This treatment should continue until the foot has grown out new tissue and the infection is resolved. A shoe and pad may help return the horse to work while the wound continues to strengthen. The tetanus status should always be checked on each puncture patient, since Clostridium tetani, an anaerobic bacterium, can grow in the wounds. If a horse is found with a nail still in place in the foot, don't remove it. Call your veterinarian who can radiograph the foot with the nail in place to determine which structures are involved.
Prevention is, of course, wise.
Abscesses or bruises can be limited by keeping the horse's environment free from debris, including nails and sharp stones. Shoes and pads will protect hooves from a rough, hard terrain. Monitor your horse's feet. Picking them before and after rides should be basic. Visit our Contact Us page.