Quirine Tettelaar DVM MVetMed MRCVS: When a simple abscess goes bad

Forge Knowledge Volume 1 Issue 1

Completion of this quiz will not acquire CPD points. Farriers and farriery apprentices are encouraged to test and review the knowledge gained from reading this article as part of their ongoing development.

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* 1. What can a thick consistency of pus from an abscess indicate?

How long the infection has been present

Bone structures could be involved in the infection

A vet needs to be involved in treatment

The stage of healing of the abscess

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* 2. What is a 'seroma'?

A type of laminitis

A pocket of purulent exudate

A pocket of clear fluid due to seepage of plasma from blood vessels and inflammation of damaged cells

A pocket filled with dark blood due to seepage from blood vessels and inflammation of damaged cells

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* 3. When an abscess won't heal, what is the next step?

Refer the case to another farrier

Treat it with Manuka honey

Refer the case to a veterinary surgeon

Treat the patient with anti-inflammatory medication (e.g. phenylbutazone - 'bute')

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* 4. Why is regional limb perfusion a good alternative to systemic antimicrobial treatment for infections in the distal limb?

A lower dose of antimicrobials is necessary

A shorter duration of treatment is necessary

It has been found that local antimicrobial concentrations can reach 25 - 100 times the MIC for most common equine pathogens

It's easier to administer

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* 5. Why is Maggot debridement therapy (MDT) a useful treatment in foot infections of patients with laminitis?

It's a cheap treatment

Maggots can get into areas that are not accessible for surgical debridement without removing parts of hoof wall or sole

Because MDT gives continual debridement and has healing properties

Maggots are easily sourced from fishing suppliers