So Misty is recovering from a rather large abscess that
burst with a vengeance out of her RH.
Well, after the vet dug it out, of course.
At first, I wasn’t sure Misty was actually abscessing as
I’ve had her 3 ½ years and the only other time she’s abscessed was 6 weeks
after I got her…and that was as a result of semi-throwing her racing shoes on
her second day home and stepping on a nail.
I thought maybe she had twisted something on the frozen
ground because, although her lower leg was swollen, she was still sound…and
then she was just a little off…then a
little more…then…you know? I think she’s
abscessing! Enter diapers…and duct
tape…and vetrap (pronounced like “vet wrap,” not “vet trap,” as I pronounced it
as a stupid kid)…and Ichthammol…and hot water…and Epsom salts.
I wrapped Misty for a few days before I had the vet out, (but
I was tired of watching her limp – figured the vet could speed up the process a
little)…and since the hole was pretty big (about the size of a nickel and very
deep), my vet suggested I keep it wrapped for another week so it would stay
clean and could continue draining.
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| The foundation. |
First, I have to give props to Misty – she’s the BEST
patient ever! She stood so perfectly
still in her cross ties as I soaked her for 20 minutes and picked at/cleaned what
must be an awfully painful little hole!
Then she continued to stand while I wrapped her hoof with a baby diaper.
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| Ichthammol - sticky, gooey, and dark brown...ick. |
Second, I have to give props to myself…I’m a Master
Wrapper. After I’ve soaked her hoof in
hot water and Epsom salts, I set it down on a clean towel and let it dry. Then I smear the Ichthammol on her actual
hoof and inside the diaper. (Note – this
is the ONLY time I ever want to see anything dark brown smeared inside a baby
diaper – gag!). Then I wrap her hoof in
the diaper and use duct tape to secure the top.
Then around and around I go with the vetrap…then more duct
tape…especially at the toe which is on the ground the most since the poor thing
keeps it cocked up, almost dragging it.
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| Misty prefers vetrap in blue or pink. |
How do you know if you’re a Master Wrapper? Is the wrap still on in the morning? Yes?!
Woo!
Unfortunately, I don’t have a picture of my magnificent
creation since I am the last person on earth who does not have a smart phone…so
no camera. So just use your imagination.
Give me a diaper and a horse hoof, and I
will give you art!
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| The main ingredient. |
So all this happened about a week ago…and Misty is still on
the mend, but not completely ride-able yet…which makes perfect sense because
the weather has been amazing and unseasonably fantastic for this time of
year. Figures. But at least my girl is improving.
