Horse is limping in the front.. ADVISE needed

[Bunnylady]

Frequently, you can find a spot on the hoof that is warmer than the rest of the foot, and/or more sensitive (farriers and vets have hoof testers). Sometimes you can get a reaction just tapping or pressing on the sole of the foot. You can do the Epsom salt soak to help draw the infection to the surface; as Eggsoteric said, there are poulticing products that can help with this.

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

I definitely understand why the vet is a last resort. There have been a few times we waited a bit with lameness and it resolved on its own (similar symptoms, turned out to be abscesses)

In NJ, most vets are not farriers, so we generally call the farrier in and he will do what he can for the foot/leg. That may be a cheaper (and sometimes better) option, especially if it is an abscess.

The problem with finding an abscess on your own is that it could be very deep, or in a tricky spot. So I think just digging in the sole could be dangerous and cause more damage if you are not certain of the abscess location. Abscesses often times cause some of the worst looking lameness in horses, but are generally easily resolved. They are incredibly painful for horses, and relief of the pressure will almost immediately relieve most of the lameness.

There are other things it could be, but if you have checked the leg and there is no swelling, redness, or heat, and the lameness came on as quickly as you say, then I would strongly suspect an abscess.

 

[Jayrose17]

Thank you guys again. I've looked into abscesses and that very much sounds like what it is, I don't know why I didn't think of it sooner but then again I've never had do deal with one before. Good time to start I suppose. Thank you everyone for helping me figure out what it was I feel better knowing that I can get her help ASAP the farrier will be here on Monday