This horse.
Chester is currently being treated for a hoof abscess. For those of you who know horses, you know this isn't a life-threatening thing, but it is very painful. Having worked at a barn that was 50% Off-the-Track-Thoroughbreds, I learned to deal with them over 20 years ago. My Arabian Tariq had chronic abscesses, so we became very familiar with the routine of wrapping his foot with a poultice.
I am hoping this abscess, which I think is caused by bruising, is close to the surface, and poulticing it will draw it out quickly. I will have my vet come out next week to see if she can find it and drain it if not, but I'd rather avoid that expense right now (not to mention I know from experience they can't always find it to drain it!). In the meantime, he's being so brave. I turned him out today, and I could feel his frustration that he couldn't move well (however, him moving will only help keep the circulation in his foot flowing well), and I changed his wrap when we got back to his run. I know he knows I'm trying to help, and he gave me such a soft nicker and nuzzle when I was done. I just wish I could take away his pain.
