A hoof abscess causes sudden, often severe lameness, heat in the hoof and a strong digital pulse. Your farrier or vet locates and drains it, then you keep the foot clean and poulticed until it heals. Most resolve quickly.
What an abscess is
An abscess is a pocket of infection inside the hoof, usually where bacteria enter through a crack, a stone bruise or a puncture. Pressure builds as pus forms, which is what causes the intense pain and dramatic lameness.
Recognise the signs
The classic sign is sudden, severe lameness, sometimes so bad the horse will barely put the foot down, which can be mistaken for a fracture. You may feel heat in the hoof and a strong, bounding digital pulse, and the horse may flinch to hoof testers over the sore spot.
Get it drained
Your farrier or vet will locate the abscess and create a small drainage hole so the pus can escape, which relieves the pressure and pain quickly. Do not go digging into the sole yourself, as you can drive infection deeper or damage healthy tissue.
Aftercare
Once drained, keep the foot clean and poulticed as directed to draw out remaining infection, then keep it dry and protected. Pick out and check the foot daily with a hoof pick, and a hoof boot can keep a poultice on and protect the foot on hard ground.
Reduce the risk
Regular farrier care, daily hoof picking, and managing wet, dirty footing all lower the chance of abscesses. Sound, well-balanced feet with good horn are far less likely to let infection in, so consistent hoof care is the best prevention.
