When we first started him on the meds, he stood by the window of his round pen with his head drooping and didn't take an interest in much of anything. I read that depression is a common side effect of pergolide and would resolve within a few days, which it thankfully did.
With all his medication mixed together, it equals about a quarter cup of powder. It was too much to mask in food so I gave up on that pretty quick. Jackson is our pickiest eater, by far. Fortunately, he is also the easiest to medicate with a syringe. I bought a big jar of applesauce and use a couple spoonfuls of that as the base. I add the powdered meds and a bit of water, then mix it up thoroughly. It resembles pancake batter in consistency, except that it is a lovely shade of brown.
Next, I load it into a great big syringe and squirt it down his throat. Then I give him a carrot or a cookie. I repeat this three times -- I told you its a lot of meds. He doesn't mind it (way better than wormer), and looks for the treat.
Now that everything is dry, he is also spending time outside in the back arena. I put him out in the evening and bring him back into the barn in the morning. He always rolls first. Lately, he's also been adding some bucking and rearing moves to the repertoire.
He gets his medication slurry in the morning. In the evening, he gets some senior feed with two tablespoons of one of the meds, and then he wears special bell boots during the night that create heat and increase circulation to his hoofs.
It's a lot to manage, but he's definitely improving and he loves all the attention.
Good news and a spectacular photo!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad he's doing better. I am really fond of him and would love it if you could ride again, or if he could be out with the others. How do bell boots increase circulation? I'm always doubtful of things that say they do - I suppose warmth in itself increases circulation, but when they say bay leaf salve rubbed on a hoof wall helps, I shake my head.
ReplyDeleteThe boots are "On Track" and recommended by my vet. They are made of some kind of material that reflects the heat from the hoof back -- or doesn't let it escape or something. I hear you on the bay leaf salve; I'm generally skeptical too but I trust our vet completely.
DeletePeople sure love Back on Track. Many people at the barn this Winter had the rump rugs and swore by their effectiveness in warming a horse's back. I don't like how the blankets didn't extend to cover the entire rump of the horse. Why not? On a cold day I put my hand under one and my other hand under a wool/acrylic blanket and didn't feel a difference. I do the "pile on several blankets" method: )
DeleteI am glad that he's feeling better. Will he always need that much medication?
ReplyDeleteI sure hope not! Two of the medications are to increase circulation in his feet and he will only be on those for 90 days. His thyroid will be re-checked in 60 days and adjusted accordingly. He actually likes the tast of one of his thyroid meds so that's worth something. The Cushings med, Perdolide, he will be on forever although the dosage may vary over time.
DeleteHappy to hear the meds are working for Jackson. Don't know if you follow Melissa at Paradigm Farms - she runs a retirement facility in Tennessee. She treats a number of cushingoid retirees there who seem to very happy and comfortable.
ReplyDeleteYes, I have read posts on that blog and I agree she is doing a wonderful job.
DeleteI love the way you have always taken such good care of Jackson.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I take care of Jackson; you take care of Samson. Its a labor of love, right?
DeleteGreat to hear about Jackson getting better!
ReplyDeleteI hope as time goes on, he will need less meds (don't we all?)!
Sending love and good vibes to Jackson!
Wow, that is a lot,but if it's working, that's wonderful! I love caretaking the horses. I really need to practice giving them applesauce out of a syringe because all mine are horrible at it. I wouldn't get very far if I had to do what you're doing.
ReplyDelete