Can you see the stones? Peeling away layer of hoof 😱🥹

PEELING this layer of HOOF HORN away was seriously satisfying … for me AND THE COW!

It sounds like you’re describing a hoof abscess or infection caused by a stone bruise or trapped rock in a horse’s hoof. Here’s a breakdown of what’s going on and what to do:

🐴 Common Cause

• Small rocks or debris can get wedged into the frog cleft, white line, or sole of the hoof.
• This can cause bruising or an infection if bacteria enter through a crack or puncture wound.
• The result: pain, heat, swelling, and lameness**—sometimes suddenly severe.

⚠️ Signs of Infection

• The horse is **suddenly very lame, sometimes reluctant to bear weight.
• The hoof may feel warm to the touch.
• Digital pulse in the affected leg is stronger/throbbing.
• You might see black, foul-smelling discharge if the abscess has burst.
• Sometimes there’s visible swelling up the pastern or fetlock.

🧼 Cleaning and Immediate Care

1. Secure the horse safely.
2. Clean the hoof thoroughly:

• Use a hoof pick and stiff brush to remove mud and debris.
• Inspect the sole, frog, and white line for trapped stones, punctures, or cracks.

1. If you see a rock lodged in the hoof, gently remove it.
2. Soak the hoof in warm Epsom salt water (about 15–20 minutes) to draw out infection and soften the sole.
3. Dry the hoof and apply a drawing poultice (e.g., Animalintex or ichthammol) to help draw out the abscess.
4. Wrap the hoof with a clean bandage or duct-taped diaper to keep it clean.

🩺 When to Call the Vet or Farrier

• The horse is severely lame or non–weight-bearing.
• There’s no improvement after 24–48 hours of soaking and poulticing.
• You see a deep puncture wound (risk of deeper infection).
• You suspect white line disease or hoof wall separation.
• The infection tracks upward (swelling up the leg).

A vet or farrier can safely pare out the abscess or drain it if necessary and may prescribe antibiotics or anti-inflammatories.

🧩 Prevention Tips

• Pick hooves daily to remove small stones and mud.
• Ensure footing in paddocks/stalls is clean and dry.
• Schedule regular farrier visits (every 6–8 weeks).
• Check for hoof wall cracks or white line separation that could trap debris.

Would you like me to show you step-by-step images of cleaning and poulticing a hoof with an abscess?