Avon Ridge Equine Veterinary Services

Avon Ridge Equine Veterinary Services Equine Veterinary Service for Perth and surrounding regions. Fully mobile equine veterinary practice

Hoof Abscesses in Horses: Causes, Symptoms, and TreatmentHoof abscesses are a common yet painful issue for horses. Often...
02/07/2025

Hoof Abscesses in Horses: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Hoof abscesses are a common yet painful issue for horses. Often causing sudden and severe lameness, these abscesses develop when bacteria pe*****te the hoof and create an infection. This is similar to an infection under a fingernail in humans, but due to the rigid hoof structure, the pus becomes trapped under pressure, leading to significant discomfort for the horse.

What Causes Hoof Abscesses?

A variety of factors can contribute to the formation of hoof abscesses, though the root cause is always the same: bacteria entering the hoof capsule. Some of the most common causes include:

• Wet weather or alternating wet and dry conditions: Constant changes in moisture levels weaken the hoof structure, making it more susceptible to bacterial invasion.
• Penetrating injuries: Nails, sharp objects, or even small stones can puncture the hoof and allow bacteria to enter.
• Cracks and splits: Poor hoof health, including cracks in the hoof wall, can provide an easy entry point for bacteria.
• Poor hoof hygiene or care: Horses with untrimmed or overgrown hooves are more likely to develop abscesses due to compromised hoof integrity.
• Thin soles: Horses with thin soles are more prone to bruising and injury, increasing their risk of developing abscesses.
• Foreign objects: Small stones or debris trapped in the hoof can cause irritation and infection.

Symptoms of a Hoof Abscess

Hoof abscesses are usually easy to identify due to their sudden onset and the severity of symptoms. Some key signs to watch for include:

• Sudden lameness: This can range from mild to severe, and the horse may become reluctant to move or bear weight on the affected hoof.
• Heat in the hoof: The infected area may feel noticeably warmer than usual.
• Swelling: This may extend beyond the hoof and travel up the leg, depending on the severity of the infection.
• Strong digital pulse: A strong or bounding digital pulse in the affected hoof is often a clear indicator of an abscess.
• Sensitivity to pressure: The horse may react sharply to pressure applied with hoof testers, particularly in the area of the infection.
• Discharge or rupture: Over time, the abscess may drain naturally through the sole or at the coronary band, often accompanied by noticeable discharge.

Treating Hoof Abscesses

While hoof abscesses can cause significant pain, they are usually treatable with prompt care. The goal of treatment is to drain the infection, relieve the pressure, and keep the hoof clean to prevent further issues. Common treatments include:

• Drainage: A veterinarian or farrier may need to open the abscess using a hoof knife, allowing the trapped pus to escape and reducing pressure within the hoof.
• Soaking: Soaking the hoof in warm water mixed with Epsom salts can help soften the hoof and encourage drainage while cleaning out remaining bacteria.
• Poultices and wraps: After the abscess is drained, applying a poultice or medicated dressing can help draw out any remaining infection. Wrapping the hoof also protects it while it heals.
• Pain relief: Anti-inflammatory medications are often administered to reduce pain and make the horse more comfortable during the recovery process.
• Protective boots or shoeing adjustments: For horses with chronic abscesses or thin soles, protective boots or corrective shoeing may be recommended to prevent recurrence.

Preventing Future Abscesses

Prevention is key when it comes to hoof abscesses. Regular hoof care, including proper trimming and maintenance by a farrier, is essential for keeping the hooves healthy and free of cracks or injuries that could lead to infection. Managing the environment, particularly during wet weather, can also reduce the risk of abscess formation. Simple steps like cleaning the hooves daily and ensuring horses have access to clean, dry areas can make a big difference in preventing this painful condition.

🩺 Contact us on 0427 072 095 or book an appointment online: https://avonridgeequine.com.au/book-an-appointment/

🩸 Insulin testing: it’s not one-size-fits-all 🩸In the latest issue of Horse Deals (out this week! 🐴📖), I dive into why i...
30/06/2025

🩸 Insulin testing: it’s not one-size-fits-all 🩸

In the latest issue of Horse Deals (out this week! 🐴📖), I dive into why insulin testing is crucial for preventing laminitis and managing metabolic health—and why the timing and interpretation of these tests must be tailored to each individual horse.

Pick up a copy of Horse Deals this week and learn how personalised testing can make all the difference.

Is your horse on Prascend? 💊🐴Here’s what every horse owner should know about storage, administration, and dosing.⚠️ It’s...
24/06/2025

Is your horse on Prascend? 💊🐴

Here’s what every horse owner should know about storage, administration, and dosing.

⚠️ It’s common for horse owners to remove Prascend tablets from their blister packs and place them in daily pill containers or feed buckets for convenience.

‼️ But here’s the problem: the active ingredient, pergolide mesylate, is highly unstable once exposed to air and light. That’s why the manufacturer uses blister packs that block UV and air exposure to protect each dose.

👉 Once a tablet is removed from the blister, it can begin to degrade within 24 hours, making it potentially less effective at controlling PPID (Cushing’s disease).

How should it be given?
✔️ Prascend should be administered orally (typically once daily).
✔️ Tablets may be given whole (often in a treat) or dissolved in a small amount of water, molasses, or feed slurry.
✔️ If dissolving the tablet, it must be administered immediately using a syringe—do not store dissolved doses.
❌ Tablets should not be crushed.

💡 Best practice? Keep Prascend in its original packaging until right before dosing, and follow the label instructions carefully when dissolving or preparing a dose.

🩺 Contact us on 0427 072 095 or book an appointment online: https://avonridgeequine.com.au/book-an-appointment/

22/06/2025

🐎Laminitis Recovery - Happy feet, happy life ❤️‍🩹

This little legend is feeling good and finally moving freely again after a recent battle with laminitis. His insulin is down to 19 and biochemistry parameters are all normal. It’s moments like this that reminds me why I do what I do. 💚

While others might disagree, I don’t believe a life confined to a sand yard without any access to pasture is the only option for EMS ponies. My aim is always to return these animals to as normal a life as possible – grazing safely, moving comfortably, and maintaining an appropriate body weight.

That means:
✅ Medical treatment of underlying endocrine disease (which sometimes includes medications - like ertugliflozin - to lower insulin and should ONLY be used alongside appropriate baseline bloodwork, correct dosing and dietary advice).

‼️ Starting these medications without checking liver and kidney markers or triglyceride levels goes against current recommendations.

✅ Diet plans tailored to the individual - gone are the days of just recommending “a low sugar diet” and “locking the horse up” without taking into account individual responses and variability.

⚠️ ⚠️ Recently, it’s now becoming clear that horses being treated with SGLT2 inhibitors (such as ertugliflozin) often require different dietary strategies compared to EMS horses not receiving these medications. This is a rapidly evolving area, so if your horse is on one of these drugs, be sure to ask these important questions to the vet prescribing them.

✅ Creative farriery solutions might be required. A degree of trial and error is often needed to achieve the best outcome. Working with a farrier who can provide multiple options for your horse is essential. (This pony is fitted with Moreaid-squish pads).

✅ And most importantly – it takes teamwork: a committed owner, a creative farrier, and a vet who understands EMS, all working with one goal – giving the horse their life back.

Every laminitis case is different, but with the right plan in place, life after laminitis is possible. 💕



theshoeinglab

moreaidhorseshoesau

🌟 Laminitis & Farriery: No One-Size-Fits-All 🌟When it comes to managing laminitis, there’s no universal shoe (or boot or...
17/06/2025

🌟 Laminitis & Farriery: No One-Size-Fits-All 🌟

When it comes to managing laminitis, there’s no universal shoe (or boot or pad!) that fits every horse. What works brilliantly for one pony may not work for the next — and that’s okay. Successful rehabilitation often comes down to a bit of trial and error, and more importantly, the strength of the team behind the horse.

Farriery is one of the cornerstones of laminitis rehabilitation, and in many cases, supportive shoes or boots can make a huge difference in comfort and recovery.

Standard shoes tend to distribute loading around the periphery of the foot which may potentiate laminar damage. Traditionally, Heart Bar Shoes have been a mainstay for laminitic horses with the basic premiss being a plate covering the frog to provide support to P3. However, modern materials allow for a wider range of fitting options and may provide more effective support compared to traditional heart bars.

A plethora of options are now available including therapy boots and various glue-on systems — each with pros and cons depending on the stage and severity of the disease, the horse’s conformation, and how they respond to treatment.

Substitutes to traditional nailing should also be considered. Striking of the hammer on an already inflamed laminae can be very painful for the horse. Modern adhesive materials (applied by a farrier experienced in their use) provide an excellent alternative to nails, with cost and availability being the only setback.

👏 This little guy is now rocking his newly fitted Moreaid squish pads, glued on to provide targeted support and relief. These are just one of many tools in the farriery toolkit — and we’re always learning what works best for each individual case. We work with a number of excellent farriers who are highly skilled and experienced in managing laminitic cases and who can offer a range of therapeutic options for your horse.

💕 Shout out to farrier Chris Beggs for thinking outside the box and to the owner for entrusting us with the care of their beloved pony.

💡 Remember: the best outcomes happen when vets, farriers, and owners work together with open communication, shared decision-making, and patience.

📬 Want to stay ahead of laminitis? Get expert tips, case studies, and updates straight to your inbox.

https://avonridgeequine.aweb.page/p/f601bfc8-8447-4101-bc10-07d1ae83c550

🩺 Ready to book? Contact us on 0427 072 095 or book an appointment online: https://avonridgeequine.com.au/book-an-appointment/

“Does my horse have ulcers?” – Why a Gastroscopy MattersIf your horse is showing vague signs like girthiness, attitude c...
15/06/2025

“Does my horse have ulcers?” – Why a Gastroscopy Matters

If your horse is showing vague signs like girthiness, attitude changes, a drop in performance, or sensitivity when being groomed, it’s easy to assume gastric ulcers are to blame. But without actually looking, we can’t be sure. That’s why gastroscopy is so important.

A gastroscopy is more than just a diagnostic tool—it’s the only way to accurately confirm whether your horse has ulcers, what type they are, and how severe. Horses can suffer from two very different types of gastric disease:
• Equine Squamous Gastric Disease (ESGD)
• Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD)

These affect different regions of the stomach and require very different treatments. The medications, dosages, and treatment durations aren’t interchangeable. Without knowing exactly what we’re treating, we’re just guessing—and that guesswork can mean your horse doesn’t improve, the disease worsens, or you end up spending more on the wrong treatment.

Importantly, gastroscopy also helps confirm whether gastric disease is really the cause of your horse’s signs. We often see owners attributing pain or poor performance to ulcers when the real cause might be musculoskeletal discomfort, saddle fit issues, or even something else entirely. If your horse’s stomach is actually healthy, that’s valuable information too—it tells us we need to look elsewhere and stops unnecessary medications.

The good news? We offer mobile, at-home gastroscopy— a simple procedure that we perform right on your property. This reduces stress for your horse and saves you the time and hassle of transport. You’ll receive same-day results, complete with images and a full explanation of findings.

A scope gives us the clarity to build a precision treatment and management plan, tailored to your horse. It also helps us address any underlying factors—feeding routine, stress, training, turnout—that could be contributing to gastric disease. And just as importantly, it helps us put strategies in place to prevent ulcers from coming back.

Want to learn more?
Click the link below for our latest deep-dive into gastric ulcers and the newest treatment options.

https://avonridgeequine.aweb.page/p/365a530a-6e85-417f-ae3a-de5e25f537b4

Ready to book?
🚙 Schedule a mobile gastroscope service for your horse at your convenience: https://avonridgeequine.com.au/book-an-appointment/

📬 CLIENTS ON OUR LAMINITIS MAILING LIST - check your inbox! If you manage a horse with EMS, this could change how you th...
11/06/2025

📬 CLIENTS ON OUR LAMINITIS MAILING LIST - check your inbox!

If you manage a horse with EMS, this could change how you think about grazing.

An important new study—presented at a recent international equine endocrine symposium featuring world-leading experts—has just been shared to our clients on our laminitis mailing list.

📩 Your inbox has the full update. This research could make a big difference to your horse’s management.

❓Not only our list? Sign up today to receive this email 👇

https://avonridgeequine.aweb.page/p/e03f7722-8446-4251-ae0a-dc244e6311d3

When you realise it’s not breakfast—it’s an oral sugar test! One’s giving attitude, the other’s quietly planning my demi...
04/06/2025

When you realise it’s not breakfast—it’s an oral sugar test! One’s giving attitude, the other’s quietly planning my demise for the next 90 minutes.

🤣🤣🫣
02/06/2025

🤣🤣🫣

🌦️ Does Weather Change Cause Colic in Horses? Understanding the Real RiskAs horse owners, it’s common to hear warnings l...
26/05/2025

🌦️ Does Weather Change Cause Colic in Horses? Understanding the Real Risk

As horse owners, it’s common to hear warnings like “Watch out, there’s a weather change coming—colic season is here.” But is there any truth to the idea that changes in the weather cause colic? Or is it what we do (or forget to do) during a change in weather that’s the real culprit?

Let’s explore what the research tells us—and how we can reduce the risk of colic during seasonal shifts.

⸻

🧪 What Does the Research Say?

Several researchers have attempted to find a correlation between weather conditions and colic incidence—though the evidence remains inconclusive.

Older studies from Europe (over 30 years ago) suggested that changes to cold and damp or warm and wet conditions during advancing weather fronts were linked with a higher rate of colic. Cold weather, in particular, has been associated with increased impaction colic, primarily because lower temperatures often reduce water consumption.

However, more recent data from the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine didn’t find a strong relationship between colic and weather patterns. When colic cases were examined over a 14-day period prior to the event, only low humidity and snow were weakly associated with increased risk.

⸻

🐴 How Does Weather Influence Colic Risk?

The impact of weather on colic seems to be less about the weather itself, and more about how it changes horse management, behaviour, and physiology.

1. Feeding and Hydration Changes
• Cold weather often leads to lower water intake and increased hay consumption—both risk factors for impaction colic.
• Hot weather can cause dehydration, reduced appetite, and electrolyte imbalances.
• Storms and rain can reduce grazing time, disrupt routines, and increase stress—all of which can affect gut motility.

2. Changes in Routine or Management
• Sudden stall confinement
• Reduced exercise
• Feed changes (or failure to adjust feed)
• Stress from environmental changes

Each of these has a known association with increased colic risk. Horses thrive on consistency—and sudden changes, even if well-intentioned, can cause gastrointestinal disturbances.

3. Behavioural Stress

Horses are sensitive to their environment. High winds, lightning, temperature extremes, or unfamiliar conditions can cause stress that alters gut movement and affects appetite. Stress is also known to affect the microbiome and potentially gut sensitivity.

⸻

✅ How to Reduce Weather-Related Colic Risk

Regardless of season or weather conditions, these proactive steps can help protect your horse:
• Encourage consistent water intake
Use heated buckets in winter and add salt/electrolytes in summer. Keep troughs clean and fresh.
• Make feed changes gradually
Always introduce new hay, pellets, or pasture over 10-14 days.
• Maintain movement
If horses are confined, hand-walk them, provide enrichment, and ensure constant access to forage.
• Monitor closely
Watch for changes in manure consistency, appetite, water consumption, or behaviour—especially during weather changes.
• Tailor management to individual horses
Horses with a prior history of colic, dental issues, or metabolic conditions may be more vulnerable.

⸻

📌 Summary

While weather changes may seem to trigger colic, the real issue is often how we respond to weather—changing turnout, feeding routines, hydration, and exercise. Understanding this distinction allows us to manage horses more effectively through seasonal transitions and prevent avoidable colic episodes.

Sign up to our mailing list for more important equine veterinary updates: https://avonridgeequine.aweb.page/p/36231e51-161d-46b1-835f-61669e59a1db

🩺 For more information contact us on 0427 072 095 or book an appointment online: https://avonridgeequine.com.au/book-an-appointment/

Ever wondered why some horse wounds heal beautifully while others drag on or develop proud flesh?It all comes down to th...
23/05/2025

Ever wondered why some horse wounds heal beautifully while others drag on or develop proud flesh?

It all comes down to the stages of wound healing—and how well each phase is supported:
1. Inflammation (Day 0–5): The body’s immediate response to injury. Blood vessels constrict briefly, then dilate to allow white blood cells to remove debris and bacteria.
2. Debridement (Day 1–6): Dead tissue and bacteria are cleared. Wounds can stall here if infection takes hold.
3. Repair (Day 4–21): Granulation tissue forms to fill the wound. This is where horses are at risk of producing too much—resulting in proud flesh, which can hinder healing.
4. Maturation (3+ weeks): The final phase. Collagen realigns, and the wound strengthens—but it takes time.

These photos show the progression of a leg wound over 6 weeks—highlighting how proper care and stage-specific treatment can support healthy healing and minimise proud flesh.

What helps?
• Early veterinary assessment
• Stage-appropriate dressings (like honey for EARLY stages)
• Careful monitoring to prevent proud flesh

If your horse has a wound that’s slow to heal, don’t guess. Each phase needs a different approach—getting it right matters.

We offer wound assessments and treatment plans tailored to your horse.

🩺 Contact us on 0427 072 095 or book an appointment online: https://avonridgeequine.com.au/book-an-appointment/

Address

Brigadoon
Perth, WA
6000

Telephone

+61427072095

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Avon Ridge Equine Veterinary Services posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Avon Ridge Equine Veterinary Services:

Shortcuts

Share

Category