Abscess or not?

I was just wondering if anybody could tell if this is an abscess or just from my horse stepping on herself (it's the two cuts located on her heel). I'm curious because she is lame on that foot but did not show any signs of lameness before this appeared (that's why I am not convinced it is an abscess). I'm sorry for the bad quality of the picture and understand if you can't tell anything from it, she didn't feel like cooperating today. Haha And please excuse the quality of her feet the farrier is coming this week but I was just curious what others thought.

Any thoughts or opinions are greatly appreciated!
Aly

That is basically what it looks like when an abscess blows out the heel.

But if the abscess blew out she would not be lame anymore, not just developing a lameness.

Thank you for your reply. The top line/cut is brand new (it was not there yesterday but obviously there today lol). She is still lame but the original (lower line or cut) has been there for a week. When I say she is lame it is not a glaring issue. She is able to go several trot steps without limping but there is definitely something "off" with her trot gait.

Sorry for the ramble and I will bring up the possibility of it being an abscess to my farrier.

Thanks again for the reply!
Aly

I had a horse who did that. She then schluffed off her heal. It took a while for her to get back into work. It is possible to wrap it, in case you are wondering. But make sure it is not too tight

Wetrain- did you wrap the whole hoof to keep it safe from dirt? What did you use? May I ask how long it took to heal? It's coming up on two weeks now and only showing a slight improvement. Sorry for all the questions I'm just trying to figure out how to make this go away. Haha

Thanks,
Aly

Yes, I had to wrap the whole hoof. I used an epsom salt/poultice combo product. I find it works far better then ichthammol (and it smells nice too).

Epsom Salt Poultice (Equine - Health Care - Liniments)

Then put gauze over the ointment, vet wrap, duct tape. The horse I was treating ended up being locked up for a while. If you are going to keep your horse turned out, I would suggest putting a boot over the hoof so the wrap stays. The only problem with that, is it can rub the spot where the abscess blew out. (That is why the horse I was treating ended up staying in). It did take a number of weeks for it to heal. I'm sorry I can't remember exactly how many. She was sound when she was trying to schluff off her heal tho, which I found to be amazing for this horse. This is not a quick healing spot, sorry to say.

Thank you so much for the information!!!! I have one more question and I promise I'll leave you alone! :) I have never heard of a boot for a horse. Is this something I can go into any horse store, ask the employees and they'll know what I'm talking about? Haha I'm sorry I've just never heard of it before.

I'm glad to know it's not a quick healing spot. I was worried I was doing something wrong and it wasn't healing properly!

Thanks again for info and the link!
Aly

Hoof boots come in many styles and sizes.

I am sure you can go into the tack store and ask about them but they will not be able to tell you what size to buy.

EasyCare makes several styles.

I have also heard good things about Cavallo hoof boots.

The general idea behind hoof boots is to protect horse's that are barefoot when you go for a trail ride to protect against hard footing and rocks. However, the equestrain community has found other uses for it, like being able to use it to keep a wrap on a horse has an abscess. If you end up buying a boot I would get one that goes up to the pastern. If you get one that just covers the hoof it will rub the wrap and expose the hole in your horse's heal and rub that even more causing pain and swelling.

Thank you both so much! I really appreciate it! I swear this forum is a life saver!!! Haha

Aly