Moto's Sweet Sixteen

It was Moto's birthday this week, and all he got was a hoof abscess! A hoof abscess is a fairly common affliction caused by a bacterial infection in the hoof structures. Although it's pretty painful for a horse, an abscess, when treated, typically heals in just a matter of days. When Moto's trainer attempted to ride him on Tuesday, she noticed he was lame. He didn't want to put any weight on his left hind hoof. When she led him back into his stall he opted to sit down instead of stand. By Wednesday morning, his pastern and fetlock had considerable swelling.

I arrived at the barn on Wednesday just in time to observe the vet making her diagnosis. Symptoms of a hoof abscess include lameness (check), swelling in the pastern and fetlock (check), and a pronounced digital arterial pulse (half-check--Moto's was only moderate). Dr. Reese prodded different sections of Moto's hoof to test his sensitivity to pressure. When she thought she had identified the infected area, she injected a nerve block to confirm. She would know that she'd found the infected area if Moto didn't react when she re-administered the hoof test. Unfortunately, due to the swelling, Dr. Reese had to inject the nerve block several times before she noticed a reduced reaction. She wasn't able to confirm with 100% certainty that it's an abscess, but she felt about 90% sure.

Treatment calls for a daily 30-minute hoof soak in Epsom salt and water (the Epsom salt draws the bacteria out of the hoof), wrapping in a special treatment boot to protect the hoof from dirt and manure, and a daily dose of medicine to reduce swelling. He seems to be on the mend. Hopefully, he will get the "all clear" on Monday.

We celebrated his birthday today at the barn with carrots, carrot cake cupcakes, and apples for all. Moto loved the special attention and ate it up. Literally.