This information is critically valuable to decide whether very aggressive therapy should be started initially or whether it is safe to use standard drainage methods. The fundamental concept of treatment for an abscess in the sole, Martin says, begins by draining the abscess through the bottom of the foot, usually by removing the sole over the abscess. Next is to prevent contamination into the area with a good bandage and water-impervious boot. Sometimes we give antimicrobials by injection or by mouth for seven to 10 days. Healing of the superficial or outer sole tissues generally takes a few weeks.
Treatment needs to be more aggressive if the abscess occurs in deeper tissues.
Even though it's life-saving in some horses, a lot of them end up chronically lame even after we clear the infection. If a bursa abscess is caught early, the veterinarian might use an arthroscope to help treat the condition. We'll also put the horse on systemic antibiotics to try and prevent or control any local infection. If the abscess is confined to the sole, odds of a full recovery are very good. One publication cited 21 of 22 horses went sound following treatment, Trotter says.