Dusty Developments

" Dusty "

We’ve had some new developments with Dusty.  Not only are the both branches of her suspensories practically shredded (and I hope on the mend), she now has laminitis/founder in the same front foot as last year.  The general theory last year was that it was a mechanical founder, but this time we think it’s metabolic.  But I guess you never know for sure. Unfortunately, she has a little more rotation than the 5 degrees she had last year.

She is on stall rest for the time being.  Our farrier and vet have conferred and she has new shoes and pour-in pads that seem to be helping her stay comfortable and giving her sole the support it needs.  During the week Dusty was very tight through her back and her muscles were also tense.  Our vet recommends administering a small quantity of ace three times a day to help to dilate her blood vessels and hopefully improve circulation in her feet, with the added bonus that it will also keep her quiet while she’s stuck in her stall.  She’s had many blood tests and we are waiting for the results to see if there is something going on metabolically. 

Saturday I gave her a complete grooming and a Reiki treatment and it did seem to help her relax her stiff muscles. I feel so sorry for her; she’s in a lot of pain but she’s such a good sport about it all, except for being confined to her stall. She’s not enjoying her time indoors by herself and spends most of the day looking out her window or nickering for the herd.

Hopefully, she’ll pull through her injuries in time with proper care.

Until next time

Quote for Today

The horse through all its trials has preserved the sweetness of paradise in its blood.
    - Johannes Jensen