Dusty’s Annoyed

"This is just so unfair"

What a surprise, Dusty is annoyed with me yet again.  So, why is she annoyed with me?  Well, no matter how many times I explain to her that she has to wear the dreaded grazing muzzle for her own good, she’s not buying it.  My feelings about this are better safe than sorry.  Her intake of the newly sprouting Spring grass may have been a factor that contributed to her founder. Her foot is almost totally grown out and looking good and her shock wave treatments worked miracles on her legs.  Dusty has been working lightly on the longe under tack and doing better than ever.  She was even tracking up last time we worked.  My target date for a first ride will be sometime during the first week of April.

  

Our vet was here last Thursday to administer some vaccinations.  We are only giving the minimum that we think they need and then only one every two weeks.  I’m not taking any chances this year with vaccinations that I feel caused Dusty’s previous two cases of founder.  This happened right after the shots from a company that shall remain nameless.  Obviously, we’re not dealing with that company anymore.  Personally, I think two bouts of laminitis is all she can take, a third time might have a disastrous consequence.

No matter how many times I explain that all this is for her own good and I’m only trying to keep her healthy, I’m still getting the stink eye every time that muzzle goes on. 

Until next time

Quote for Today

It is the difficult horses that have the most to give you.

Day by Day

" Dusty "

Not much going on around here, just normal day to day happenings.  The horses were all vaccinated today for West Nile.  We’re using a different company than previously and only giving what we consider necessary, one shot at a time. Hopefully, there will be no reactions with Dusty like last time when she foundered or Blue when his sheath swelled up down to his hocks.  Most of the herd had swollen necks last time too.

We also sort of insisted that the shot be administered in their butts instead of their necks, feeling this would help make their lives a little easier if there was a reaction.  Apparently, we’re the talk of the vet clinic.  When we called to schedule the appointment and before we even mentioned the special order vaccine, the secretary remarked how “Oh, right, you’re the people who wanted different vaccinations ordered.”  Well, sorry, it’s not like we asked them to be flown in special from the far reaches of the planet; we just didn’t want the company previously used that caused everyone to have horrible reactions.  Geez!

Dusty had a visit from the farrier last week and he was really happy with her feet.  Seems there’s no more bruising and the New Balance shoes are really helping her rotation and keeping her comfortable.  She’s been allowed out with the boys to graze for a few weeks now and her suspensory injury actually looks better when she comes in at night.  This is most likely due to the fact that she’s sensible enough not to run around and just walks out there and behaves herself.  Unlike when she was in her small paddock up top; seems she was okay until the herd flat left her and she would run up and (slide) down the hill and fence line calling for them, stressing her suspensories more than if she was actually out with them.  So we went with the lesser of two evils.  So far, so good.

Unfortunately, she’s in her small paddock again today so we can keep an eye on her, but she has Sami to keep her company and so far everything is quiet.  She’s also in raging heat again and it’s better for her to be away from certain boys.  Yesterday, Donnie was very interested in her and Nate did something I’ve never seen before:  They were standing head to tail and Nate chomped on the top f her tail and wouldn’t let go… and she loved it.  She was moved to the small paddock minus a lot of top tail hair.  Thought that was unusual.  

Anyway, we’ll be waiting to see if there are any reactions to this particular round of vaccinations.

Until next time

Quote for Today

Yes! I hugged my horse today!!!