Preventing abscess

[lucky1987]

I'm keeping an eye one some horses, and one has a small hole (1/8") in her white line. The hoof wall next to the hole is chipped and bent, so maybe she stepped on something? She isn't lame and prodding the area doesn't bother her. Towards the heel of her hoof, the white line seems to have deteriorated a little as it isn't flush with her sole. (Does that have something to do with the hole?) She is kept outside, and unfortunately it's quite muddy in some areas since it has rained all week. Does soaking in epsom salts work as a preventative measure or is it only useful in drawing out an abscess? What actions should I be taking?

TIA

[calshoer]

Soaking an already waterlogged foot is not a good idea. It will just weaken the hoofwall furher. If she is not lame, she probably does not have an abscesses (yet). From the description of the little wall seperations here and there, It sounds like she is simply due for some routine light maintainance by the farrier. She or he can trim off any excess hoofwalland clean up those little separated areas. And when the farier is there, ask about a good hoof sealer/touhener to keep the excess moisture out of the feet. Patty

[lucky1987]

Thank you. I wasn't sure if there was anything to be done with the weather and footing the way they are. I'll be sure to keep an eye on it.