End of an era....New Update

[maybedog]

I am getting really close to having to make a decision on my once in a lifetime horse. I delivered him on March 11, 1983 and showed him in the A/A Hunters for several years. He was leased to numerous Junior riders for their Medal Finals and was a regular at Washington International in his prime then was a star in the Madeira School riding program for several years. I brought him home to retire him four years ago. Shortly after that he was diagnosed with Cushings. He has been maintaining very well on Pergolide. Monday he showed some lameness in his right hind which progressively worsened. Vet is thinking laminitis which is a concern with Cushings but I would have expected in front not behind. We have decided to give it until Monday. If there is no improvement I will have to make the decision to help him cross the Rainbow Bridge. The hardest part is knowing he is in pain. Here is a picture of him at
25. Still looks the same I just don't have a more recent picture.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1373650&l=f4dd713bdc&id=1375790007

[Laurierace]

Jingling for improvement. He is lovely! If you haven't already I would xray the foot just in case before you make any decisions. Abcesses can make them extremely lame but are obviously not life threatening.

[MintHillFarm]

You are in my thoughts!!
He is truly stunning!! What a gorgeous boy...

[MintHillFarm]

Jingling for improvement. He is lovely! If you haven't already I would xray the foot just in case before you make any decisions. Abcesses can make them extremely lame but are obviously not life threatening.

YES, very good point! They can appear crippled from an abcess for sure...

[Zu Zu]

He is super HANDSOME! Jingles for finding a fixable answer like an abcess ! AO ~ Always Optimistic ! Thoughts and prayers for you and your handsome gentleman !

[DownYonder]

Jingling for your guy! Hope it turns out to just be an abscess.

[maybedog]

I knew I could count on COTH for warm support!! We haven't done radiographs yet. This morning I packed his foot with Magic Cushion and wrapped it. That stuff has always worked wonders with abcesses. He had 2GMS of Bute which did absolutely nothing. Am I being over optimistic? I have seen Bute help in Laminitis cases but do nothing for abcess pain. He is not happy being up in a stall with just hay. Thank You all for your warms words about my boy. Not many people believe he is registered TB. I refused to break him before he was 3 so I wouldn't have to send to the track.

[MrWinston]

I wouldn't discount an abcess. I think that is more likely than founder in one hind foot. That would be so unusual. I hope that's it!

[kookicat]

I'm betting on an abscess! Sending jingles!

[ElegantExpressionsFarm]

He is super HANDSOME! Jingles for finding a fixable answer like an abcess ! AO ~ Always Optimistic ! Thoughts and prayers for you and your handsome gentleman !

I second this!! Best of luck!! Positive vibes coming your way!!

[elsbet]

Jingles to you and your handsome boy!!!

[VirginiaBred]

He is lovely! Prayers and full support for any decision you make.

[mlranchtx]

Jingles and prayers for you both!!

[KBEquine]

Who'd have thought I'd be hoping a lovely older gentleman would have an abscess? but I am!

JINGLES!

[aaussie_gal]

I am getting really close to having to make a decision on my once in a lifetime horse. I delivered him on March 11, 1983 and showed him in the A/A Hunters for several years. He was leased to numerous Junior riders for their Medal Finals and was a regular at Washington International in his prime then was a star in the Madeira School riding program for several years. I brought him home to retire him four years ago. Shortly after that he was diagnosed with Cushings. He has been maintaining very well on Pergolide. Monday he showed some lameness in his right hind which progressively worsened. Vet is thinking laminitis which is a concern with Cushings but I would have expected in front not behind. We have decided to give it until Monday. If there is no improvement I will have to make the decision to help him cross the Rainbow Bridge. The hardest part is knowing he is in pain. Here is a picture of him at
25. Still looks the same I just don't have a more recent picture.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1373650&l=f4dd713bdc&id=1375790007

He's beautiful! Like you, I question whether it's Cushings-related laminitis because (a) I'd have expected front not back, and (b) it's unilateral and I'd have expected both feet to be involved.

Personally, I'd be more inclined to think some kind of injury/strain or perhaps a gravel ... my mare had a gravel in a rear that had her SO lame we thought she'd broken a bone. She was bad for three days, I continued to cold hose, and then abt 10 days later I saw where the gravel had exited on the coronary band towards the heel.

Heat in pastern or fetlock? Hock? I'd be inclined to cold hose anyway, and then support wrap both rear legs ... it'll help the "good" leg with the extra work it's having to do esp as, being Cushings, he may be more prone to laminitis.

I believe I've read on the Cushings list that there are seasonal fluctuations in how much pergolide they need. Maybe the longer he's on Pergolide, this may factor in now ... ?? Here's a link to the Equine Cushings list: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/EquineCushings/

Any way you can postpone decision day?

Jingles ...

[horsechick]

oh my gosh is he gorgeous...what a credit to your care his whole life. Jingles for you both...

[shawneeAcres]

I hate to disagree wtih your vet but this is classic abcess, not laminitis sypmtoms. I have a mare that jsut this week went DEAD lame, i.e. three legged 4 grams of bute (2 am and 2 pm) did NOTHING for it. Had farrier out, dugout abcess, packed foot with icthammol wrpa, this am viola, 90% sound. I have seen this time and time again. This mare had a few days of on again, off again and I knew an abcess was brwing, but little you can do until it gets "ripe" enough. I would explore abcess before putting him down.

[Kaleigh007]

I would lean towards abcess also especially knowing that the bute did nothing! He really looks great for his age btw, I would never have guessed he is that old!

[TKR]

Hoping and praying it's an abscess -- what a magnificent elderly gentleman! Could your farrier come out with some hoof testers and dig around some too? What about soaking it in some warm water/epsom salts and iodine? Give him a hug and some carrots -- I have several older horses that are soo special!
PennyG

[aaussie_gal]

Hoping and praying it's an abscess -- what a magnificent elderly gentleman! Could your farrier come out with some hoof testers and dig around some too? What about soaking it in some warm water/epsom salts and iodine? Give him a hug and some carrots -- I have several older horses that are soo special!
PennyG

I don't like them "digging for gold" ... holes in the sole (especially if they have a couple of wrong "guesses" which unfortunately I've seen happen to friends' horses) are a long-term hassle ... especially the rears, with their tendency to step back into manure.

[woweezowee]

Jingles!!! he is truly a stately gentleman!

[maybedog]

Went out early to feed this evening knowing his stall would be a mess. No poop and 1 pee spot. I could tell he had been down. He was sweating, breathing hard and had a heart rate of 74. I knew then we were in big trouble. Went down again, no rolling, just flat out to sternal and very uncomfortable. Gave him 10cc of Banamine IV and remained down & uncomfortable for another hour. Was able to get him up just before vet arrived. If he was 10 he would had gone for surgery but at 26 and having 2 previous colic surgeries I had to make one of the hardest decisions of my life.
I know in my mind I did the right thing but my heart is having a hard time believing it. He will be buried in the morning on the farm so I can still "visit "him. Funny thing is a little while back I had stumbled across a thread on another COTH forum about folding a horses body for burial. That's what we did. I couldn't stand the thought of his limbs being broken to be buried and crazy as it may sound doing this has given me a little piece of mind. Thank You everyone for your warm words and support.

[Centuree]

I am so sorry - that must have been very hard. He looked like such a good guy, but you definitely did the right thing. You took him home to retire, took great care of him until he couldn't comfortably live on. If only everyone treated their horses so good to the end. I am sure he is forever grateful.

[Quinn]

I am so terribly sorry. Beautiful boy who had a perfect life thanks to you.

http://community.webshots.com/user/ballyduff

[JackieBlue]

My heart breaks for you. But not for him. He had it great right up to the end when you did the most selfless thing for him. I'm just so sorry. :cry:

[Laurierace]

You did what every true horseman does, you took his pain away and made it your own. There is no greater gift and I know he is enormously grateful. Godspeed.

[MagicHillFarm]

I never met you personally, but did meet your dear sweet boy when I visited Meg's a few times. My clients own Drum Roll Please and Sinsation (now Sinsational Fox) that Meg bred.

Your horse looked so good and robust when I was at Meg's about a month ago. You and your sister have made sure he had the best of care throughout his life. Even at his age, he still had that wonderful spark and presence about him that all the good show horses possess. You could definitely tell he was used to being a pampered show horse :)

He could not have had a more beautiful and peaceful farm to live out the last of his days. What a lucky guy to have people that cared so much for him. I'm so sorry for your loss, but you definitely did the right thing. Never an easy decision for sure, but the right one nonetheless.

Keeping your good old boy in our prayers.....

[scpezold]

I am so sorry for your loss. It is always great for them but not so much for us. They say that horses/animals will let you know when its "time". I firmly believe this (and have experienced it) and believe this was his sign. You took his pain away and you do not have to face the "what ifs" and "did I do the right thing". It was a clear sign. I wish you nothing but peace during this difficult time. What a blessed boy he was to have such a loving owner. I can only hope all horses could have such a wonderful life. Many hugs going your way.

[amylmac]

Like Em I am so glad your boy had such a lovely farm to spend his golden years on. I did meet you at Meg's ( Rolley's owner ). I have a 27 yo TB who I have had since he was 2. He has been the best man in my life ( up until the birth of my grandson ) and I can't imagine not having him but when the time comes I,like you, will know that he had a wonderful life and career. I don't think it can get much better than that!

[VirginiaBred]

My heart breaks for you but please know you did the very best for him.

God Speed to your lovely boy. :(

[Zu Zu]

So very Sorry to hear this report - thank goodness you found him ! And thank goodness you loved him SO MUCH that you were able to let him go. IT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT DECISION an owner ever has to make ! ~ ask me how I know ~ I had to make "the decision in August" one month ago yesterday. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family tonight. Godspeed to your Super Handsome Gentleman. May he rest in Peace .

[Fred]

I'm so very sorry, and share your pain and sadness.
You have shown your handsome boy the greatest love and the finest care, throughout his life and right to the end.
He was a very lucky lad to have had you to love him his whole life.


Sometimes the best thing, the right thing, is also the hardest thing.

[Summit Springs Farm]

So sorry for your loss, what a beautiful boy he was, I went to Garrison Forest, not Madira, but I know he must have taught many a girl how to ride and that was quite a gift indeed.
You are surely a wonderful horse woman, the pain is great I'm sure, be strong and know you did the right thing.

[Signature]

I'm so very sorry for your loss - he was beautiful and seems to have lived an incredible life as well. <hug>

[NorthHillFarm]

I am sorry for your loss...I too have been there and it's never easy but you always know when it's the right decision. Hang in there!

[maybedog]

I want to thank everyone again for the support and kind words I have read. Didn't realize how much of a "gift" this forum can be. I do read the forum at least daily but don't do alot of posting. Another wave of grief hit me in the middle of the night when I realized Sept. 23 was the same date I had my once in a lifetime dog Maybe put to sleep in 2006. I know they both will be waiting for me at the Bridge.

[luvmydutch]

I'm tearing up at work reading this :(. I'm so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful animal he was.

[lovemyoldguy]

I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you did absolutely the right thing for him, and what a wonderful life he had...to be loved like that must be the dream of every horse. Big hugs to you.

[BookendFarm]

I am so sorry! Just know that you did everything right, and gave your boy the best of everything. I wish YOU a speedy recovery, for he is already all better, thanks to you. Thank you for taking such good care of him.

[elsbet]

Many hugs to you on the loss of your boy........ He was lucky to have such a caring and loving caretaker.

[genevieveg17]

Many hugs for you.

[Horsecrazy27]

I'm so sorry and I'm so glad this board was able to help with that---and you just reminded me of that (about the burial). What good info.

He sounds like he had the perfect horsey life --lots of love from you!!

Many blessings and so sorry to hear about your boy.

[kokoda]

Went out early to feed this evening knowing his stall would be a mess. No poop and 1 pee spot. I could tell he had been down. He was sweating, breathing hard and had a heart rate of 74. I knew then we were in big trouble. Went down again, no rolling, just flat out to sternal and very uncomfortable. Gave him 10cc of Banamine IV and remained down & uncomfortable for another hour. Was able to get him up just before vet arrived. If he was 10 he would had gone for surgery but at 26 and having 2 previous colic surgeries I had to make one of the hardest decisions of my life.
I know in my mind I did the right thing but my heart is having a hard time believing it. He will be buried in the morning on the farm so I can still "visit "him. Funny thing is a little while back I had stumbled across a thread on another COTH forum about folding a horses body for burial. That's what we did. I couldn't stand the thought of his limbs being broken to be buried and crazy as it may sound doing this has given me a little piece of mind. Thank You everyone for your warm words and support.

I'm so sorry ... wander free and painfree over the rainbow bridge, Dexter!

[gubbyz]

God bless big red TB horses! Godspeed. May you find the "Gub" and run forever!

[Seal Harbor]

God bless big red TB horses! Godspeed. May you find the "Gub" and run forever!
Absolutely! Maybe he found Seal Harbor aka Scooter, another big, red TB horse. Godspeed.

I'm so sorry for your loss, but you did right by him and that is what counts.

[Cancara]

This is sad news but you did the best for him right to the end. So sorry x.

[amdfarm]

I'm so sorry for your loss. He was a beautiful boy.

((((HUGS))))

Godspeed Dexter!

[Home Again Farm]

I am so very sorry. Letting a beloved horse go is a difficult but selfless act of love. He and Maybe will be there over the bridge with so many others. No more pain for them. I am wishing you peace of mind and sending hugs...

[Equilibrium]

Many hugs to you and every horse deserves an owner like yourself.

Terri

[maybedog]

We put our heads together and after putting all the pieces in place we came to the conclusion that Dexter most likely had an abdominal mass that was compromising his right lung field capacity and began causing abdominal discomfort. The lameness may well have been a Red Herring. Over the summer we noticed him just looking dull some days. It seemed to take him a long time to park out to pee then it took awhile for him to start a stream and straighten back up again when done. He was body clipped but had a few episodes of labored breathing that seemed to increase in frequency later in summer when it was too late to clip again. I cold hosed him and he had free access to a stall with a fan which he stood in front of most of the day. We figured all this was Cushings and age related. During the first vet visit for lameness she felt his right upper lung field sounded different than the left side and right lower lobe. Not like pneumonia, just not quite right. During the rectal exam the sleeve had frank red blood afterwards which suprised both of us. The next afternoon when he became so uncomfortable he wasn't presenting true colic symptoms but definately abdominal discomfort. He had some gut sounds but they sounded "squishy". He may have had an abcess in that right hind that acted as a stressor to everything else that may have been going on and would explain the rapid decline in his condition. I miss seeing in the barn. I cut a big piece of his long beautiful tail and will send some to have a bracelet made. Thanks again to all of you for the kind words,emails,PMs and phone calls. Dexter touched more hearts than I ever realized.

[VirginiaBred]

Interesting post, OP. Been thinking about you lots recently. [hugs!!]

[TKR]

Thank God for thoughtful, caring owners who do the right thing as you did. My condolences to you as you go on without him.
PennyG