1. Treat the foot as an open wound: Keep very clean.
2. Soak the foot daily / twice daily in hot water and a supersaturated epsom salt solution. A supersaturated solution is made by adding salts to water until the salts stop dissolving.
3. Apply poultice and or bandage as directed:
4. Betadine and epsom salt footbath (once abscess is opened).

   Clay poultice (to soften foot so as to help abscess open)

5. Wrap the foot as directed. Apply support wrap to opposite leg if indicated.
6. Look for signs of improvement or worsening:
7. Improvement signs include:

   Continued drainage, or abscess opening at a new site.

   Horse bearing more weight on the foot.

   Worsening signs include:

   Horse reluctant to walk or not bearing weight on the foot.

   Decreased appetite.

   Temperature above 101.5¡ (or possibly lower, depending on your horse).

   IF YOU SUSPECT WORSENING, PLEASE CALL!

Administer antibiotics at the following dosage:

Penicillin _______ cc once / twice daily.

Trimethoprim (SMZ) _________ tablets twice daily.

Naxcel ________ cc once / twice daily.

______________ cc / tablets / once / twice daily

Continue antibiotics for ______ days.

Keep animal quiet, stall rest, or quiet turnout.

If you have any questions, please call.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE HORSE RECEIVE ALL THE ANTIBIOTICS RECOMMENDED. IF YOU ARE HAVING DIFFICULTY ADMINISTERING ANTIBIOTICS, PLEASE CALL!

This animal should be re-examined in ______ days. Please call the office to confirm an appointment.