Jingles for my old man (long, I'm sorry)

[lovemyoldguy]

If you have a spare moment today, could you send some jingles and prayers to my old gelding? He's not been doing very well the last few days and I'm wondering if it might be time to consider letting him go. He's a 35 year old 17h ISH, and I've been saying for years "this might be his last winter"...but this really might be it.

He had a slight fever on Saturday, gave him Banamine, vet examined him on Sunday. She discovered that he now (in addition to his heart murmur) also has an irregular heart beat. Add this to the fact that he's getting slower, starting to have a harder time getting up (eg, it only takes him one try, but he staggers back a few steps), etc. The vet and I had a good talk on Sunday about whether it might be time soon; she said she didn't think he was ready to go that day but that, given his heart etc., we might need to think about it at some point in the near future. Of course, as she's saying this, she's laughing b/c he's 1) using me for a nice soft scratching post and 2) trying to get out of his stall and back into the paddock.

But yesterday he was NQR again...low grade fever, not finishing all his grain. We've started him on Equiox (i think that's it) for the fever instead of Banamine to help his stomach; just in case, i've also got him on a course of Gastrogard. And he's on Naxcel IM for five days to see if that stomps out a possible infection. This morning my dad reported that the horse only ate about 1/4 of his breakfast; I'll go home on my lunch break to temp him and see how he's doing.

I just have such a heavy heart about this. I don't know what to do. I've had him for 20 years and we've gone thru a lot together; his quality of life has *always* been the most important thing to me. I don't want to let him go too early, if he's just got an infection or something; but if it's his time then I want to respect that. It's devastating - I've known this day would come for years, yet I'm in tears as I write this. Any kind thoughts would be most appreciated. :sadsmile:

[King's Ransom]

Jingles for you and your beloved old friend from Kansas.

You'll know when the time is right, trust your heart. He does.

[mjrtango93]

Well try the course you are on as your guy still seems happy enough, but you are doing the right thing by letting him tell you when its time. 35 is a regal old age for a horse his size and you have obviously done right by him. Doesn't make it any easier though.:(

[monstrpony]

Jingles for the right resolution, whatever that may be. You will know, and we'll be here if you need us.

[arabhorse2]

Sending you and your old boy good thoughts.

If it's his time to go, you'll know. In fact, I think you already do know from your post.

Better to let them go a week too soon than a minute too late.

The last, best gift we can give our beloved companions is freedom from their hurt, ill, or failing bodies.

You're obviously more concerned with his quality of life than what his death will do to you emotionally. Bless you.

[Reds-n-Greys]

{{Hugs}} to you and sending a thousand jingles for your old man.

KR said it best - you'll know.

[caryledee]

Aww, I'm so sorry to hear that! I have a 25 year old gelding that has owned me for 20 years and its so hard watching them age, knowing "that day" is coming. So I can sure feel your pain. It's never easy to make that final decision, but when the time is right, you will feel it in your heart and just know.

Sending some jingles your way.:sadsmile:

[PinkPonies]

Jingles for the sweet old guy and **hugs** for you. + what KR said.

[Bayou Roux]

Jingles for you and your guy. Hugs to you as you make your decisions...

[War Admiral]

Very VERY special jingles to you at this time. I know so very well what you are going through. Let him tell you.

[Ted the Peep 'Ho]

Jingles.

[SLW]

He has trusted you for 20 years to make the best decisions on his behalf. You'll do right by him as you always have. ((Hugs))

[lovemyoldguy]

Thank you so much for the kind words - I very much appreciate it. After reading your lovely thoughts, I've been blaming my sniffles on "terrible allergies! Wow - really bad today."

I'm not really involved in the local equestrian community any more (my boy's been retired for nine years, and I can't afford two) so I don't really have any other horsie folks to turn to. Non-horsie folks don't really get it. But COTHers do, and I'm very grateful for that.

[abbydp]

I am so sorry to hear you are facing this. It is never enough time. Trust yourself and your beloved boy. You will know. It sounds like he has never wanted for love. I am in VA as well, so if you need to talk, feel free to pm me. We are all here for you.

[AppJumpr08]

::Hugs:: to you. Listen to him and he will tell you what he needs.

The Grand Old ones are the best, aren't they?

[Skeezix]

Hugs and jingles coming your way from another COTHer.

What a good mommy you are--and yes he will tell you when it is time because he knows he can trust you to listen.

[jengersnap]

More jingles, more hugs, and more reassurances. Sounds like you two have had a wonderful relationship, partnership. :sadsmile:

[equineartworks]

(((jingles))) for you both

[ChocoMare]

Sending you and your old boy good thoughts.

If it's his time to go, you'll know. In fact, I think you already do know from your post.

Better to let them go a week too soon than a minute too late.

The last, best gift we can give our beloved companions is freedom from their hurt, ill, or failing bodies.

You're obviously more concerned with his quality of life than what his death will do to you emotionally. Bless you.

Ditto...since I couldn't have said it better. :sadsmile:

[BasqueMom]

More jingles for your guy!

[Laurierace]

I want to echo what everyone else is saying. There is no doubt that you will "know" because he will "tell" you. All you have to do is look into his eyes and listen with your heart. Don't waste one second worrying about whether you will recognize it or not, just enjoy the time you have left. His perfect time might not look anything like someone else's perfect time so our experiences aren't necessarily relevant.

[lovemyoldguy]

So here's a new wrinkle. I was on the way back from the lunch time check (he's looking brighter, temp is only 99.4, ate some grain with gusto) and the vet called with the results of this weekend's bloodwork. She said everything looks great except that his lymphocites (sp?) are low, which could indicate Lyme or Rocky Mountain Spotted...something. She said that they can do another blood draw to test for Lyme. If he's positive, he'd require 5 days of IV shots, then one month of tetracycline.

Downside is that this horse hates to eat pills in his food (and it's 50 pills AM and PM). I don't know that crushing 50 pills and syringing is viable; vet seemed to think that would be challenging and I, having been down that road, am inclined to agree. The only other option would be to put in a catheter for a month, which is something I'm not willing to do to the old man.

So, fellow COTHers, if this were YOUR horse, what would you do? I'm truly torn. On the one hand, I've *never* not treated this horse for anything at all. And if it is Lyme, treatment could make him feel a bit better. On the other hand, I just don't know if I want to put him thru anything else. I mean, he's 35. (Plus I'm an emotional wreck. :no:) Should I just let him be, even if that means letting him go? Or do I pursue possible Lyme treatment?

Ugh. This stinks.

[FlashGordon]

I read this thread earlier, and have been thinking about you and your guy all day.

When it comes down to it, go with your gut instinct. In these types of situations it is hard to know what the right thing is, so sometimes you are best going on a "feeling" if that makes any sense.

You know your horse, and you will be able to tell, somehow, if he is up to treatment or not.

Hugs to you, hard spot to be in.

[Laurierace]

I personally would probably go the catheter route if there wasn't an easy way to get the pills into him without a fight. He won't even know its there.

[LouLove]

Jingles Jingles Jingles.

Hugs to your dear old soul.

[bf1]

More jingling from Michigan, and someone who has been in your shoes twice this year. We do know what you are going through. It is never easy - but don't make it too hard on yourself - he has had a long life. I worried myself sick about my 30plus guy - didn't really realize the toll it was taking on me until after I put him down. I miss him, but it is a relief not to worry constantly about him.

[abbydp]

The crushing is the easy part. Get a small coffee grinder. Put 50 in, grind and then measure. Then grind all of them and measure when you need to dose.

The rest is not so easy. Either way you decide to go is not the wrong decision. If you need to try, I think it is a valiant effort. If you decide it is enough then you have given him an amazing long life. Let him tell you. I will be thinking about you both. :(

[yellow-horse]

the iv catheter is not that bad, i had a horse who required 3 weeks of antibiotics and she had an iv sown into her neck for the meds, she was home with me and we managed to keep her turned oput in a small paddock with a friend, we just had to keep the catheter wrapped so it wouldn't get infected or dislodge, she really didn't pay attention to it, so if its just the idea of getting the meds into him, to me an iv catheter is an option
otoh, it may be his tie to go, how advanced is the lymes, i've had friends with horses who had lymes and dogs with lymes, sometimes it can lodge into places that cause longterm problmes
when my old horse went downhill, i could have been aggressive in her treatment however the required stall rest would have killed her, she was old and arthritic, had heaves and keeping her in would have made her last weeks miserable

[MunchkinsMom]

Jingles for you and your beloved horse. Tough decision.

If the vet feels that treatment may help him, it might be worth a try.

Here is a product that I used to get meds into my horse - he loved the taste - they are a bit messy to use, but might be worth a try?

http://www.gcoopersmith.com/EquineMediYums.asp

Bless you for making his quality of life your first priority.

[King's Ransom]

If vet thinks it is something treatable, I would be inclined to treat. But it's totally your call, you are the one right there. Whatever you decide, don't second-guess yourself. You are deciding in his best interest, and that's what counts!

Maybe ask around or do some internet research about alternatives to 50 pills twice a day. I have never treated for Lyme -- post your question on the Horse Care board, too for the Lyme's treatment. There may be other ways to do this.

Whatever, I know it must be sooo hard. (((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))

[mjrtango93]

Before you worry to much about the treatment it would probably be best to get the other blood draw to make sure what it is. I would not be inclined to shove 100 pills down his throat a day on a horse like that, just doesn't seem fair when in all honesty he isn't destined to be around much longer. We had a horse with the IV Cath in and he hardly noticed it, no infections, dislodged once but was easy to put back. Why don't you see what is wrong and then decide. Also remember it is coming into winter, when older guys have more issues. Its just something to take into account. In the end though you will know what is best for your old guy and you.

[KellyS]

I don't know if this helps or not...

After 7 months of battling a tooth abscess and severe sinus infection in our 23-year-old horse (and 2 surgeries to boot), my husband and I came to the point where we knew that it was time to let him go. We knew it in our guts and you could see it in his eyes. He had fought so long and we had done everything we could to help him to that point.

Our vet really wanted us to try one more course of antibiotics, but this horse absolutely HATED oral medication. It had been a huge fight to medicate him the previous few months and we did injections whenever possible. Thankfully, the proceeding month he had been doing fairly well and had been off medication for the most part. He had been out eating spring grass with his buddy and very much at peace.

I knew in my heart the the time had come to make the last final decision for him. And I felt VERY strongly that, even though a part of me still wanted to try everything possible to save him, I didn't want him to be fighting and hating us for medicating him the last few weeks of his life.

When all was said and done (post mortem pathology & MRI) it turned out that there would have been nothing we could have done to save him. I am so glad we choose not to pursue treatment and make his life miserable just to get a little more time or continue hoping for a cure.

Go with your gut--you know your guy best and will do what's right for him. If you strongly feel that his spirit is still alive and fighting, I'd go with the catheter and do the course of antibiotics. But I would also not worry about what to do until you have a definitive answer.

[SUECLOUDY]

(((HUS))) and Jingles. You will know when the time has come as animals do have a way to communicate to us what their wants are.

[lovemyoldguy]

You all are so wonderful - I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate all of your advice and good thoughts.

I've been really struggling because I don't know how much more I should push him...when you're this close, it's hard to tell if it's "the time". I can say that this is the first time I've ever had the actual thought, "Maybe it's time to make an appointment."

The other thing that I'm wrestling with is the toll it's taking on me, even though I feel like a selfish schmuck for saying so. I'm like a leaky faucet these days - ask how the horse is doing, I'll cry. (It's fabulous at work. :lol:) It's like I've been struggling to keep him going to for so long that I'm exhausted.

But the most important thing is HIS quality of life, and I'm grateful that you all have taken the time to give heartfelt advice to a total stranger. I'm going to think about it some more, but I might at least have him tested for Lyme...once I know if he's got it or not, I can make the next decision. Of course, if he decides he's done before then, I'll help him go.

My next pet is a goldfish. :lol:

[2DogsFarm]

Huge Hoosier Jingles for you both.

I am starting to consider every day with my 26yo guy a gift.
Even though his health is perfect - my vet for the past 12 years always asks me: "How old is he?"

I'll jingle for your guy to get better if that's what he needs, and for you to have the strength you'll need if it isn't something he can get over.

It is so hard watching them age, but at least we have the power to do right by them when it's too hard to go on.

[drifter05]

I'm jingling for both you and your sweet old guy. I understand how draining it can be when our critters are not doing well. I wish they could just speak to us and tell us if they have had enough.

Does he still have a brightness and happiness about him? Or is he losing his jest for life?

[fair judy]

do you have a good enough relationship with your vet to be able to point blank ask her "is it time?" if you do, i would ask her to be as tough as she needs to be, and go with her advice. tell her to completely disregard your own feelings, and to give you the absolute honest answer for the horse.

whatever happens, you will make the best decision you can with the information you have. that decision will be the right one because you will make it out of love.

[caryledee]

I don't want to confuse you further, but I remember a long time ago on this forum someone posted this sentence about euthanizing: Better a week too early than a day too late. I really think that is true. Here are my two experiences with putting pets to sleep.

Many years ago I had a very special cat that was old and his heart was failing. I couldn't bear to make that trip to the vet and I made him as comfortable as I could. He ended up dying on his own. I won't say that he suffered, but his last days probably weren't pain free either. I have never quite forgiven myself for that.

About 4 years ago my beloved dog developed cancer. I went through all sorts of tests to get a definite diagnosis. After getting the diagnosis, the teaching hospital gave him some sort of experimental chemo treatment cost free. It was one of those situations where I wouldn't see results for a week or so. Well, halfway through the treatment, my dog became really sick and started vomiting horribly. I took him to the vet the next day and had him PTS. It broke my heart, but I knew I was doing the right thing. Even though the chemo treatment might have kicked in and given him more time in the long run, it wasn't worth putting him through another week or more of that horrible pain he was going through. Looking back, I still miss him terribly, but I have no regrets about that decision. He told me it was time, and after watching what my poor cat went through, I listened to him.

I haven't had to make that decision with a horse yet, but I know the time will come. I just hope I can be as brave as you are being when that day comes. I know I'll feel like falling to pieces too! :sadsmile:

[shalomypony]

I have a 36 yr old and everyday I know it could be the last....and my heart gets heavier and heavier.He's doing quite well,but definitely is aging.His sight is getting bad,but he eats like a real pig(thank god) and has good energy.I've had him for 28 yrs.All I can say is........I feel for you and pray that the right decision comes to you.I know how hard it is when they're so old and so treasured.

[King's Ransom]

I just want to add one more thing. Last year, I almost lost my beloved old guy, King. He had been sick for over a week, not eating, not being himself ... vet didn't know what was wrong. It came down to one cold, wintry, icy night when I would have to decide whether to help him go on home or trailer him several hours to a University. I had everyone telling me something different, everyone with a different piece of advice. But I knew that I would never make King leave the farm, leave his best friend Eli, or spend even one night alone and scared without me.

Finally, I calmed down and realized that King and I had always made the BIG decisions together. It wasn't really up to me, it was up to US. So I went out to the barn to ask him. I was flat-out going to ASK him if he was done fighting. I'll never forget that night. I went out to the barn, and because his feed bucket is in the back of his stall (okay, I was an idiot when I planned that), I had to go inside to see if he had eaten anything. Well, when I opened the stall door, he zipped out past me into the aisle. I thought, okay, let him go grab some hay if he wants. And I went on into the stall to check the feed bucket. Then I heard a large BANG and turned around to see King practically tap dancing in the aisle, having locked me inside his stall!

It was as if he were laughing at me. "Quit? What the heck are you thinking? I'm retired! I'm having the time of my life! No way I'm quitting now, Kid!"

I buried my head in his ornery old neck and I smelled something that didn't smell like HIM. Very early the next morning I called the vet and asked him to come look at my horse one more time, because he just didn't smell right. Doc says, "I've smelled your horse, and you know what? He smells like a horse."

I persisted. Doc came and it was just an abscessed tooth that had gotten infected. I almost sent him over the bridge for a bad tooth!

My point is this, even though it doesn't always turn out so happily ... "the day" does come for every one ... King and I had always trusted each other, always listened to each other. This was no time to stop. When "the day" does come, I am sure he will let me know.

Sounds like you have the same kind of relationship with your old guy. Listen to him, run down every lead (even the odd ones), and follow your heart. If it's time to let him go, take comfort in knowing you shared a wonderful life together and that you both were brave right up until the end.

I like to think that they spend a lifetime lending us their courage, so that when we come to the end, we really do have enough.

[amdfarm]

Again, echoing what others have said. But if he was my horse, I'd find out for sure if it was Lyme and if he was still in good spirits w/ a spark in his eyes, I would treat and go from there.

I have a coming 23yo that I've had for going on 17 years now. He's my horsey soulmate, my friend and my partner. He's a healthy boy and doesn't look or act his age, but I know that won't last forever. He does amazingly well in the winter, too. I think he likes it better as they're no bugs, heat or humidity. (We're quite the opposite in that regard. :)) He's happy and proven to me that he can take care of himself just fine.

You know that saying "eyes are the windows to their soul", or however it goes, I truly believe that.

It's been almost year since a good friend of mine lost her oldie and best horse she's ever had... taught all of her kids how to ride, etc... She was a 37yo quarter horse that was a member of the family and then some. She was arthritic, it was winter, she was going blind and was already deaf and started having trouble getting up or finding her food tub. She knew her time was coming, but she nickered to my friend every time she saw her at feed time and that told her she wasn't quite ready to go just yet. I told her about her eyes and that she'd tell her when it was time.

She first emailed me about her on 12/3 and 12/10 is when her time came to cross the Bridge. She found her down at early morning chores, but they couldn't get her up even though she was really trying. She had that look and even the smell that told her it was time. Called the vet and let her go. Right before she passed, her herdmates left their feed tubs and she nickered to each one as they came to say goodbye. They knew and she knew.

Hopefully this and the other stories will let you know what to look for, as they're all the same, yet different in how they tell us they're ready. They're still individuals all the way to the end.

What is your boy's name?

JINGLES and ((((HUGS)))) from the icy snowy heartland.

[asb_own_me]

For your own peace of mind, have him tested to confirm what is ailing him and what your options are. My boy who's in the equine hospital at ISU right now has a catheter in his neck and doesn't even know it. I'd go that route over pills any day, given the choice.

There is a lot to be said for trusting your gut. I haven't lost a horse before (and I dread the day) but I have been able to persist when something has seemed NQR and have come away with definitive diagnoses each time. A few years ago my old show pleasure gelding was NQR. Eating, pooping, etc, but just not himself. Kind of grouchy, which was unlike him. The "not himself" part persisted for a week or two when I had the vet out to look at him. Vet said "he's fine". I remember saying, "He's not!". I had the vet draw blood for a basic panel. Turned out he had a liver infection and a low grade thyroid issue. A few meds and he was back to normal. Two years ago my mare was NQR. She wasn't herself, IMO, although trainer and husband thought she was fine. The vet was out three times before finally doing some bloodwork - she was diagnosed IR. This last time began as a lameness call and ended with an emergency trip to Iowa State vet hospital with my 5 year old. I asked for the blood draw because his attitude didn't match what we percieved to be the problem....he was really, really low and tired. Turns out he has a heart infection, developed an arrhythmia two days ago, and is fighting this crap in the hospital. So....listen to your gut. If you don't think he can take treatment, don't do it. No one here will second guess the best decision you were able to make for him.

[lovemyoldguy]

I thought I'd post a quick update here, just to let you know that my old man is still with us. :yes: (His name is Rebuff, by the way - strange, but he knew it and I didn't want to change it.) He's been looking better the last couple of days - his temp has been rock-solid normal, he's been cleaning up all his grain, talking to me, and generally looking perkier.

When I first posted on Monday, I thought that I might be letting him go this weekend; but now I think that whatever has had him under the weather (eg, the reason for the fever starting on Saturday) has been beaten into submission by Equioxx/Naxcel/Gastrogard/etc. I went ahead and had the blood drawn for the Lyme test yesterday, so we'll find out Tues or Wed of next week. If he does test positive, I'll talk with the vet, but I think I might try treating him for it (if he seems like he's not ready to go). The suggestion about the coffee grinder gave me new hope :D as did the thoughts about inserting a catheter - e.g., we might be able to get the meds into the old fart despite his best efforts. :lol:

I'm fortunate that I have a good relationship with the practice I use (Haymarket Vets, who are AWESOME). I've been working pretty closely with a couple of them in particular, and I've asked them to be *very* clear with me about his 'time to go'. I've been clear that his quality of life is paramount, and they understand and support that.

Speaking of support...thank you again for taking the time to prop me up here, and for sharing all the fabulous advice you've given me. This week has been so difficult, and I'm so grateful for your input - it's really helped me to think clearly about this whole issue. And Rebuff sends big head rubs to you all. :D

[Ted the Peep 'Ho]

I won't send muzzle kisses to Rebuff but I'll send a hooving high five! I only send muzzle kisses to mares.

[lovemyoldguy]

Ted, Rebuff totally supports that. He also said your mom should give you some extra peeps for being such a nice boy. ;)

[2DogsFarm]

Good to hear your Old Guy is feeling better.
They sure keep us working, don't they?

I'll be keeping an eye on my Senior this weekend with temps here supposed to go from 20s today to near 50 by Sunday :eek:

Give Rebuff a hug from me and tell him Vern says "Keep your gal on her toes, can't have them slacking off!"

[Kim]

So glad to hear your old man is feeling better. I went through that several times with my old girl when she had minor health issues (viruses, eye issues, etc.) and always wondered if it was "the Time." Everyone told me that she would make it clear when it was, in fact, the Time. And she did. It was a very bad colic that came on quickly and was unmanageable. As soon as the vet exaamined her, we both knew. And Chutney made it very clear that I had to make that final decision - her eyes and pain said it all. :( I miss her terribly, but am thankful that she in fact let me know when she was ready to go.

Hugs to you, and hoping that Rebuff continues to feel great. :)

I love the oldies but goodies!! :-D

[Bayou Roux]

Roux said to tell Rebuff that she'll be happy to step in and give him some muzzle kisses and rubs any ol' time he feels up to it...

[My Handsome Irish]

Jingling for your very special grand old guy.

[amdfarm]

Thanks for the update. I'm happy to hear he's feeling a lot better. Do keep us posted. My old man, Twister, gives him a hoof high five also. He doesn't do muzzle kisses, period.

Please keep us posted on Rebuff.

[tikihorse2]

Jingling for your special guy! Keep us posted on the test results. *HUGS* to you both.

Kim

[lovemyoldguy]

Well, there's good news and some not so good news.

The good news is that my vet practice got the Lyme test results back in record time and Rebuff tested negative for Lyme, which is good, although it does mean that there's no easy reason for his issues....he's just old. So I've been watching him, and he's been eating, has a normal temp, etc.

Now for the potentially bad news...the poor old man fell coming into the barn on Saturday night, and I'm afraid we could have a problem. He slipped in mud when he tried to skid to a stop in front of the barn - we had approximately 47,000 inches of rain late last week - and I heard him groan. I spun around in time to see him heaving himself to his feet. I made a big fuss over him, he seemed fine - was more interested in his dinnernowdinnernowfeedmei'mhungry. BUT, he came in lame tonight. :( I immediately felt his right front leg, because he bowed that tendon 18 months ago, and sure enough - cannon bone is slightly puffy, huge pulse on the inside over the tendon. I gave him Banamine & Gastrogard and put in him standing wraps all around.

I'll call the vet tomorrow and talk to them about what to do. If, however, he's bowed that tendon again, then this may be another sign...for a few different reasons, I don't know that we can go through another 7 months of stall rest to rehab this again. I'm *certainly* not making any decisions right now, but it just seems like things are piling up. So jingles that he's just tweaked something and jingles that I make the right decisions for him, whatever they may be.

[MunchkinsMom]

Oh dear, jingles from Florida that it is just something minor.

[tikihorse2]

More jingles from Wisconsin!!!! *HUGS*

Kim

[PinkPonies]

Sending more jingles your way!

[bf1]

So sorry. What a difficult choice to make. I would not be inclined to put him on stall rest for 6 months. Jingling.......

[lovemyoldguy]

Well, good news. The vet came out yesterday and did an ultrasound of his RF leg. No bow! She said the DDFT and the suspensory looked a little funky in places (my words - all of her notes about fibers and such are in the tack room at the barn). However, she attributed that to the fact that he's a retired showjumper and, um, ancient. :D We think he may have tweaked his leg when he fell on Saturday night, but the wrapping/ice boots/stall rest have been helping.

He is still lame, though, and she said that she thinks it's because his RF hoof is very sore. At the suggestion of my farrier, Rebuff went barefoot a couple of months ago...but it appears that it's not working. (Which I suspected might happen, but it was worth a shot.) The vet said that she suspects he has some deep bruising, his walls are thin, and his sole is bruised.

All together now: Bad mommy! Bad mommy! I suck.

But at least it's not the tendon. Rebuff will be on stall rest with a wrapped foot for a few days, and we'll re-evaluate on Friday. As soon as I get the all clear from the vet, I'll put him back in glue-ons and pads.

On the plus side, he was so pissed about being dosed with Equioxx and Gastrogard last night that I had to back him into the corner of his stall to halter him. That's when I remembered that he's a big honkin' horse. :lol: But I'd rather have spunkiness & misbehavior than apathy.

Fingers crossed that this was just a big bump in the road for us. Thank you again for being there while I vented!

[Kim]

Good news! Keep us posted on his progress, and be sure to give him extra kisses and hugs! :)