amnion under a bandage can help too!

It’s very important to have a clear plan with your veterinarian about bandaging, what (if anything) to put on the wound or clean it with, and activity level.

These can be so frustrating, but are very rewarding in the end!!

05/11/2024

Great post from our friend Sherri Gard Dvm!

Now is a great time to test for PPID (Cushing’s). It is ALWAYS better to know your horse has this before we have an ongoing problem.

Instead of relying on the old “it has thick curly hair” sign, we now know there are MANY more subtle signs that are evident much sooner: reduced sweating, prolonged healing from wounds, recurrent hoof abscesses, even soft tissue injuries in older patients can be related to PPID. My heart pony developed a septic hock joint out of the blue as one of his first signs! 😬😳

I have such a soft spot for the oldies 🫶🥰

Thursday Tip:

Is your thin horse still struggling to put on weight, even with the spring grass in full bloom?
Is your horse slow to shed out this spring?
Is your horse over the age of 15?

If you answered YES to questions above, your horse may be at risk for PPID (Equine Cushing's Disease).

PPID is an age related hormonal imbalance caused by neurodegeneration. It is estimated that 15-30% of horses over the age of 15 have this progressive disorder. While historical symptoms include excessive coat with limited seasonal shedding and laminitis and may be witnessed in chronic cases. Horses without advanced disease may show more subtle signs, such as decreased fitness or non-healing wounds or increased susceptibility to uveitis/corneal ulcers.

Testing for PPID includes bloodwork and is best done during spring and early summer months. PPID is treatable, and early intervention will increase the longevity of your equine partner.

Call/text or email Guardian Equine Veterinary Services to schedule a visit for your equine friend to discuss age related changes and PPID.
(757)840-8030
[email protected]