The abscess 'exploded' just above the coronary band, although oddly enough it wasn't smelly and not all that much fluid came out. I decided not to bandage it because of the still quite muddy conditions. I figured if i bandage it somehow mud would go under the bandage. I could have wrapped up his entire hoof like I did in winter but I didn't fancy this now that the weather is hot(ish).
So I cleaned it as good as he would allow me to - being clearly in some discomfort I had to watch out while working on his hindleg; 'Mr F' was a little twitchy. But once we had a 'discussion' about it and how he had to help me help him, we had no further issues and I was safe, appart from 'Mr F's typical "now that is going to be as much as I can bear"-look.
With an attempt to keep the wound somewhat sealed and safe from flies trying to lay eggs in there, I applied fairly thick layers of 'Honeyheal' (red horse company). It is, as the name says, based on honey and hence is quite sticky and stays in place even in the mud. Downside is that the mud sticks on top in clumps. But, I thought that might just help as a seal and it sure keeps the flies off.
He showed no heat or any further discomfort in that foot so I decided to let nature take it's course and do the healing. I cleaned the wound a few more times over the week although rather than pulling off the scabs all the time I let them be. It's now pretty much healed up.
We'll have to see how we fare tomorrow, I shall take 'Mr F' out for a ride. It must have been nearly a month since we rode last. But we did accompany 'Lillian' on 'Luke' - I and 'Mr F' both on foot - and we also went on walks just on our own.
It is not as hot as it could be in July, somehow I am quite pleased as the flies aren't too bad as the boys not always have access to shelter. I do take them in at around 4pm or a little earlier, depending upon when I return from work. Just to give them some rest from the flies, to let them have some soaked hay and to get their feet on dry ground for a couple of hours or so.
'Luke' is as always behaving extremely well and he is very considerate even when he spooks while being lead down the drive. I am entirely grateful that he tries everything (and he really did) to spook and NOT to tread on my feet - he got spooked by the tractor which was 'lurking' behind the hedge, it wasn't there before so it must be dangerous!
'Luke' has turned into a great horse and companion and he is getting better when being ridden, too. He certainly trusts 'Lillian' being on his back. It is interesting that 'Luke' does make quite a fuss (not in movement but in facial expressions) about having that numnah and saddle put on. But as soon as 'Lillian' has mounted, he does relax. She give him the reassurance that he needs, being a horse that thinks way too much about anything and is trying to understand what we humans may want from him.
Oh the flies!!!
"Please take us to the stable, away from these flies!"
As usual, 'Luke' is being herded by 'Mr F' ...
"... here we are ... quick, get us out!"
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