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 Maine-iac
Posts: 3334
   
Location: Got Lobsta? | Thanks for asking for the update. Well another fluid buildup as formed on his chest right between his front legs. Still doing doxy but added Red Cell as he is anemic. I thought for sure today was going to be the day. But Saturday, Sunday and this morning he ate all his grain and his hay. He seems more energetic but I'm not fooling myself. I'm buying time, he doesn't seem to be in any pain, that would actually make the decision easier. They did suggest I do the ecogram (?) and I said the horse hasn't been in a trailer for 10 years and hates it, I won't do that to him. I asked if it would make an difference and he said in this case no but we would know what is going on. I don't want a time line when I may have to put him down. Denial, yes, but he's not in any pain. ARGH - So thankful for the prayers and advice. He's the horse I bought myself when I got diagnoised with MS. (oh poor as me present) I purchased him from a meat barn and he went on to win 8th in Open poles at the Congress a 1D State NBHA championship and Horse of the Year runner up for AQHA. He is a gift from God, I don't want to let go. |
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 Georgia Peach
Posts: 8338
Location: Georgia |
I had something VERY similar happen to my older gelding last year. Same deal, went off his feed and developed a lump near his sheath area. He has very lethargic and depressed acting. To save you all the long details, over the course of a month we ran every test possible. Cushings, lime, strangles...you name it, we ran that test. The lump got bigger and moved toward his chest area - which the vet said was edema from poor circulation. They didnt detect anything wrong with his heart. They suspected it was some kind of infection upsetting his intestines causing the stomach lining to become inflamed. We spent about $1000 in antibiotics alone, which seemed to help but did not get rid of whatever was causing the swelling. We eventually took him to a university where they ran more extensive tests but still couldnt find a cause for any of it. We threw him out to pasture and hoped for the best. The majority of the swelling went away but even today he still has a few small pocked on his belly. All of this started in Dec 15' and I started back lightly barrel racing him in August 16'. He did awesome and I cant explain how happy I am to still have him in my pasture. My point is of all this is dont give up on him. It could be unrelated to his heart and he might just have some mysterious thing going on like my guy did. Sorry you are going through all this. I know how stressful it can be. |
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Maine-iac
Posts: 3334
Location: Got Lobsta? | Thank you very much for sharing this!! I just am so surprised AND happy he is eating again. Wondering if the antibiodics are working. So happy your guy is back to himself again. :) |
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Georgia Peach
Posts: 8338
Location: Georgia | Mainer-racer - 2017-01-23 9:50 AM Thank you very much for sharing this!! I just am so surprised AND happy he is eating again. Wondering if the antibiodics are working. So happy your guy is back to himself again. :)
Mine was in a bad place for several months and we knew we had to consider the options if he didnt start to show improvement. He is 22 this year and has been with us since he was 5 - so it was very hard to imagine letting him go. I'm sure you are having a tough time but it sounds like your guy has had a great life with you. I pray he bounces back from this and you can enjoy several more years together! |
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Georgia Peach
Posts: 8338
Location: Georgia |
Also just going to share my original thread in case it can help you out in any way.
http://forums.barrelhorseworld.com/forum/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=468453&start=1? |
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 I Don't Brag
Posts: 6960
| I understand EXACTLY where you are coming from. I fought a nasty sinus infection in my good, 30yr old rodeo mare for over 6 months before she developed another mysterious issue and I had to make the decision to let her go.
I would be doing what you are doing, my best to keep him comfortable and happy. I do suggest that you make sure he is getting pre/probiotics a couple of hours after antibiotics if you are not already. I think you are doing your best to walk that fine line of trying to help him be comfortable and putting him through hoops that really do nothing to help.
Hugs and prayers. |
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 My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | rodeoveteran - 2017-01-23 12:11 PM
I understand EXACTLY where you are coming from. I fought a nasty sinus infection in my good, 30yr old rodeo mare for over 6 months before she developed another mysterious issue and I had to make the decision to let her go.
I would be doing what you are doing, my best to keep him comfortable and happy. I do suggest that you make sure he is getting pre/probiotics a couple of hours after antibiotics if you are not already. I think you are doing your best to walk that fine line of trying to help him be comfortable and putting him through hoops that really do nothing to help.
Hugs and prayers.
I think RV said it just right---you're watching for "the sign" but as long as he's comfortable and not in pain, then you rightfully want to keep him with you. And I think that's what the loving owner would do. He couldn't be in a better place than with his momma who loves him and is going to do right by him. God bless you and him. . . . |
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