It’s just an abscess!

Generally speaking, I wouldn’t wish an abscess on any horse.  But given the alternatives to the weird lameness Derby exhibited over the weekend, I was hoping and praying for an abscess.  I’ll take gravel over stringhalt or a suspensory any day.  Happily for us, Dr. Nicky found a bruise and abscess in short order.  She was able to open it and get it draining, and Derby is already moving more comfortably.  Our immediate future involves twice-a-day soakings and handwalks.  Derby is a stellar patient, which means his prescribed treatment from the vet will be augmented with ongoing cookie therapy too.