Heather's sore foot

Well it MUST be Spring!  I haven't had too many problems with hoof abscess over the years, but it did happen with both Ringo and Deenah.

Now it's Heather's turn!  After a wonderful gallop and play time with the others yesterday and just when I thought "ah, all is well," three hours later Heather was very lame in her left front foot.

So - the usual - soaking in warm water + Epsom salt 2 x/day, cleaning with diluted Betadine, then poultice, this one covered in pretty red duct tape.  The vet recommends that she be let out with the others, and I have followed this advice but I've been hemming and hawing about this all day. 

If it's an abscess then her body weight might help it to work itself out - if it's still just a bruise though, will walking around help or hinder?  Movement is good though so I decided to let her be the judge. Hard to see her limping though.