Thursday, November 13, 2008

Following the Plan

Today, it was raining and Siete was just sore all over. She started to ache in all four legs yesterday, and I mentioned it to the vet when I spoke to her. This is an on-going problem every time the weather gets bad. It’s the exact same type of thing that was happening last year at this time when she had Lyme Disease. On instructions from the vet, I gave her Banamine, which helps although she still isn’t able to walk normally.

This was a difficult day for both of us. Both the vets agreed yesterday that there’s a very slight indication of laminitis in her front left foot . We’ve come up with a plan. I’ll do the insulin resistant diet until she loses the weight. Once Siete is better, we’ll test her for insulin/glucose. The vet and the farrier spoke, and they have decided that “reverse shoes” would be the best thing for Siete for now. I picked up her radiographs so the farrier could see them and get the correct measurements for her trim. I’m soaking the hay and cutting back to 10 pounds a day, which seems like not enough but I’m keeping to the program. I can’t find the supplement that the vet recommended, but I’m tracking it down. I’m syringing this thyroid medicine into her. And it poured, and my little horse was sore. What I want is 30 days of doxy for her but the new vet is still doesn’t want to give her the antibiotic. She did mention Lyme Disease without my prompting, saying the ticks were really bad right now. I asked for the doxy but she said that if we give it to her now without the blood test showing positive it will make it ineffective when she really needs it. Do I seem frustrated?

All the friends I talked to today were also calling to tell me about hard times in their lives. So maybe it’s the way the planets are lined up or something. Silk understands that her baby is hurting, and she’s radiating this loving energy to both me and Siete. I thought about how much more complicated this would be if the horses were boarded in a barn. All day as the rest of my life roared around me, I was at least able to go out every couple of hours and check on Siete in her stall. Tonight, the rain had stopped and the Banamine was working. She seemed more comfortable. I felt less anxious. I’m hoping that tomorrow will bring us some relief.

12 comments:

the7msn said...

Oh, Victoria. I so wish there was something I could do to help you. The highs and lows of living with an ailing horse is ... is... well it just sucks. You have a good plan to keep you focused, and you're doing all the right things. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

Deejbrown said...

We are holding you and Siete and Silk and your family in the Light....

detroit dog said...

It seems that everywhere I'm reading the past few days, bloggers are in dire need of big cyber hugs. So here's one for you and Siete!

Lori Skoog said...

Victoria...a belated happy birthday! The best present you could get would be a healthy Siete. I am so sorry she is going through this....you both need to catch a break. Yes, it is good you have her there with you.
All the best to you both.
Lori

Grey Horse Matters said...

Poor Siete, I feel so bad for her. I hope they figure this out quickly and she can be treated and healed soon.

John and Regina Zdravich said...

You have my complete sympathy, as does Siete. It is so difficult to have a horse with a health problem. I wish I had some advice, but I have never experienced anything like that, nor have any of the horse people I know here in my area. What I can offer is understanding, prayers for Siete, and prayers for strength for you. Take care of yourself....

billie said...

I'm so sorry things are so rough right now. :/

It started raining here yesterday and now today it's raining more, with forecasts for heavy rain into the night. Every time I go out today to muck and keep horses as content as I can, I'm also going to send some good thoughts up to Siete for a breakthrough very soon.

Lasell Jaretzki Bartlett said...

I'm so sorry to hear of the ongoing problems. Have you talked with any professional who has experience with treating laminitis without shoes? I know you have a loyalty to your vet and farrier. I also know you are frustrated and not getting the information that would settle your bright, curious, concerned mind. I hope you will keep asking questions. There is certainly an aspect of experimentation involved with any healing -- human medicine is as much an art as a science, and certainly the same can be said about animal medicine. Wishing you the very best!! My life is good and uncomplicated in comparison [knock on wood]! If you join the equinecushings yahoo list (another reader mentioned this list before), you can read through their Files section even if you never read the active exchanges
. Dr. Kellon DVM is active on that list which addresses insulin resistance issues as well as cushings. Also, this should link you to the laminitis pages on safergrass.org: http://www.safergrass.org/articles/laminitissigns.html

If you want more websites of professionals who have been researching and treating laminitis without shoes, let me know.

Victoria Cummings said...

Thanks, Everyone - I feel like I should serve a little cheese with my whine. I did sign up for the incredible Yahoo Equine Cushings/IR group and I've been to safergrass.org and Dr. Kellon's website. So, I'm learning and beginning the process of figuring how to manage Siete's diet and feet. For the moment, I'm going to follow my vets' advice since I have trust and good relationships with this equine practice. I can't expect this to be solved overnight, but it will get solved. Yesterday was just a tough day.

Lasell Jaretzki Bartlett said...

Hugs!

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry about Siete, I haven't been blogging for a while, but it seems every time I look in on you you are having a bad time. All I can do is send love and blessings.

Callie said...

Good grief, does it ever end? Poor Siete! I hope she feels better soon. COme on over and get the award I just gave you, might just give you a smile!