USINg A POULTICE

Supplies needed: Iodine, soft and disposable packing material (gauze pads, diaper, etc.), ichthammol or other poultice material, Vetrap, duct tape, scissors

1.

First, thoroughly clean the sole with iodine.

2.

Any soft, disposable and clean material will work as packing. One common method is to use a stack of 4x4 medical gauze pads. Other options include a disposable diaper or sanitary pad.

3.

slather a glob of ichthammol or other common poultice on the packing material and place it directly over the draining abscess.

4.

use a stretchy bandage like Vetrap around the entire hoof to keep the gauze or diaper in place. Be careful not to tighten it above the hoof hairline where it could restrict circulation.

5.

next, slightly overlap strips of duct tape to make a square just larger than the bottom of the hoof. reinforce with strips laid at 90 degrees to these. stick the square to the bottom of the hoof and wrap the edges around to adhere to the Vetrap on the hoof wall. Wind tape once or twice around the top of the square where it meets the hoof wall to hold in place.

6.

Keep your horse stalled or in a small, dry paddock for a few days.

7.

Change the wrap once a day, replacing the poultice and using new tape. scissors makes cutting into the bandage for removal much easier than peeling it apart with your fingers. As a general rule, abscesses tend to fully drain within three days or so, and often sooner. However, anticipate the entire healing time to take seven to 10 days, but this will depend on the depth of the abscess and the size of the drainage hole.