Posted by Elisa on July 03, 2004 at 19:48:02:
My 24 y.o QH developed a horizontal crack at the base of the coronary band (rear foot) which eventually opened up. My usual farrier said it was an abcess that blew and to leave it open. Then I noticed it seemed a bit bigger. I asked another farrier to take a look at it (he was trimming another horse that day) and he said it was a quarter crack and promptly shaved a chunk out of the hoof (more like sliced it) leaving an even bigger opening.
My horse is barefoot and what I'd like to know is does he have a quarter crack, an abcess (and the 2nd farrier should have left it alone) or does a quarter crack develop from an abcess? Never had foot problems before but we have been riding on slightly rockier terrains. HELP!