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my poor Henry has gotten himseld in trouble and bruised the sole of his
hoof, most specifically, his frog.  He is in a new pasture that we hadnt
been able to entirely de-rock, so there are quite a few small, sharp
stones unfortunately.  he damaged his right fore, and although today was
his first day lame, he could hardly stand on it at all.  I felt horrible!

Of course he and I looked like quite the pair, since a day ago I took him
for a walk and an evil chicadee tried to eat him for dinner and he
proceded to crush my poor pinky toe.....(I know...I know...respect
issues....I have been avidly reading those posts - and we are slowly
working on it).  But I just thought it was a slightly humorous sight,
both of us hobbiling across the yard with major limps :-D

I called the vet to ask what I should do and she said, soak in epson salt
and warm water. (check)
And then get this black goopy stuff and plaster that in his hoof along
with cotton balls and wrap with duck tape. (that would be #102 usages for
duck tape! :)

Now, she was on a cell phone and no matter how many times I asked her, I
couldnt clearly understand what the black goopy stuff was called -
something that sounded like *eximal*.  Does that sound familiar to
anyone?
SO!  My major question is: What have others done for frog bruises?  Are
there any old time recipe's that seem to work miracles?  
Plus, how long should I be doing this process?  Should I leave this gunk
on for a few hours, all day?  I dont want to come out to his pasture one
day and have his hoof fall off in my hands!  
And for those who have experienced this before, how long *on average* are
we looking at for recovery?  I dont want to push him.  The vet did say
the pain would get worse before it got better.  Its all right to give him
advil or something, isnt it?

I know, I am asking a lot of questions.  And I dont expect one person to
answer them all! 
Its just, this is Henry's first injury with me and as a first time
mother, I am worried and want to do it right.  
Get all opinions and options before action.
Thanks so much, cause I know I will get great advice from so many of you!

Erika and Henry (who is a bit peeved that he cant haul *mom* around
anymore)

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