Owen has an absess

Poor Owen. Yesterday, when Doug went down to feed the horses and do their feet, he found him unable to walk and just standing pinned in one spot because one of his feet was very sore. When the farrier was here last time, she said she thought he might have an absess developing. An absess is where there is an infection behind the hoof wall, pus builds up and it can't get out because of the strength of the hoof wall. So pressure builds up and up and causes the poor horse a lot of pain.

The best thing to do is to get a farrier or vet to delve in to the hoof with a special knife and release the pressure. This can make a bit of a mess of the hoof wall or sole depending where it is, but should relieve the pain for the horse. 

So we called the farrier yesterday and she came and hacked Owens hoof up this afternoon. He should feel a lot better in a couple of days. We need to keep a close eye now in case the infection builds up again, in which case the farrier will come back. She seemed quite worried for him and wants to hear how he is on Monday.

Darn horses and their feet!