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how to apply a foot poultice

What Does a Poultice Do?
Poulticing a foot helps to draw out frog infections and abscesses, as well as reducing inflammation in bruised feet.


Materials
You will need the following items:
· 1/2 Animalintex poultice, or equal parts bran and Epsom salts
· Feed bag or diaper
· Duct Tape or Vetrap
· Scissors
· Warm water
· Helper


How To: Using Animalintex

  1. The horse should be on a clean dry surface, and the foot picked out and brushed off.
  2. Make a 6x6 inch square duct tape pad, by overlapping several strips of tape and laying a second slightly overlapping layer on top, perpendicular to the first layer.
  3. Have your assistant pick up the foot.
  4. Soak the Animalintex in warm water, and apply it to the sole, overlapping the heels. Be sure the plastic side is facing out.
  5. Wrap around the foot and well up into the pastern area with the Vetrap. The bandage should be snug, but you should be able to fit a finger in the top. This keeps the bandage secure and prevents bedding from getting in.
  6. Apply the duct tape pad to the sole, folding the edges up over the hoof wall. Wrap more duct tape around the rim of the hoof, to secure the free edges. More duct tape can be applied around the toe as the bandage frays over time.
  7. Put the foot down and check the tightness of the bandage at the pastern. Notch the top with scissors if required. It is normal for some water to squish out.
  8. This bandage typically survives stall rest and walking on soft surfaces, but a boot should be placed over top for turnout.
  9. If drainage is heavy (soaking through bandage), the bandage should be changed daily. Otherwise, it can be left on for a few days, and warm water can be poured in through the top to keep it moistened.


How To: Using Bran and Epsom salts

  1. The horse should be on a clean dry surface, and the foot picked out and brushed off.
  2. Mix together equal parts of bran and Epsom salts in a dish, now add enough water to make a paste.
  3. Using the corner of a feedbag, cut such that the bag will extend to just above the coronary band. Alternatively a diaper can be used.
  4. Have your assistant pick up the foot.
  5. Apply the paste to the bottom of the foot and cover with feedbag or diaper. Using duct tape cover entire foot to just above the coronary band.
  6. Change daily.

(RSLVS)