Back to Square One

Or No News Is Good News?

Dr. Parisio and Scott arrived nearly at the same time.  This was the first time they'd ever met, but they got along really well right from the start.  Once again, Tucker had a pulse in the sore foot, and did react to hoof testers on the side, towards the middle.

While the goal was to find out what was wrong, it was also to elminate some more serious possibilities, including bone injury/fracture.  The good news is that several X-rays showed nothing.  All of his joints and bones look just fine. 

But, on the down side, the X-rays also did not reveal the cause of his lameness.  Essentially, we ruled out most of the more worrisome causes, including laminitis, leaving us with the conclusion that it is either a deep bruise, or a very stubborn abscess. 

Because of the soaking, the wall of Tuck's hoof was softened, which wasn't helping.  Scott trimmed him and now, instead of a full soak I am using animalintex poultice pads, just on the side where Tuck tests sore from the hoof testers. This way the only part of his hoof that's getting treated/soaked is the spot where he's sore.  This should allow the rest of his hoof to dry out a bit and get more solid and supportive.

I am pleased to know the basic structures of his foot look good.   That is a big positive. But he is still lame and that's not good.  Fortunately, Tucker is still being pretty good about being locked in his stall.  It did rain today, so I don't think he missed being out quite as much as when the weather is nice. 

One more time, it's a matter of wait and see.