Week 2, Day 1:Hoof abscess!

The day got off to a bit of a slow start. We (the students) met in the Clubhouse at 9. After realizing that no vets were going to come to the Clubhouse, we headed to the equine section of the barn. It turned out that Dr. Freeling's truck wouldn't start at her apartment so Dr. Gallatin had to go and help jump the truck. Still not starting, they had it towed. When Dr. Freeling arrived at school, Amy and I were set and ready to go with her. Sam was going to come with us too, but had a surprise ride-along with Schmall after being instructed that no one was riding with him yesterday. She was quite happy, and I was happy for her that she was able to ride with him.

We headed to our first farm. We thought maybe we would draw some blood for Coggins, but it turned out that we would just vaccinate about 6 horses. After vaccinations were complete, we did an eye exam on a paint horse that has began spooking easily. Dr. Freeling allowed both Amy and me to use the ophthalmascope to look in the eye. We were both able to see the retina, but nothing more with the head jerking. With what appeared to be normal vision, we left the farm.

Next we headed down to see a lame horse. By the time we arrived, she was 4/5 on the lameness scale in her right front. Because of the acute onset, likely differentials included abscess, sole bruising, etc. We (and by we I mean the rider of the horse) took of the shoe and assessed the problem a bit deeper. Sure enough, Dr. Freeling discovered an abscess and was able to get it to start draining! We packed and wrapped the foot, administered IV Bute, and were on our way back to school! I have included a picture, and you can see the area in black is where the abscess began to drain and the other picture is of the horse's hoof all wrapped up!