Abcess prevention

[ctlngrdr]

A handful of horses I trim have dirt packed into thier bars. I trim bars but have noticed that dirt is deep in. Relieving and treating an abcess I understand but what is the best way to prevent an abcess from dirt impacted in the bar area. I have read plently on the treatment of an abcess on here ,do any of you have abcess from same type of impaction ? any preventive maintanence?

[Thomas_Ride&Drive]

I'm not sure I understand what you're asking.

Compacted dirt should be picked out of the feet daily. That's just basic horse husbandry and good management protocol.

Dirt in itself won't cause an abscess though.

Hoof abscesses are pockets of pus that form in response to bacteria accumulation. The bacteria gain access to the hoof through any breach of the capsule, such as a tiny crack or a puncture wound in the sole or separation or damage caused to the internal structure. As the bacteria multiply, pus builds in an area that has no room for it.

[calshoer]

A handful of horses I trim have dirt packed into thier bars. I trim bars but have noticed that dirt is deep in. Relieving and treating an abcess I understand but what is the best way to prevent an abcess from dirt impacted in the bar area. I have read plently on the treatment of an abcess on here ,do any of you have abcess from same type of impaction ? any preventive maintanence?If you are talking about that dirt that gets under an overgrown bar, creating a dark bacteria laden streak between the bar and sole, the best prevention is to to trim it ENOUGH.
*Carefully* use the hook end of you knife on the sole side of the bar and gently work your way through that dark line until you have removed it. Thats it.

[cynthia-jay]

Enviromentals, such as high heat, humidity and wet, damp conditions are also related to abcess's

Hoof quality and/or lack of it also contribute

bruses, depending on,location along with cracks and this includes the overgrown bars as stated

as ever

Jay

[vthorseshoe]

Patty , I believe, is describing what you are trying to ask.


If you are talking about that dirt that gets under an overgrown bar, creating a dark bacteria laden streak between the bar and sole, the best prevention is to to trim it ENOUGH.
*Carefully* use the hook end of you knife on the sole side of the bar and gently work your way through that dark line until you have removed it. Thats it. quote Patty Stiller

This is what I do.

When dirt is packed into a hoof it will find areas of expansion and contraction to slide into and then will act like a grinder/sand paper and wear a path into the sole/wall etc. thus causeing more separation.
Cutting it out and cleaning the area so no more dirt or other debre can stay in there will allow the hoof to grow back and fill the void.

Now we are not saying go crazy about removing dirt. It is a NATURAL way of giving support to the hoof capsule.
Manure and foreign objects are what need to be removed thus a daily inspection of the foot.

my 2 cents worth ;)

[Bill Adams]

A handful of horses I trim have dirt packed into thier bars. I trim bars but have noticed that dirt is deep in.
It could be that the heels are too long, or that their crushed. Triming more often, or a couple cycles of shoes could help.