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My horse's swollen, lame heel bulb/coronet band: Abscess or injury?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Farm Animal | Horse | Female | unspayed | 9 years and 4 months old | 1322 lbs

Hi what is this, Is it an abscess? Just on the heel bulb/coronet band. She came in last night but wasn't sure what it was as just heat, swelling and lameness. She's had a sachet of bute and this is what it looks like now. The flash on my camera makes it look more yellow I don't think it is infected, the wound at the top just under her fetlock I was told was infected but the vet came out(was useless)but told me it wasn't infected. Thanks

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 12th, 2017

This looks like a traumatic injury - small laceration above heel and abrasion to the heal bulb. These usually happen when the horse gets their foot stuck in something or scrapes it against a fence. I do not see signs of an abscess, but it's difficult to know without being able to examine the area. If there is infection, then it appears very mild from the pictures.

I recommend flushing the wound twice a day with just clean water (no antiseptics) to prevent infection. It should also be bandaged to keep the wound from getting contaminated and help the wound heal quicker. Bute is good for the pain, but should only be used if necessary and should ideally be used per the veterinarian's direction.

If there is a cornet band injury (not a picture of this shown here), then this will definitely need a veterinarian's assistance, because these can lead to longterm problems if they don't heal correctly. I understand that you were not happy with the vet that saw Lottie, but it would be worthwhile to have a different vet consult to help with the cornet band injury.

I hope that helps and Lottie gets better soon.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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