Swollen toe

[HaleIwanyazyn farm]

I have a goat about a month old with a swollen toe on her front hoof. About a week ago I pulled a thorn from the bottom of her hoof. Since then the toe has only gotten bigger. Had a vet look at it 2 days ago and he only gave her a shot for antibiotics and something for inflammation. But it continues to swell more. Any thoughts? I think it needs to be drained.

 

[Mini Horses]

It will break thru and drain. Be ready for it. It probably wasn't ready at vet visit. But, if only 2 days ago, he should sell you more biotics without a visit! I'd call them.

 

[HaleIwanyazyn farm]

It does look like it could burst any moment.

 

[Margali]

How long is the antibiotics supposed to last? If you can manage it, try soaking foot in hot water with Epsom salts. Heat helps pain and will cause fester to head quicker.

 

[farmerjan]

And when it does come to a head and burst... if you have something like "today" or "tomorrow" mastitis tubes, once well drained and washed out if possible, squirt some of that up in the hole....

 

[HaleIwanyazyn farm]

Still not burst but it continues to swell. Is it a bad idea to lance it myself? I’m in the medical field so I have access to supplies.

 

[Mini Horses]

Depends on how deep it is and how close to surface, IMO. Have antibiotics on hand. Suggest pain relief ones too.

 

[HaleIwanyazyn farm]

The entire toe of the hoof is swollen. And most of the swelling is between the toes.

 

[HaleIwanyazyn farm]

Today it burst open on its own. We tried to get out as much pus as possible. Irrigated it and clean it with betadyne. Hopefully now it will heal up.