Abscess

An abscess is a cavity containing pus, which is a collection of dead cells, bacteria, and other debris resulting from an infection. As the amount of pus increases, the surrounding tissue becomes more swollen. A skin abscess may appear as an open wound or sore, or as a smooth lump under the skin. The skin surrounding an abscess typically appears pink or red.

Abscesses occur for several reasons. The usual cause of an abscess is an infection involving bacteria or parasites. Bacteria often enter the body via a wound on the skin surface, for example, a small cut or a foreign object such as a splinter.

An abscess is a defensive reaction of the tissue to prevent the spread of infectious materials to other parts of the body.

Horses can develop abscesses on any part of the body, including the hooves.

Can Equissage help?

Yes it can.

An abscess in the foot is an internal infection in an area that the horse has to continually bear weight on. Coupled with the fact that of course the hoof cannot swell, abscess treatment needs to commence quickly to halt the abscess finding its own exit point - often the coronary band, but of course if it does this, then it has destroyed sensitive foot structures along the way.

Once a drainage hole has been created, Equissage can help promote swifter elimination of pus as it has a stimulatory effect on lymphatic drainage - the body's immune/defence mechanism. The horse will be sore and most probably lame and it will be reluctant to move around. The lymphatic system needs muscular movement in order to work efficiently - unlike blood, lymph is not pumped around the body so in these cases Equissage gives nature a helping hand getting the lymph fluid moving and doing its job. Equissage effectively and efficiently takes the place of the more traditional methods of treating a foot abscess such as tubbing the foot in Epsom Salts (Epsom Salts act as a drawing agent), or using a poultice (of course you can still apply a poultice as well). Pus being bacteria is a toxin, an alien addition to the body so Equissage by its very action, speeds up the elimination not only of the pus but also any "residual" associated debris.

In the same way, Equissage is just as effective at aiding the rapid healing of an abscess elsewhere. Of course in other areas there will be visible inflammation as a result of the body sending out its first aid kit - the increase in blood supply and lymph flow to the affected area.

Application:

Using the Pad in conjunction with the Hand Unit will provide a great result very quickly - a medium setting on the Pad coupled with a medium/high setting on the Hand Unit. For the foot apply the tip of the Hand Unit, and for other areas apply either the rubber cup or the complete Unit to the area immediately adjacent to the site of the exit drain and just hold it in place for up to 10 minutes. A horse usually becomes sound or is dramatically improved within 24 hours but continue to use the Hand Unit for a few days to be sure that all traces of pus are extracted. Likewise for other sites, continue with a daily application for a few days after healing appears to be complete.

For more information please call 0800 072 1180, email us at info@equissage.co.uk or request a FREE TRIAL