Hoof Ulcers & Cloves: Only apply after it has been broken open!

Hoof abscesses, many horse owners recognize it. Your horse is lame from one day to the next. Really doesn't want to put any weight on the leg and may also have a slight fever and the hoof feels warm. But what is a hoof abscess and how can cloves support it?

12 December '24 - 2 min reading time

What is a hoof abscess?

A hoof abscess is an abscess in the hoof due to a bacterial infection. This abscess is really in the hard part of the hoof and can therefore hardly move in any direction. This causes a lot of pressure in the hoof and that is very painful. There is no way out for the abscess and it really has to break through somewhere. Usually this is through the sole/white line, but it can also happen that a hoof abscess that is higher in the hoof comes out via the coronary band.

What to do in case of a hoof abscess?

It is often wise to contact your vet or farrier to be certain of the diagnosis. A farrier is not allowed to cut into the quick, but is usually more skilled in hooves than a vet. That is why you often see a collaboration between the vet and farrier. Based on the diagnosis, you can start treatment. This often involves cutting open the spot if it is known where the hoof abscess is located. If the spot has not yet been properly located, it is sometimes advisable to soak the hoof in biotex for a few days so that the hoof becomes softer and the inflammation can break through more easily. If the abscess has been exposed, it will have to be kept clean, so consult with your vet/farrier about the appropriate treatment for your horse!

Cloves are anti-inflammatory!

A nice product to use for horses that are sensitive to hoof abscesses is a clove extract. This brings balance to the body, but is also anti-inflammatory. It supports the resistance and ensures that the horse becomes more resilient. But... do you suspect a hoof abscess and are you giving a clove product? Then stop using the cloves immediately! You want the hoof abscess to break through and not to become dormant. As soon as the abscess has broken through or has been opened up by the farrier, you can start using the cloves. They will then help you to tackle the inflammation and allow the horse to recover quickly.

Do you often suffer from hoof abscesses?

Some horses get hoof abscesses more often, often there is something wrong with the hooves or with the immune system of the horse. Therefore make sure that your horse gets appropriate food, that is low in sugar/starch. But also that the body is as pure as possible, for example with a liquid nettle and dandelion. Never give these horses a detox! With these types of horses, a detox can trigger a hoof abscess. Do you want to make the hooves stronger? Then choose hydrolyzed silicon, that is more effective than biotin and helps to make the hoof stronger and more resilient from the inside.