Hoof punctures warrant immediate veterinary care
Description
Whether you’re dealing with a horse, cow, sheep or goat, a hoof puncture is a veterinary emergency.
That might seem counterintuitive since the hoof is such a tough structure. But underneath the hoof wall lie many crucial and sensitive tissues. If they get damaged, the results can be disastrous.
The first sign of a hoof puncture is usually sudden lameness. If you notice anything embedded in the hoof, do not remove it. Instead, call your veterinarian right away. This too may seem counterintuitive, but your veterinarian knows the proper treatment sequence to help prevent serious infection.
After your veterinarian assesses and cleans the wound, that’s when you can get involved — by administering antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and changing leg wraps.
United States
