“My horse has had pigeon fever for over two weeks now. She has twenty abscesses”…
My horse has had pigeon fever for over two weeks now. She has twenty abscesses and only two have broke so far. I was curious if I can start treating her with antibiotics yet or if I will need to wait for the rest of the abscesses to burst (or have them lanced)? Thank you!
Dr. Jack Sales’ Answer:
Hi Sarah,
It is best to allow the major abscesses to rupture or be lanced before antibiotics are started, since t antibiotics will just keep these abscesses in check but not resolve them. Once you stop the antibiotics, they will enlarge again and fester up. Bute or Banamine can be used to help relieve the inflammation and possible fever if the horse is uncomfortable. I hope this helps and good luck.
