Abscess in hoof

[alove4horses]

So my horse has been a bit off for a about a week, nothing too major so I just gave him time off and have been monitoring it. Today he is suddenly much lamer. My friend thinks he is abscessing. I soaked his foot in warm water with epsom salts for 15 minutes and I will do the same tomorrow. What else can I do? What if it's not an abscess? This sucks...

[striderrider]

Soak the foot twice a day in as hot water as you can stand it. Even if not an abscess this can't do any harm. Usually with abscesses the foot will be quite hot and there will be a very strong pulse in the fetlock. You can also poultice the foot and this will help draw it out. I would get the vet out though or have your farrier look at it. They will usually use hoof testers on the sole of the foot to diagnose where the pain is, and then if they can they may cut away some of the sole to try and drain it. Usually once it's drained the horse feels much better, returns to soundness, you just have to keep the foot extremely clean.

[alove4horses]

Thanks for your reply, I have the vet coming in a few days. He seems to be even lamer. I am worried it's not just an abcess. He does not want to put hardly any weight on it.