We know that Willow does not like medicine. She hates the Gastro-Guard (which she needs for her ulcers) and she doesn't care for the Bute either... but she needs it for her pain. And she is in so much pain. She is constantly shifting front feet, pawing at the ground (seeing that breaks my heart more than anything), and bending her front legs because she just can't get comfortable. She no longer holds her head up high, but hangs it low most of the time. And for the first time ever, Willow has worried eyes... I've always been amazed that she doesn't have them, but now above her eyes is furrowed... and she looks worried and stressed.
I called Martha in tears this morning... she called Dr. Ruggles and Dr. Kimmons. We are making a plan of what to do. Right now, I'm going back out to the barn to be with Willow. It's raining and gloomy outside. And the classical music in the barn makes me cry.
I'm taking chopped apples, carrots and even Willow's favorite peppermints....
Please God, give her comfort and bring back her will....
Oh no! poor baby. My horse hates bute and won't eat for hours after. what form are you giving? They have flavored powder bute that she might like? Another thing I do with bitter meds is mix it with baby food. Usually carrot or sweet potato and I syringe it in the mouth. My horse doesn't mind that flavor so much. I know this doesn't help the eating issue. I'm very worried about her as well. I'm going to stay tuned. . . .
ReplyDeleteI will try the baby food idea, thanks... actually we are going to try pain meds and bute by injection from now on...
DeleteI was actually going to say that pain meds came as injectables. :) Horses are very, very easy to give injections to, which helps. And I'm sure Martha has tried it/recommended it, but with the older fellows who lose appetite, we will top with cane syrup or straight molasses.
DeleteAlso? She looks pretty darn good in that above photo. She's trim but her ribs aren't showing. If I didn't know her back story, I would just think she was teenaged mare who hadn't been in work for a while. :)
Be strong for her. My thoughts and prayers are with you all... please keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry. Their suffering is so hard to bear. Sending the best thoughts and strenth for Willow. :(
ReplyDeletehang in there momma bear. take it one hour at a time. praying for your baby!!
ReplyDeletelots of love from louisiana!
Im praying for her..... I sure hope she pulls through this.
ReplyDeleteOooh no! Saying prayers for her now!
ReplyDeleteSending you strength, healing thoughts and a hug! Glad you have a team of people that are helping guide you through this.
ReplyDeletePraying for all of you!!!
ReplyDeleteI am so sad to hear this. praying for strength and healing!
ReplyDeleteHi Shana- thinking of you and Willow and your family- keeping you in my heart and prayers.
ReplyDeleteRebecca
Can she be suspended to get her off the leg? I am so sad for her. <3 and her mama...prayers
ReplyDeleteI am praying for all of you!!
ReplyDeleteSending lots of love from Ontario Canada
Praying for you all!
ReplyDeletePrayers and hugs coming your way ~~~
ReplyDeleteMy horse broke her leg and she was in so much pain. we did all we could but in the end she gave us this look and we knew we had to let her go. I hope you aren't faced with that type of difficult decision but we had to do what was best for her. I miss her all the time but it gives me peace knowing she isn't suffering anymore.
ReplyDeletehugs
Michelle, I'm so sorry to hear that about your horse. Did she have surgery too? Willow's had surgery to fix her broken leg at Rood & Riddle...
DeleteShe did not. her front leg was shattered. another horse kicked her while outin the pasture. the vet said it was inoperable.
DeleteIts raining in our area of TN too,even had thunder this morning.......maybe the dreariness of the weather and the ickiness of the music is enough to turn her stomache.. how about a difference in the music, but to what I'm not sure.....I don't know about you,but classical music has always made me gag, heehee. Spending time with her in any way you can is probably a good thing, since her spirits are down....do you sing? Even if its bad singing, it'll be your singing to her, you never know, it might be just the thing! Be creative, we know you have it in you! :-)
ReplyDeleteHi there
ReplyDeleteI live over in the UK and I have been following your blog daily. I have really got attached to your horse and tears came into my eyes when you wrote that she had broken her leg. I pray that Willow picks up soon, its only early days after surgery and she is sure to be feeling rough. The pain killers will help as I guess a horse in pain wont feel like eating, just like we wouldn't eat either. I had a big operation myself and for the week or so after I felt dreadful but then started improving day by day, I really have everything crossed that this will be the same for your horse. She seems to be a fighter so keep positive, with all these prayers she just has to get through this.... everything crossed for you both and sending you lots of love and hugs from across the water. xx
This just brings tears to my eyes. As such an animal lover I know how hard to watch our 4 legged children suffer. You and willow are in my thoughts!
ReplyDeleteI'm a fellow horse owner who also has Dr. K for her equids. He told me about your dear Willow (although not by name) the day she was injured and went to R&R, where I'd taken my Teddy several times for his foot soreness, ultimately receiving a diagnosis of navicular syndrome. He's now living at Uncle Kimmons' until space in a good retirement home opens up. So when I saw your story on the Rood & Riddle Facebook page, I started following your blog. You have taken on so much and have been doing such a magnificent job!
ReplyDeleteFrom the ups and downs of dealing with Teddy's navicular, I know how hard this is. You are doing absolutely everything a loving owner can do for a horse, and Willow is so lucky to have you. As Nicola said, both the pain killers and the effects of the surgery are likely to have had an impact on her appetite. Plus, when I broke an ankle and had it surgically repaired (titanium plate and screws, just like your girl), I found it was more painful as the healing proceeded. I hope that as the bitter taste of the meds recedes, she will regain her appetite and with it, gain strength. Stay strong, and listen to your heart and hers.
And remember that humans often have some difficulties getting over anesthesia.
ReplyDeleteMaybe Willow's dealing with that?
Praying for sweet girl to get stronger each hour.