THE foot abscess (“stone bruise”, “drop”, “gravel”, “pus in the foot”) is one of the most common causes of lameness in horses. It arises when dirt and bacteria make their way into the sensitive foot tissues through a defect in the outer hoof capsule, typically at the junction of the sole and hoof wall (white line).

Affected horses will develop sudden and severe lameness on the affected limb. The infection will give rise to a pocket of watery grey/black pus between the pedal bone and hoof wall. As these tissues can’t swell, pressure builds up resulting in severe pain. At this point the veterinary surgeon or farrier will pare out the abscess, releasing the pus and relieving the pain. Once the abscess cavity is drained, the tissues will normally heal rapidly as long as it is kept clean.