So, it’s almost the end of August and autumn can’t get here soon enough with cooler weather. Our temps were basically in the 90’s with high humidity for the entire summer. There was almost no riding or schooling the horses; they were as miserable as we were. The good news is that it is starting to cool off now and we can start working with our horses again.
That said we’ve been busy caring for Sami and Blue’s medical issues. Sami was diagnosed with a mild case of laminitis in July. He had to spend a few weeks in his stall which was no picnic for him or us. Every time the herd left his sight to graze in further pastures, he’d go a little crazy. Luckily, my daughter was able to give him a little bit of Ace to calm him down. After a few weeks he was allowed out into a pen we made for him in the “horse port” attached to the shed. This worked out much better. The change of scenery helped a lot. The plus side to this was his best friend Hanz could come and keep him company. When he wasn’t around Sami would call for him and he’d come trotting up to spend some time. Hay nets were put on the outside of the pen for any friends who dropped by for a visit. Grady and Rosie did say hello once in a while and were happy to share his complimentary hay. In the past week he’s been allowed out with the herd wearing his new grazing muzzle, he’s much happier now and seems better.
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| Sami in the "horse-port" |
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| He even has a ceiling fan! |
Blue
on the other hand is still suffering with his abscessed hoof. It has
been two weeks since he’s been a three-legged horse walking on the toe
on his left hind. He seemed to be in so much pain he could barely hop
around in the beginning. The vet took x-rays etc. The best we can do
for him is soak it and then put Animalintex on it and wrap it for the
day. He seems to be getting around a little better in the past few days
and we’re hopeful it will blow out soon. Looks like there’s one on his
heel and possibly another exit in front by the coronary band. Fingers
crossed it will let loose soon and he will feel better. He doesn’t go
out with the herd, but he’s got the option of staying in his stall or
roaming around the fenced lawn area around the barn. He doesn’t venture
out much but when he does, he grazes for a while, lifting his leg every
few minutes to take the painful pressure off. He gets a little Bute
when he looks very sad. In true Blue dramatic fashion he’s been known
to lay in his stall moaning and sighing and made my daughter hold the
bucket of feed for him for his breakfast. He’s a real drama queen and he
is still my favorite character in the barn.
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| "Where have all my friends gone" |
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| A little grazing time |
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| Trying it without the bandaged hoof for a bit |
To add to all this nonsense my shoulder had been painful for months. I finally got an appointment with an orthopedic shoulder doctor and had an MRI last week. He diagnosed a rotator cuff injury and I will most likely go to physical therapy. He doesn’t think surgery is indicated.
Hopefully, all the drama will be over soon, and we can get back to a normal routine around the barn sooner than later.
Quote for Today
When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.
The heat has been causing a lot of problems here in Arizona too. We're breaking records for how many days we've had over 110 degrees F. Like you, I had one laminitic horse and one with a hoof abscess. It's a lot of work. Gabbrielle has had laminitis and foundered since last summer. Recent x-rays showed that her coffin bone was actually broken on one hoof and the other hoof had rotated past the vertical, about ready to puncture through the sole, so I had to euthanize her. The vet said a lot of horses have been coming down with laminitis and abscesses in the heat. And, of course, water problems always happen in summer... unless pipes are frozen in the winter. I feel for you.
ReplyDeleteHi N.M. I'm so sorry to hear about Gabbrielle. That must have been heartbreaking for you. She was a really great mare. It's so sad when we can't do anything to help them heal. I'm so sorry for your loss and wish you didn't have to go through it.
DeleteI remember being in Arizona years ago with temps like you're having and honestly, I don't know how you deal with it for any length of time. It would kill me. I only had to deal with it for a few weeks.
It's good to hear from you again.
Looks like you need stall rest as well :)
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for all the issue with the horses. Abscesses can be a real bitch sometimes. I've used a hoof boot for Irish when they are bad and that seems to add a cushion to help him move around.
Thanks Teresa, but as you know there's no rest when you care of animals. They come first.
DeleteWe've had Blue in a boot to help too. He seems to be getting a little better day by day.
When it rains, it pours, sounds like! Sami’s place looks as beautiful as everything else on your farm - what a great set-up for him when needed! I’m glad he’s out with grazing muzzle now and sending good thoughts for Blue’s abscess to quickly and completely empty itself out in the least invasive way possible. It’s the worst when they are three-legged lame and waiting for the blow-out. Finally, I’m sorry about your shoulder - been there, done that - and physical therapy exercises totally fixed me up. I still do them to keep my shoulders strong so injuries are less likely. Sending you good thoughts too! Maybe the transition into autumn bring all the remedies needed for good rides on sound horses and no pain for anyone!
ReplyDeleteThanks billie. Everything will work out eventually. Blue seemed to be leaking some goo from his abscesses last night so fingers crossed he's on his way to less pain. Good to hear your physical therapy helped that makes me feel better.
DeleteTruly glad things are getting better!! I can relate to all. Weather has so much to do with everything, good and bad. Pretty sure Mother Nature is in charge. We had those dreaded humid high temps for a while this summer. What a terrible time to have waterer's go out. With temp extremes, everything takes so much longer and depletes a person. My body can't tolerate heat anymore. It's harder to cool off, at least with the cold you can bundle up more. We have seeded trenches too, yep just add it to the list. Sweet horsey accommodations for Sami! If only horses could understand it is for their own good. It's nice that her friends can visit, and enjoy a bonus hay snack. Recovering stalled horses are no fun. I remember those days well, and for us endless hand walking of a ticking time bomb. Love that headshot of Blue, great photo!! Such a handsome guy, and his drama hahaa! Sorry to hear about your shoulder pain, glad you don't have to have surgery. PT absolutely works. It takes a good therapist, putting in the time and doing the exercises. It can get time consuming, but sooo worth it! I asked for hard copies of my exercises and made a reference binder. I rarely need to do the exercises anymore. Chores keep my shoulder active :)
ReplyDeleteGood to hear your shoulder is much better than it was originally. I can't wait until the Fall and cooler temps. Still was 88 today with high humidity. Blue's abscess finally popped so he's good and out with the herd and Sami is out too. So it's getting better around here.
ReplyDelete