Cut across the hoof

[aMarinesgirl69]

My Fiance's horse has been kept at my house the last few yrs while he's been in the Marines because his parents don't have time to check him all the time. Long story short he was limping and after rinsing his hoof off I finally noticed the cut on the hoof. It is about an inch long and is on the outside of the hoof, about a quarter of an inch below the hair line on the front. It's a really clean cut; so clean I almost didnt notice it and it's paper thin. I don't know if there's anything in it still but I dont think there is. It looks like a knife cut its so clean and perfect. He only has a little bit of swelling right above the hoof but it is very tender and he will not put any weight on the foot and walking is agony. Is there anything I can do for it without having to take him to the vet? I have no idea how deep it is but there's not any pus leaking out of it. I will try to get pictures but it doesn't look like anything bad he just is in a lot of pain.
Ali

[miss_snickers]

I would get some bute to give him for pain and stall him for a few weeks. Cold hose twice a day and get some Underwoods Horse medicine and put on it. Amazing stuff.
underwoodshorsemedicine.com
If not the Underwoods, try Granulex.
I would also give him anitbiotics for at least three days since you dont know how he cut it.
At least 10 cc's a day.
Boost him with a tetnus shot.

[My Ladyhawke]

Great advice Ms. Snickers. I would also try soaking it in warm water with Epsom salt. That also does wonder and the Bute is great stuff. Best of luck and keep us posted. Did you check to see if he had anything stuck in his foot, like a rock or something. That would also cause limping.

[Equinemom]

I agree with Miss Snickers

Clean/medicate/wrap it daily
CURRENT tetnus shot
Bute for pain
Antibiotics

I would definatly consider calling the vet. You will need to anyway for antibiotics. You sure don't want an infection near that joint.

Good luck !!!

[rivervu2]

That almost sounds like an abcess wanting to rupture. Typically, with deep infections, the abcess will blow out at the top of the foot and it looks like a crack. All of the above treatments are great to treat an abcess as well as a wound. Highly reccomend the soaking, wrapping and antibiotics too.

[aMarinesgirl69]

wow thank for all the help. I have been rinsing it down but as the days go on he has started to swell above the hoof and it looks like an abcess to me too. I have all the stuff to treat an abcess but it sounds like I ought to play it safe and take him to the vet. I have cleaned out his feet and there's nothing wrong there it's just the top of the hoof and now above it that's the problem. Thanks for all the help

[aMarinesgirl69]

Just to end this and let everyone know what happened he did have an abcess and it broke out over the weekend and now he is fine. walks normal and its clearing out and he's all perky again. thanks again for all the advice.

[miss_snickers]

Thats great it was nothing any worse than that and he is doing a lot better.