A muscle abscess in horses is a localized infection within the muscle tissue, typically resulting in swelling, pain, and heat at the site of the abscess.

Muscle Abscess in Horses

Seek veterinary advice if you suspect this disease.

Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus equi, and Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis are common causes of skeletal muscle abscesses, which develop after penetrating injuries or by hematogenous or local spread of infection.

Initially, there is an ill-defined cellulitis, which may heal or progress to a well-defined abscess.
An abscess may heal, expand, or fistulate, usually to the skin surface, with potential for a chronic granuloma with intermittent discharge. Prognosis is usually good for superficial abscesses. Deep abscesses are more difficult to manage successfully.

Symptoms

  • Lameness
  • Lethargic
  • Sensitive to Touch
  • Swollen Muscles
  • Low Appetite
  • Fever
  • Oozing Skin
  • High Heart Rate
  • High Respiration

Treatment

Treatment consists of poulticing, lancing, flushing, and draining. Occasionally, surgical removal may be required for complete excision.
If antimicrobial treatment is used, it should be continued for several weeks.

Prevention

Preventing muscle abscesses in horses involves maintaining good hygiene practices to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination, especially in wound care and and during invasive procedures.

Regular veterinary examinations and prompt treatment of any injuries or infections can help prevent the development of abscesses in muscle tissue.

How Happie can help you manage your horse's health

Digital health management offers numerous benefits in modern equine healthcare.

With the Happie Horse App, you can track symptom patterns and body values, such as Temperature, Pulse and Respiration. Allowing you to notice abnormal changes in body and behaviour early on, leading to more successful treatments.

The Happie symptom checker allows you to add all of your horse's abnormal symptoms in order to present potential causes and diseases.

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