They may be caused by small gravel penetrating the toe or another breakdown of the white line. Horses which have foundered are particularly susceptible die to the damage to the white line. Abscesses Foot abscesses tend to be painful with the horse reluctant to stand on the foot. The infection may even result in soft-tissue swelling in the lower limb. Although foot abscess may be signaled by a strong, throbbing pulse in the foot, they are often difficult to locate and require treatment by someone skilled with hoof testers and knife.
Treatment involves opening the abscess and allowing the blood, serum or pus to drain out.
If a puncture is opened immediately, bacterial infection can be prevented. Subsequent treatment involves soaking the foot in hot water and Epsom salts to draw out the offending material. The wound should then be packed with an antiseptic or astringent such as iodine, betadine, or ichthammol, and kept clean with a bandage, boot or treatment plate. 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.