Equine Shoe Boil Treatment

Shoe boil is an injury that occurs to a horse's elbow and is usually caused by the horse's hoof when they are getting up and down from resting. As the horse lies down, the usual method is for it to have its legs tucked under itself, and then it will lie flat for short periods. When the horse is ready to get up, it must bring its legs underneath it and push off. This is when the injury usually occurs.

  1. Features

    • Because a horse's elbow is almost constantly in motion, a cut or bruise here is very difficult to heal. When a horse develops shoe boil, it is an injury that causes either a cut that will get worse over time or a large callous/sore spot, as it is continually irritated. The horse will be sore and may even show lameness.

    Causes

    • The most common cause of this injury is the shoes the horse is wearing. Whether the horse is stabled or outside also plays a role. Stabled horses tend to lie down more, and the more getting up and down the horse does, the more potential for this injury there is. Wearing egg-bar shoes, or even standard shoes, can cause a cut or other trauma to the elbow as the horse gets up and down.

    Treatment

    • Since the elbow is such a mobile part of the anatomy, stitches or other attempts at closing a wound are mostly fruitless. The wound should be kept clean and antiseptic applied daily. An ointment to prevent the formation of scar tissue is recommended. Any shoes the horse is wearing should be padded and care taken that the injured area is protected as much as possible.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Most equine supply companies make shoe boil boots, which are large rubber "rings" that surround the hoof and provide a buffer between the hood and the elbow when the horse lies down and gets up. These are pretty effective and are worth the investment. Another help is to provide extra cushioning in the bedding of a stalled horse. Give the horse at least 18 inches of thick, soft bedding to help soften his movements.

    Warning

    • Checking your stalled horse daily for any signs of this problem can help you catch it before it becomes serious. Prevention is the best medicine for this injury.