Hoof Abscess Prevention & Treatment: Why Draw It Out® is Essential

A wet spring and summer often lead to a wet fall, and with that comes the increased risk of hoof abscesses. No matter how well a horse is cared for, sometimes these painful infections still occur. While prevention is the best defense, when an abscess does strike, Draw It Out® (DiO) is a game-changer for recovery and relief.

 

Preventing Hoof Abscesses

1. Keep Stalls Clean and Dry

When pastures are too wet, bringing horses into stalls is often the best option. However, unclean stalls create an environment where bacteria thrive. A damp, dirty stall is just as problematic as a muddy pasture when it comes to hoof health.

✅ Pick stalls daily to remove waste and moisture
✅ Use fresh bedding to absorb excess dampness
✅ Keep stalls well-ventilated to reduce humidity

A clean, dry stall helps keep hooves healthy and reduces the chance of infection.

2. Smart Turnout Practices

Horses need movement to maintain hoof health, but standing in mud for prolonged periods increases the risk of abscesses. Selecting the right turnout area makes a difference.

When wet conditions persist:
➡️ Use an arena or sand-based pasture for turnout—sand drains better than mud
➡️ Turn horses out during the driest part of the day
➡️ Bring them into clean, dry stalls at night to avoid prolonged exposure to moisture

By managing when and where turnout happens, hooves stay drier and healthier.

3. Daily Hoof Care

Regular hoof cleaning and treatment are essential for preventing abscesses. Mud, manure, and moisture create a perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to invade.

✔️ Pick out hooves daily to remove debris
✔️ Apply an anti-bacterial product (such as Thrush Buster or cow mastitis medicine)
✔️ Use a water-repellent to help prevent hooves from becoming too soft

A consistent hoof care routine reduces the risk of bacteria entering small cracks and causing infection.

Protecting Hooves While Hauling

When traveling to rodeos or events, ground conditions are often unpredictable. Some parking areas are muddy from rain, while others are churned up by previous contestants.

To provide a clean, dry space for horses:
✅ Keep extra shavings on hand for laying down a dry bed in portable pens
✅ Avoid leaving horses standing in wet or muddy conditions for long periods
✅ Ensure hooves are picked out and treated after travel

Having a plan for footing while hauling prevents hoof issues from developing on the road.

What to Do When an Abscess Occurs

Even with the best care, abscesses sometimes happen. The key to a fast recovery is immediate action.

1️⃣ Call the Farrier or Vet
A skilled farrier or veterinarian can locate and drain the abscess, providing instant relief. If the abscess is deep, an X-ray may be necessary to determine the best approach.

2️⃣ Keep the Hoof Clean and Packed
Once an abscess is open, preventing reinfection is critical. An untreated abscess can refill with bacteria, often leading to a larger, more painful secondary infection.

How to Use Draw It Out® for Abscess Treatment

Once the abscess has been drained, Draw It Out® is the go-to solution for aftercare.

✔️ Clean the hoof thoroughly
✔️ Fill the abscess hole with DiO and pack it with gauze
✔️ Soak another layer of gauze in DiO and wrap the entire hoof
✔️ Use vet wrap and a duct tape boot to seal in the treatment and keep the hoof dry
✔️ Keep the horse in a clean, dry stall during recovery

Why Draw It Out®?
✅ Acts as a drawing agent, helping to pull out infection and drainage
✅ Reduces heat and inflammation, easing discomfort
✅ Keeps the hoof clean and bacteria-free, speeding up recovery

A proper wrap and clean environment are essential for preventing reinfection and ensuring the fastest healing time possible.

Proof That DiO Works

Here’s an example of a real abscess treatment using Draw It Out®. The abscess was located in the side of the frog, so the entire hoof was covered with DiO gel and wrapped.

The wrap was left on for two days. When removed, the gauze was mostly dry—except for the abscess site, which was still wet with drainage. This proves that DiO actively pulled out infection while keeping the hoof clean and supported.

Final Thoughts: Prevention & Preparedness

🌧️ Wet weather means a higher risk of abscesses
🐎 Daily hoof care is the best way to prevent infection
💪 Fast action with Draw It Out® ensures quicker recovery

Having Draw It Out® on hand makes treating abscesses easier and more effective—helping horses heal faster and return to work sooner.

Be proactive. Be prepared. Keep Draw It Out® in your barn.