Lame, wait 3 days before vet?

[Haffies2]

Hi,
One of my horses was lame this morning. Was fine last night.
I cannot see any injury or swelling, can not feel any heat. He is lame at a walk, but will sometimes put weight on the lame leg, left hind, while standing. He will walk where led. He is a ten year old gelding, othewise healthy and eating fine. I flexed his lame leg forward, back, and up, and did not get any real reaction from him. I think it may be in his foot rather than in his leg. I am guessing abscess. The farrier is busy, but I thought I'd call him rather than the vet first. I am considering soaking the hoof in hot water and epsom salts twice a day for three days, to see if an abscess bursts or if the horse improves on his own. I need some feedback here...what else am I risking if I wait three days? Does anyone think this is reasonable?

[whinny]

IM THINKING ABSESS ALSO TREAT IT LIKE YOUR GOING TO DO.SOAK SOAK WHEN THE HOOP IS NICE AND CLEAN CHECK OUT THE TOE ARAE FOR WHAT MIGHT APEAR TO BE A BRUSE.ANY PINKY RED IN AND AROUND THE BOTTOM OF THE HOOF.THAT WILL MAKE HIM OUCHY TO..MY OLD BOY ALWAYS GOT ABSESSES ON THE CORNANRY BAND..KEEP US INFORMED ICTHMAL(THE BLACK STUFF)IS WONDERFUL FOR DRAWING IT OUT..IF YOU SEE THE ABSESS TAKE A GUASE PAD,PLOP ALOT OF ON IT ITHMAL ON THE GUAZE PUT IT ON THE AREA WRAP WITH VET WRAP .PUT A PLASTIC BAG OVET IT(TO MAKE IT SWEAT AND DRAW) AND A OLD SOCK OVER THE BAG..CHANG IT ONCE A DAY AND AGAIN SOAK....

[Haffies2]

Thanks...and there has been noticable improvement, especially today. He barely looks lame now. I did not find an abscess, I was soaking, but on day two, I did feel a little heat above his fetlock, and the lame leg was a little stocked up. I have been letting him out in the paddock for a few hours each morning, alone, and then back to his stall. This evening no heat, no swelling. Pretty quick resolution, but I'm happy and hopeful that healing continues.

[whinny]

AWW HE PROBERLY TWISTED ON A STONE..IM GLAD HES BETTER..

[Dasho]

I'm glad your horse is feeling better, without needing one of those vet bills lol.