Remember, we have a new farrier who came out and did a bit of work on Jackson three weeks ago. He didn't get too aggressive because Jackson was clearly uncomfortable. So, he scheduled a return visit a few weeks later to finish up the trim.
That few weeks later visit was Wednesday. And it didn't go well.
Since the last visit, Jackson spent some sunny days in the arena, on dry sand, with Lucy and Pistol and then we moved him into the pasture with them, when Brett finished repairing/replacing their fence. The pasture is 99% dry, with one patch of wet ground in the bottom corner. Jackson has spent months -- since last November -- living in the covered round pen. He was stoic about it; but he doesn't like it. He wants to be out with the rest of the herd, to be out in the sunshine and the wind, to live like a horse. I couldn't deny him that. If you don't have quality of life, what's life worth? Not a whole heck of a lot.
So, Wednesday. The farrier found thrush in three of four hooves; laminitic flare up; possible white line; some blood at the toe; an abscess (that the farrier burst and now Jackson thinks this farrier is the best thing ever). And, the front hooves (where he is most laminitic) are just growing really funky. He didn't want to trim much with out the benefit of a vet exam and x-rays.
Jackson has an appointment next week with our favorite vet. I trust her completely and I don't want to take him to someone with whom I don't have full faith on this situation. If the prognosis is grim... well, I don't want to be second guessing the source. Last night I wrote up his entire medical history for her. It was a depressing exercise.
Between now and then, I am treating the thrush with this stuff called Dry Cow. It's an antibiotic. The farrier cleaned out the frogs and gave them a thorough treatment with thrush meds; now I'm flushing with the antibiotic twice a day.
And I'm trying to stay positive. But, deep down, I'm very worried and my heart feels like a sack of stones is pulling it down.
Love you.
ReplyDeleteAnnette, I am sorry Jackson is having such troubles with his hooves. I really admire the lengths you have gone to provide him the best care. The Tomorrow medication worked wonders with my rescued mini. His hoofs were so infected that they felt like rubber and his frogs all peeled off. I treated with the Tomorrow cream at my farriers advice and it worked wonders. Praying for a positive outcome with Jackson.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary. I have done my best by Jackson; we've always had a very special bond and more people than I can count have called him "Sweet Jackson" -- because he really is a very sweet horse. He was really fun to ride; I think I laughed when riding him more often than at any other time in my life. I am also impressed with the Tomorrow medication. One of the hinds is already improved and the fronts are markedly better too. It's great stuff!
DeleteWishing you and Sweet Jackson the best.
ReplyDeleteOh Annette you must be so worried. I know you will do the best for him. Good luck. (((Hugs))
ReplyDeleteBig scratches to Jackson wherever his favorite spot is, and hoping for the best for all.
ReplyDeleteI understand how you feel about wanting them to live like a horse. That is always my test question, can they have quality of life? You have done so well by Jackson. I hope there is a path to quality of life, but if not, you gave him quite a few extra years. It's a heart wrenching journey. No easy way around it. You're in my thoughts!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear this, I hope you can find something that works for him.
ReplyDeleteI have had great luck with ToMorrow for treating really nasty thrush in my horse. I hope it helps Jackson, too. I am also a big, big fan of No Thursh dry powder for preventative thrush treatment (and when they get it) which is also great for funky skin (like scratches) and healing cuts.
I just wanted to say that I am happy to here he looks better after using tomorrow (my equine podiatrist also recommends that) and being in a dry area for the day. I know you are scared, I would be too! In fact, I feel like you and Jackson and Gen and I have a ton in common so I can certainly understand the panic! I am hopeful that with the abscess popped, x-rays and trim and the thrush being gone he will be feeling good again in no time. Fingers crossed and lots of positive vibes being send your way!
ReplyDelete