Hoofin’ It
☆ June 28, 2012
I found my wounded Baby the Saturday before last after searching for him for four days, managed to get a horse trailer to him since he could barely walk, and brought him home. (Reason #979 why I’m so glad all my bovines are pets: Baby loads in a trailer as easily as a horse – easier, actually, as I don’t even use a halter on him.) I called my vet AND HE WAS OUT OF TOWN. Argh.
I didn’t want to give Baby any shots without direction but I wanted – needed – to get working on the massive infection that had swelled up his whole leg. So I got online and read about a charcoal poultice that others had used on wounds, for themselves and their animals. It made sense to me, especially in light of what I know about charcoal from the ambulance – we give it orally in certain poisoning cases as it absorbs (adsorbs?) the toxins – and thought perhaps a charcoal poultice could help draw out the infection. It was certainly worth a shot. Turns out this technique is amazing.
First you need charcoal:
You also need a dish, a knife for chipping and/or scraping the charcoal, a rock for grinding, and a spatula (stick) for stirring and applying:
Put chunks of charcoal into dish:
Grind it into powder with the rock (photo taken halfway through the process):
Mix with water:
The paste works better if it’s a bit thinner than you would expect to want it – this stuff is like cement in that it looks runnier than it behaves. It’s also easier to apply and stays on longer if it’s not clumpy:
Apply to wound:
This is Baby’s hoof yesterday. On flickr, I posted a photo of his hoof from ten days ago for those who want to see the progress, which is remarkable. But don’t click if you don’t want to see a horrible wound!
One of the greatest benefits of this technique is that the charcoal layer serves as protection for the wound, keeping dirt out while allowing the wound to breathe and drain. It looks like a thin, neat coat when it’s first applied but over the course of 24 hours it puffs, or plumps, as it sucks out the infection. Then it cracks and falls off in chunks when it’s saturated. These chunks come away with a crisco-frosting-layer of puss coating the backside (there, I’ve just cured you of ever eating a grocery store cake again); gross to write, but great to see when it means your bull is healing. Then I apply a new coating of charcoal and the process continues.
Sometimes, the timing works out perfectly and I can apply the charcoal when he’s lying down. But sometimes he’s standing up when it’s time to put on a new coat, and you can’t tell a bull to lie down like you can with a coyote. It’s essential that he doesn’t move while I’m applying the charcoal so dirt doesn’t get kicked into the wound. Luckily, boys are pretty easy to figure out. I carefully apply the charcoal poultice with my right hand while scratching his balls with my left. He drops his head, his eyes roll back, and he drools a little, and he stands perfectly still. Once the charcoal is on, I have to sit there and continue with this perverse activity so he doesn’t take a step until it dries. You do what you gotta do!
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June 28th, 2012 @ 7:22 pm
Oh my god, that got me laughing so much, imagining you applying the charcoal while scratching his balls. Nice! I’m glad he seems to be healing nicely. I wonder what in the world got into his hoof, or what he cut it on?! Thank goodness he has a great “mommy” like you!
June 28th, 2012 @ 7:41 pm
You are one of the most resourceful people I’ve ever encountered. And the last part of your post is the most entertaining one I’ve read today–or for quite a while, actually! The mental picture of Baby’s response was hilarious.
June 28th, 2012 @ 7:43 pm
Oh wow when I read “while scratching his balls with my left” I had to read it twice to make sure that’s what it said and control my laughter! Hehehe! Boys are easy to figure out aren’t they?t oh my god, classic. Hehe! Still giggling. And I LOVE learning about the charcoal. If only I had known about it when my horse got a bad scrape years ago and his leg swelled like mad. Now I know, thank you!
June 28th, 2012 @ 7:54 pm
ROFL! Ditto to what Janet said.
June 28th, 2012 @ 8:06 pm
Not only resourceful but determined *grin* I had a good laugh too. I’m very glad the good Sir Baby is doing better, hope the wound heals without a hitch!
June 28th, 2012 @ 8:23 pm
He doesn’t try to lick the charcoal off his hoof?
June 28th, 2012 @ 8:34 pm
“Luckily, boys are pretty easy to figure out. ” Ahhhahhah! This is why I’ve been reading you for years.
June 28th, 2012 @ 8:38 pm
T: no, never. not sure what a dog or cat would do though.
Everyone else: :)
June 28th, 2012 @ 8:47 pm
Very cool stuff shreve. And I laughed out loud at the end. That’s gotta stay in for the movie.
June 28th, 2012 @ 8:49 pm
Great story. Thanks for sharing and describing how boys are easy to figure out. Very funny. LOL.
June 28th, 2012 @ 8:53 pm
Hahaha I cracked up a little at the end, but I hope Baby will be as good as new soon! Poor guy.
June 28th, 2012 @ 8:58 pm
Shreve, There is an AMAZING all natural product that I first found in Casper at Lou Talbert’s many years ago. It is called Schreiner’s Solution. It is all natural, and it has healed wounds that vets have said wouldn’t heal. It even seems to dry up (and crust-ify proud flesh!). I have used it on horses, dogs (and myself :). I have heard it works well on cows too. Another benefit – it seems to repel flies. …..this is not a paid advertisement…just one happy patron :). PS- you can order it on line direct from the company, which is what I do now. It works best when sprayed on twice a day.
June 28th, 2012 @ 9:16 pm
I’m glad he’s doing better.
June 28th, 2012 @ 9:57 pm
~carefully placing carefully prepared charcoal on my nads.~ am i doing it wrong?
June 28th, 2012 @ 10:01 pm
Thus marks the reign of the new, undisputed world-champion Beast Master.
June 28th, 2012 @ 10:07 pm
ROFL! That’s an awesome story, technique and good news that he is healing!
June 28th, 2012 @ 10:09 pm
“Ya do what ya gotta do!”
LOL – that’s the most apt description of an independant, self-navigational, creative, determined, fearless women I’ve heard in a long time.
:-)
Yes, indeedee.
June 28th, 2012 @ 10:29 pm
just took a class on medicinal plants. Yarrow is an anodine, anti-inflammatory, atringent and disinfectant. Boil flowers and leaves to make a tea. Use the tea to clean or in a poultice. I think you can even put the softer leaves right on a wound.
June 28th, 2012 @ 10:47 pm
I never know if I’m going to laugh or cry when I check in to your blog! And girl, I can’t even tell you how many ways I can use what I learned from your site today. Oh, and the charcoal advice is good, too . . .
June 29th, 2012 @ 12:17 am
I love to spot sentences that I bet were never written before EVER. This one fits: But sometimes he’s standing up when it’s time to put on a new coat, and you can’t tell a bull to lie down like you can with a coyote.
June 29th, 2012 @ 6:23 am
I wish my Gracie (beagle) had a set to rub! Calming her while we did heat or ice packs after her knee surger was not easy. It was a two person task. I held her hind end with the pack on the leg while Dan or my mom fed doggie treats. 15 minutes is a LONG time to feed treats!
June 29th, 2012 @ 6:35 am
Awesome, the power of charcoal. And, awesome the power of scratching balls. You are my idol today!
June 29th, 2012 @ 6:41 am
@Rita and Shreve — That line (“you can’t tell a bull to lie down like you can with a coyote”) just replaced “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” as the most provocative one in literary history. In fact, I’m going to use it as a first line for a short story writing exercise for my library writers’ group.
June 29th, 2012 @ 7:08 am
ok you have me cracking up! I’ll have to try this on my dogs when I need to apply ointment to their injuries
June 29th, 2012 @ 7:09 am
prayers of thanks… that you found him, that he trusts you enough to follow you anywhere, that al gore invented the internet which gave you the charcoal idea, and for boys being boys (regardless of species!). tremendous story.
i know you don’t maintain this site for compliments, but i hope you know that you are a talented, strong, intelligent woman who provides great inspiration to many. not sure when you were born, but your birthday is a day to celebrate…you are truly a gift!
June 29th, 2012 @ 7:54 am
Shreve – you are my kind of woman! EVERY man loves his balls scratched! I laughed when I read that and had to tell you that you just made my whole weekend with that remark! On the other hand, I am so glad that Baby’s okay! Great tip! Thanks! BTW, @ Scotty, ya gotta scratch them first! LOL!!
June 29th, 2012 @ 8:42 am
I’ve got an injured man at home who won’t sit still. This post is just LACED with good ideas.
June 29th, 2012 @ 8:52 am
Mike will have to change his slogan to “Real cowgirls scratch bull’s balls” ! Charcoal is like a leech treatment by the sound of it but much more pleasant. Thanks for starting my day with a laugh. How long did it take for that stuff to dry?? There’s a fine line between necessity and pleasure you know, lol. No wonder your animals love you.
June 29th, 2012 @ 9:14 am
Interesting about the charcoal and definitely something worth knowing. Hilarious about the ball scratching but like you said, boys are easy.
June 29th, 2012 @ 9:28 am
Oh, well done. You are a go-to source for rural living done right, Shreve. Thanks for the moving, hilarious story of Baby’s recovery.
June 29th, 2012 @ 9:30 am
I’m so glad Baby is on the mend. Great job, Shreve!
Could you ever in your wildest dreams imagine yourself saying the words, …”you can’t tell a bull to lie down like you can with a coyote”, or “I carefully apply the charcoal poultice with my right hand while scratching his balls with my left”?
I have to remember this–we never know what the future has in store for us.
I am trying to send some rain your way-sans lightning, of course.
June 29th, 2012 @ 9:30 am
Wow, looking at the before and after shots that charcoal stuff is amazing!
June 29th, 2012 @ 9:39 am
Now, if only I can get my doctor to do that next time he checks my prostate *rim shot* (no pun intended)
June 29th, 2012 @ 9:46 am
Shreve, you are a scream…and also a pretty good doc!
June 29th, 2012 @ 10:03 am
LMAO @ don_m’s comment!
June 29th, 2012 @ 10:29 am
PRICELESS
June 29th, 2012 @ 10:34 am
Who knew your EMT training would be so valuable for the Farmily…but thanks goodness for that, for your resourcefulness and your willingness to do what needs to be done:) You are super! And lots of fun to read!!
June 29th, 2012 @ 10:51 am
You are amazing. Kudos to you for your resourcefulness!
June 29th, 2012 @ 10:57 am
@Scotty, I think you’re supposed to have a wound on your foot or ankle, place the charcoal solution nearby, and then have your partner read this story. Then wait patiently. ;)
June 29th, 2012 @ 11:08 am
If I ever need a cheer up from a down mood all I have to do is read this post and the comments. As for your last para…..I gotta stop drinking coffee while I read your articles….
I am glad Baby is starting to get better. I looked at the photos. It is amazing what a simple poultice can do.
June 29th, 2012 @ 11:18 am
That is amazing. I am going to remember this.
I was bit by a German Shepherd two months ago. I didn’t want to go to emergency because I didn’t want to report the dog and have him have a strike against him. It wasn’t his fault.
So I read up on dog bites and I went with Melaleucca honey. I eventually did go to the doctor after 6 weeks. He didn’t care about the dog, said the wound looked great and to keep doing what I was doing. Of course my wound was clean so this was to prevent infection.
Now I understand how honey would not work in this situation. The wound was already infected, honey would just attract dirt because you can’t put a bandage on a bull’s hoof, plus you don’t want your animal licking off the honey.
If I had known about this I might not even have gone to the doctor for my dog bite. I might have just tried the charcoal a few times to makes sure.
When did the vet get back in town and did you tell him what you did?
June 29th, 2012 @ 11:56 am
Great idea and great story! So funny!
June 29th, 2012 @ 12:15 pm
Your determination, quick thinking, and resourcefulness saved the day for Sir Baby. Thanks goodness and thank you for teaching us the big and little things that count in life. Yes, your line about not being able to tell a bull to lie down is an instant classic.
June 29th, 2012 @ 12:42 pm
You had me laughing as well, I even had the visual imagery going in my head. The things we do to ensure a healthy and happy life. Well done :)
June 29th, 2012 @ 2:01 pm
I gotta agree with everyone else. Hilarious mental pictures! I’ve heard of the charcoal thing before but I’d forgotten it. What I had not heard of was scratching a bull’s balls to keep him still while his charcoal poultice dries. File under “things city folk will never believe … “
June 29th, 2012 @ 2:10 pm
i use the “ya gotta do what ya gotta do'” slogan pretty often. usually as a way to end a conversation. now i’m going to have these great visuals come up in my head every time i say it. :)
June 29th, 2012 @ 2:18 pm
Totally blown away by your amazing ability to adapt and find answers. The charcoal is amazing!
June 29th, 2012 @ 2:19 pm
WOW, what a HUGE difference between those before and after pics! That is amazing! And I will remember, *ahem*, BOTH techniques for the future, in case I need either one.. (Does give a whole new level of meaning to “Boys will be Boys…”) :)
June 29th, 2012 @ 2:29 pm
This techinque may also be used with two-legged bulls. Individual results may vary.
June 29th, 2012 @ 2:38 pm
Ha! Yep, I laughed too!
Shreve, I swear, you should have a reality-TV-show of your own! There are plenty of these “let’s-get-back-to basics-in-the-wilderness” programs on now, but I’ll bet NONE of them ever aired a scene like you described! LOL!
June 29th, 2012 @ 2:45 pm
“Luckily, boys are pretty easy to figure out. I carefully apply the charcoal poultice with my right hand while scratching his balls with my left. He drops his head, his eyes roll back, and he drools a little, and he stands perfectly still.”
This has GOT to go down in the Shreve Stockton quotes Hall Of Fame. It’s almost even funnier if you don’t know that you’re talking about a bull!
June 29th, 2012 @ 3:59 pm
I have been rereading the post and comments and just realized that you need to get out of farming and become a naturopath…for men only. Hon you would be so rich you could retire in a year or two. However I don’t think we would enjoy your blog posts as much. By the way, where was the left hand of the “ancestor” bones that were dug up, that would be the deciding factor. By the way, don’t let Mike use the ole “I stubbed my toe and can’t stand still” line on you.
June 29th, 2012 @ 4:45 pm
Oh mannn… What a rich post in every way! Informative, a relief (that Baby’s doing well), poignant and utterly hilarious. As so many pointed out, Shreve, you’re the first person in the history of the world to utter ”…you can’t tell a bull to lie down like you can with a coyote” but it is now a part of the Daily Coyote vernacular and will come rolling out of our mouths in any of a number of situations, I’m just sure of it. Hey, I have it cocked and ready to fire at a moment’s notice. Hehe.
This has to be the smartest, funniest, most supportive group on the ‘net. Every one of you guys made me laugh and marvel at your cleverness. Oh Scotty… how, um, endearing that you take Shreve’s posts so to heart…
June 29th, 2012 @ 4:54 pm
OMG! If this sentence hadn’t knocked me on the floor: “you can’t tell a bull to lie down like you can with a coyote.” the ball rubbing part certainly did!
It’s amazing what we do for the animals we love without so much as a second thought!
June 29th, 2012 @ 5:18 pm
I actually keep charcoal capsules on hand for my dogs. A bottle runs about $20 and is available at most pharmacies or healthfood stores. They’re recommended for bloating & gas in people, but work great on dogs who eat something they shouldn’t, get into the trash, or just have upset stomachs/diarrhea. I even gave a capsule to a foster puppy that was showing signs of parvo one night. He did test positive for parvo the next day but we were able to save him thanks, in part, to the charcoal. You can also break open a capsule and mix with water for small injuries on small animals. I think charcoal should be in every pet owner’s first aid kit!
June 29th, 2012 @ 5:25 pm
So glad Sir Baby still had his. They’ve come in handy so many times.
June 29th, 2012 @ 5:46 pm
“you can’t tell a bull to lie down like you can with a coyote”
Ok!
Hahaha. I can just imagine the reaction of someone new to this blog.
Also “you gotta do what you gotta do” – hilarious.
I’m glad Sir Baby is in such capable hands…I think he is too! :)
Also, it’s very nice to learn charcoal has healing qualities.
June 29th, 2012 @ 5:47 pm
You are so awesome. Yes, boys are pretty easy to figure out, but it’s hard to imagine a cowboy using the same bull pacification/immobilization technique.
I’m having serious digestive problems (leaky gut), and have been very glad to have your polenta breakfast pudding recipe to enjoy. So much nicer than more rice…
Carol
June 29th, 2012 @ 5:54 pm
HAHAHA…Great post and reader’s comments! Amazing what can be accomplished with charcoal and a little ball scratching! So glad you found him in time and that he’s healing so nicely!
June 29th, 2012 @ 7:25 pm
Not in a weird way mind you, but gawd I luv u and the farmily….SO glad Baby is better…Shreve you are the female version of a Renaissance man…only better. :)
June 29th, 2012 @ 7:35 pm
males…bulls or men…they’re all the same! :)
June 29th, 2012 @ 7:39 pm
This is why you get the cowgirl tshirt. I concur- two of the best blog lines EVER!!! The Blogess herself couldn’t do better.
June 29th, 2012 @ 8:23 pm
LOL – I have had one person feed my bull cookies and scratch his face while I pulled a stick from between his toes, and I regularly have one of the kids scratch his neck and between his shoulders to keep him out of the way while I’m moving his water tank back to be filled (otherwise he wants to play keep away with it) but that’s a new trick!
June 29th, 2012 @ 9:20 pm
Are you *sure* you don’t want to run for prez? I think you might win with your ShreveCare health plan. Your insight and straightforward approach to problem solving is obviously a winner. You have a large, devoted, supportive constituency. If you have a plan for job growth, you’ll be our first female, third-party, write-in president.
June 29th, 2012 @ 10:08 pm
It has been awhile so I thought I should check up on your blog and see what you have been up to. OH MY, I would have never known that balls are balls and all men are the same! ;) So glad you found him, I can imagine how stressful those four days were then to find him injured. :( Thanks for your continued sharing of the farmily and your life!
June 29th, 2012 @ 10:12 pm
I found a reference for the cowboy way of doing this!
http://mlkshk.com/p/H7I8
From the comments:
“While you are doing this…. gently tickle his balls with a goose feather.”
Goose feathers. That’s what the boys use, cuz touching any other living being’s balls would just be wrong (and traumatic) for a boy.
June 29th, 2012 @ 10:12 pm
ps. Does that mean that your picture of his hoof is one handed too? ;)
June 30th, 2012 @ 12:04 am
DCP, I think you may be onto something there… if she started a “Grow your own food” campaign designed to have everyone planting gardens/edible landscaping/container gardens, why, we could re-employ every currently unemployed person out there, caring for gardens and city landscaping! Trimmings of suitable plants can be sent out of the cities to local ranches for the cattle and stock!
June 30th, 2012 @ 9:23 am
I have to say,” What a mental picture you paint”..too funny Shreve. I love what Marg wrote.
Good to know about the charcoal, makes perfect sense to me….
Thanks Shreve for such a wonderful blog, and keeping us informed on the farmily…so glad Sir Babys’ hoof is on the mend…and so glad he has you there to take care of him…
I am still chuckling..
June 30th, 2012 @ 12:36 pm
Who wants to place bets on how long it takes Mike to get tangled in a fence and cut his foot??
June 30th, 2012 @ 2:20 pm
Scratching his nuts……I have to say I didn’t see that one coming. I’m now thinking of all sorts of practical applications……
June 30th, 2012 @ 2:47 pm
This post is going down in history books somewhere, I just know it. The lesson here is scratch the bull and his balls instead of taking the bull by the horns and you’ll get better results!
I’m so glad the handsome boy is healing nicely.
July 1st, 2012 @ 8:57 am
Great googly moogly what a wonderful story!
Re: sal #18, I have used Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) for infections since the 1970’s and it works on infections better than any OTC antibiotic salves. Just find the plant and pick a few young leaves and fold them over over the wound then cover with a bandage. Yarrow is a natural pain killer, styptic and antibiotic, it also dries the wound and draws out infections. Yarrow (achillea) is named for Achilles the famous warrior/healer of the Trojan war. It was brought to this country by the early settlers from Europe and fully naturalized everywhere.
My Yarrow story begins in Yakima WA, with a botched robbery attempt, somebody pulled a knife on me (which annoid me) and i kicked out to remove the offensive object, he down slashed and caught me just above the the top of my hiking boot. I throat punched him and kept the knife as a souvenir. Went into a field found some Yarrow and packed the wound and tied a bandana around it. there was very little blood as no major vessels or tendons were cut just muscle. I packed camp and walked to Prosser WA. Set up camp in the town park, went into a field found some more Yarrow and and was repacking the wound when a woman walking her dog came by, she near fainted then offered to take me to a local clinic. I did. The doc took a look at the wound and saw it pack full of “weeds” and said I should be more careful while hiking. I told him the “weeds” were intentional and he called in the staff to hear the story. They were fascinated (although I heard the word nut job mentioned a few times) they put in 7 stitches and drove me back to my tent. The next day I was on my way. And no I am not a violent person, I go out of my way to AVOID violence. But sometimes you do what you got to do. Oh, I still have the knife.
July 1st, 2012 @ 11:12 am
Bull balls. -giggle- You’re a wonder, Shreve. :D
(Cow hooves always seem much too small to hold up an animal that ridonculously massive…)
July 1st, 2012 @ 4:13 pm
Sorry, the erlier post about Yarrow should have read antiseptic not antibiotic…oops Oh I loved the post “Bull by the balls” ya much better than by the horns!
July 1st, 2012 @ 11:02 pm
Shreve, you have become the ultimate cowgirl/country girl! Hats off to you! What a Hoot! I’m sure glad for Sir Baby that you are so resourceful! For all your other critters too.
July 2nd, 2012 @ 2:41 pm
Just want to say a couple of things in case anybody wants to try using charcoal on themselves or others.
You can buy activated charcoal in health food stores. Probably not in quantities big enough to do what Shreve’s doing, though. I use it to draw out splinters, stickers, stingers, etc. I also use green clay for this.
If you want a bigger quantity, don’t use brickettes. They are held together with petroleum products. You might be able to use chunk charcoal but read the package carefully to see if it contains anything other than wood.
You can also mix the charcoal with apple cider vinegar rather than water for more drawing power and more antimicrobial effect if you can stand the smell.
July 2nd, 2012 @ 7:11 pm
Heaven’s yes! do not use charcoal from the grocery store, and if you make your own, don’t use treated wood. but you all knew that, right?
July 3rd, 2012 @ 6:14 am
Since pix pages take a while to load I went and looked at the before pic of the hoof. I just sat there trying to figure out the anatomy – what was that weird flesh like pointy part? It wasn’t until I looked at the healing version that I realized it was from swelling. Yikes! Bet he could hardly walk.
Did you just stumble on him or did you call and he answered?
Thanks for the laugh!
July 3rd, 2012 @ 12:30 pm
The wound must have been on his back legs, yes? If it had been on one of the front legs you’d have needed an accomplice to accomplish the deed that kept him still, I’d imagine. Unless you have REALLY long arms.
July 3rd, 2012 @ 2:47 pm
I have to say you are the most amazing person I’ve never met!!!! I have more respect for you than anyone I’ve ever met or known…even though we have never met I feel like I know you because of how you convey things with the way you write!!!! You are Awesome and funny and such a wonderful soul with such incredible insight…thanks for always makin’ my day better and thanks for takin’ care of your babies so well and then some…… :)
July 4th, 2012 @ 6:05 pm
So has there been a sudden surge in injuries requiring the ambulance on Shreve-shift days?
“Oh, you’re not that cowgirl.”
“It’s her day off.”
“Is she on tomorrow?”
“Sir, the bone has broken through the skin.”
“I’ll wait.”
July 4th, 2012 @ 11:03 pm
D ~ CRACKING UP!
July 6th, 2012 @ 11:44 am
Shreve can we please get a quick update on Sir Baby? I am DYING to know if he is OK, please please update us!!
you are a genius with the home remedies. I’m not sure I want to know how big his balls are. Oh My.
July 6th, 2012 @ 12:49 pm
I read this to The Squire, and he about fell off the chair laughing. I will have to remember the charcoal part – he generally doesn’t need the rest of the treatment.