Q: My horse has been very lame for several days, now there is pus draining from the coronet band. What caused this?
A: Your horse has what is called a "gravel". It used to be thought that a piece of gravel migrated from the bottom of the horse's foot up to the coronet band. Actually, any infection that is inside of the hoof can migrate inside the wall of the hoof becoming what is called a mural abscess, meaning in the wall, rather than in the sole of the foot. These can be hard to locate and often have to open up on their own, usually on the coronet band, with immediate relief of the pain.
Some horses are more prone to this type of problem, but there is usually no permanent damage.
Always call your veterinarian if you have a seriously lame horse and he or she will give you instructions for treating the problem.
Send your questions to:
countryclassicsnaches@hotmail.com
Kaia Sorem, DVM
WSU 1984
Veterinary Service
Pet Grooming
Country Classics Antiques
Hwy. 12 & 410 across from Slim's Market
Naches WA 98937
1-509-653-2108
Past Dr. Kaia columns:
Dec. 17, 2003 Horse with a "Gravel" Lame Foot
Dec. 10, 2003 Dogs Have Fleas in Winter?
Dec. 3, 2003 Cats and Christmas Decorations
Nov. 26, 2003 Pigeon Fever in Horses
Nov. 19, 2003 Dogs with Signs of Lethargy or Intoxication
Nov. 12, 2003 Groom Dog Less in Winter?
Nov. 5, 2003 Dogs Eating From Cat Litter Box
Oct. 29, 2003 Dog Bad Breath
Oct. 22, 2003 Ultrasonic Teeth Cleaning for Dogs
Oct. 15, 2003 Navicular vs. Caudal Heel Syndrome
Oct. 8, 2003 Ambulatory Veterinary Practice
Oct. 1, 2003 Acupuncture for Animals
Sept. 24, 2003 Winter Care for Horses
Sept. 17, 2003 Found Sickly Puppy
Sept. 10, 2003 Horse Not Conditioned Properly
Aug. 27, 2003 Barrel Horse Anxious and Unwilling
Aug. 20, 2003 Cats Get Tumors From Vaccines?
Aug. 13, 2003 Horse Unshod All Year?