HELP!: my horse steps on a nail....

[hunter~hottie]

Hey, my mustang stepped on a nail and it penetrated about 1/2 inch in.... He was very lame, but when the nail was removed a large amount of clear infection came out, and he is not very lame. I have been soaking in in Epsom salt daily, and wrapping in conituously with a betadine/sugar poultice. Any other suggestions?!

[kiakat]

As with any deep puncture wound the real problem is not the wound but infection. I have taken penicillin (the liquid kind) and filled a syringe (remove the needle once filled or if you take the foil off the top the rubber is a stopper and you can just pour from the bottle) and shot it directly into the wound. Have you had a vet out? The only chance you take with the penicillin is that if your horse is one of that very small percentage that are allegic you could have problems. There are also several antibiotic salves you can get at most feed stores. Since horses tend to walk around in manure it is really important that you keep the horse's feet as clean as possible. Inpacted manure will almost definitely cause an infection on a puncture wound on the bottom of his foot. If you have the money there are boots you can buy to protect his foot until it is healed or if he is willing and easy to work with you might try a large men's sock and wash his foot until it is healed.

[WildHorseSpirit]

Depending on where got the nail that far in could have hit his sensitive laminae.
I would have a vet come check and make sure he didn't