Laminitis Nightmare ~ RIP Whiskey!!

[Diamondindykin]

My 6 year old Paint gelding was diagnosed with acute laminitis on December 18, 2009. I am now living the nightmares that comes along with it. We have good days and bad days and I can never know from one day to the next how it is going to go. I have a good professional support team with my vet and farrier but could use some emotional support from those who have been there.

Any positive stories or words of wisdom from those who have dealt with it and hopefully survived it :)?

[akumal987]

Check your Inbox, I just private messaged you our success story!

[LMH]

Laminitis is not the death sentence that it used to be.

The most important thing is to remove the cause.

Did you horse rotate? How much? Does your farrier have a plan to restore the coffin bone to its correct orientation?

Do you know what triggered the attack?

There are many sites with documentated cases, including radiographs, of horses that have completely regained health and are still performing.

[ljc]

Back in September 2001, my TB hunter (who was 13 at the time) came down with laminitis. We deduced that the cause of it was the very large amount of sweet feed given to him in an attempt to keep him at an "acceptable" hunter weight. He's always been a picky eater and the only way -- at that time -- to keep weight on him was through Purina Senior and a couple of other molasses-based (or so they seemed) feeds.

Anyway, his prognosis was guarded. Xrays showed no rotation of either coffin bone. He was not IR, either, which helped. But he was one very, very, very sore horse. He responded extremely well in the acute phase to banamine and ace, as well as to therapeutic shoes that helped balance his feet. Major change in diet, of course. Things were looking good until he had another attack three weeks later. I was devastated.

But he recovered, very slowly. Months of walking. Oh, I was able to keep turning him out each day, which really helped keep him sane.

And in May, eight months later, we returned to the show ring and won our first class back! I did retired him from the A/O division so as not to put added stress on his feet. I've been very careful w/his diet ever since. And -- knock on wood - he's never had another bout with laminitis.

So don't give up. There are many, many success stories. And there are so many more options available to you than there were just nine years ago to me. Better feeds, better hoof care treatments, just more knowledge of the whole disease.

Best of luck. PM if you have any questions.

[JoanR]

I have more experience with laminitis than I would like. The most important thing to figure outis the cause. I lost my very first horse to laminitis, which we think he got from a virus. However, I also think there was soimething else going on that kept him from recovering. He had some skin cancer issues and I think he may have had something internal going on. I now have a mustang that got laminitis from excess weight and insulin resistance. I have it under control, but I am always checking for pulses and heat, watching her like a hawk. I work hard to keep her weight down. I have also seen horses get laminitis as a "side effect" of Cushings. When they went on pergolyde, the laminitis cleared up quickly. However, the test for Cushings is somewhat dangerous for a horse with laminitis. In the cases I know, the vet gave pergolyde without the test (other symptoms pointed to it) and the laminitis cleared up. If the lmainitis is weight related, I found using Quiessence (magnesium supplement) helps a lot with keeping weight off. No grain, and only grass hay. I know you are probably on an emotional roller-coaster right now, and I remember being on that same bad ride, I have a good friend on it right now. I am sorry you and your horse are having to go through this. It is so difficult to see them suffer. Good luck to you!

[JLR1]

My 18 year old mare had a laminitic attack last August and rotated and sunk a bit. The cause was IR and Cushings. If you have not already found the Yahoo Cushings group join it! Not only will you hear lots of success stories, but also a wealth of info regarding how to treat it and prevent another attack. Good luck to you and your horse.

[Diamondindykin]

Thanks everyone!! Hearing other stories of success is very theraputic for me.

My boy Whiskey is overweight and IR although he did not test positive for it. His weight this last year skyrocketed to over 1400 lbs. Four weeks before he developed laminitis we had started him on Thyro L and he had lost 80 lbs. but it was too late. He has now lost over 200 lbs. and is at a normal weight for his size however we want him to lose 75 -100 lbs more to help his feet.


He has 6 degrees rotation in the left foot and 12 degrees in the right. Initially he was only lame on the right foot but now the left is showing signs of being sore. The right has actually come a long way. We have done all the normal things.....styrofoam, pads, boots and so on. So far the best thing has been wedges. Today the vet and farrier came out and applied a Redden Ultimate Wedge!! He really seemed to like it and responded well by walking much better. A small glimmer of hope!!!

[lolalola]

My STB gelding foundered at age 2 from a septic reaction to gelding. The vet said it was the worst case he had ever seen and recommended euthanasia. His owners at the time did not want to do that, and after a long haul he pulled through. He was donated to SRF and I adopted him - only because I knew if it didn't work out, they would take him back. His X-rays were read by Dr. Rick Redden who said the horse would be pasture sound at best. Today, we ride regularly, although keeping his shoes on is a problem. If the shoe comes off, on goes the boot, otherwise I'd spend my life waiting for the farrier. It's been difficult, and I probably wouldn't do it again, but learned a lot from it. Have tried barefoot but riding him in boots all the time, he seems slightly off, which he doesn't with shoes. In short, it's been nine years since the founder and he still has problems, but with careful management he's serviceable. And I love him.

[FatPalomino]

In short, it's been nine years since the founder and he still has problems, but with careful management he's serviceable. And I love him.
And he's quite the studdly critter, too :D

Search for Champion Lodge here-there are pictures and probably x rays up there- he had both severe rotation and sinking (and subsequent abscesses) in both front feet. It was bad. Many thought that we could get him pasture sound with a huge level of management.

Eventually, less than a year after the onset, I galloped him on the sides of mountain and even went on to jump him. It was amazing. We just lost him to a completely unrelated cause. His feet, what should have killed him, were great almost 4 years afterwards.

A Venogram was the best diagnostic we did. The abscesses were the worse cause of pain. Clean Trax and SMZ were our life saver there. Our TB came with very bad feet- and lost some blood flow- so glue on shoes (Sigafoo's) were what he lived in. When we couldn't do that (i.e. treating a bad abscess) Soft Ride Boots were awesome.

Hang in there ;)

[Pookah]

Been there!!! My darling problem child project horse was diagnosed with laminitis in spring 2009. Although it was mild and caught early, we treated it very aggressively, which is fairly nightmarish when you board 30 minutes from where you live :-). It took him a LONG time to come back--he was ouchy at the walk for months. However, his hooves have now completely grown out, and freakishly, he is actually better than he was before laminitis. I really can't explain it, and it's probably as much mental as physical, but when we eventually put him back to work, he is honestly sounder, quieter, and moves better than he did pre-laminitis. The triggering event for his laminitis was coffin joint injections, and I think that the improvement in his movement is from the effect of the injections--but I mention it to demonstrate that not only is laminitis no longer a death sentence, but that they can actually come back even better. It takes a long time, though, so just keep being patient.

I also have a 32 year old pony who had laminitis 15+ years ago, with rotation. He is still sound and competing, and hasn't had an issue in years. So, hang in there, they can bounce back from this.

[Diamondindykin]

Search for Champion Lodge here-there are pictures and probably x rays up there- he had both severe rotation and sinking (and subsequent abscesses) in both front feet. It was bad. Many thought that we could get him pasture sound with a huge level of management.

I remember Champion Lodge well (I was a founding member of SAFE) and I remember when you found him and subsequently saved him :) I didn't follow his story when he was going through Laminitis but I remember recently seeing the pictures of you riding him after he passed recently! His is an amazing story for sure!

You guys have no idea how uplifting your stories are!!! I am a very optimistic person usually but having to watch my baby and best friend suffer so is hard to take!! Knowing that there can be a positive end is reassuring.........thanks!!

[summerhorse]

I've had two horses survive laminitis/founder. First one had 2-3 episodes. Second one had one major episode that she completely recovered from and then years later got an infection that caused a system wide vasculitis and subsequent laminitis and she sunk completely. Had I known about equicasts then she might not have rotated but she did. Over time she's "unsunk" and has decreased the rotation in half. However she remains very ouchy due to paper thin soles (which she has always had actually) but came back sound with shoes and pads.

Now her arthritis has caught up with her. Sigh...

Anyway it can be done but be prepared to spend a LOT of time and money on nursing and supplies. I also learned that even if not IR you must redo his diet to that of an IR horse at least for now. I would recommend j oing the Equine Cushings list on yahoogroups and their sister group ECHoof. It is a wealth of info. for laminitis and founder and lots of helpful people who have already made mistakes for you to learn from! 8-D

Good luck with your boy.

[chemteach]

I hope your boy feels better soon. Hugs to you, I know it is a tough time.

[Artie]

I hope your boy feels better soon!
I have a great success story, my pony rotated 13 degrees in all 4 feet about 3yrs ago and was given a very grim prognosis from our vets. It was a very touch and go time and we went through quite a few days where we weren't sure if he would make it
But, thanks to the great work of our vets and farriers he is now a very sound 23yr old pony and is still in the same level of work as he was before he foundered.

[AKB]

We've been down the laminitis road twice. The first time was with our thin, older, horse who is insulin resistant. He had issues for a few months but has been fine since he has been on pergolide and thyrol L.

Our second laminitis was a nightmare. My previously healthy 12 year old developed a fever that lasted 8 days. He developed swelling of his sheath and his abdomen. He had nosebleeds. We treated with doxycycline and with IV tetracycline without improvement. We had him seen by multiple vets, including a surgeon and a medicine specialist. He developed laminitis in his hind feet, then his front. After 2 months of him being sick, he could no longer walk three steps across the heavily bedded stall to reach his water bucket. At that point, we put him down. In retrospect, I think our alfalfa cubes were contaminated with the weed hoary alyssum. Our other horses developed rings on their hooves, except the one on the diet who was not getting alfalfa cubes.

Laminitis is a horrible disease. It is unpredictable and often devastating. If you can figure out why the horse has laminitis, you have a chance of controlling it. If not, it is really difficult to overcome.

[Diamondindykin]

Laminitis is a horrible disease. It is unpredictable and often devastating. If you can figure out why the horse has laminitis, you have a chance of controlling it. If not, it is really difficult to overcome.

My vet is most certain that this was because of his weight and IR. We have his weight under control at this point (he has lost 240 lbs.). He is at my trainers during his rehab and will come home when he is no longer on stall rest. In the meantime I will have my hay tested and come up with a plan for his homecoming.

[Diamondindykin]

At that point, we put him down.

I am very sorry!! This is my biggest fear:(

[tcgelec]

My older Appendix gelding, Buddy, rotated 17 degrees on both fronts in 2004 from a bout of laminitis triggered by lyme disease. We had him at New Bolton in October of 2004 for a liver biopsy (which came out clean) and they xrayed his front hooves again while we were there. At that time they told me that Buddy had 6 months, on the outside.

We worked with our local vet, together with our farrier. They took the bar shoes off and used the radiographs to gradually bring everything back into proper alignment, trimming every two weeks for a while, as I recall.

Buddy ended up having had Cushings, and he was put on Pergolide. He has been thriving since then; we don't ride him much anymore as he is 30 now! But I did ride him a little 2 weeks ago. His main job is now as a baby sitter to our three younger ones. He teaches them and keeps them in line and takes no nonsense from any of them. Including my 1250 lb paint gelding DannyBoy who could destroy him if he got the notion...but doesn't

When the vet or the farrier drive in Buddy runs around the paddock and half-rears up in excitement now. They just shake there heads in amazement.

[Diamondindykin]

When the vet or the farrier drive in Buddy runs around the paddock and half-rears up in excitement now. They just shake there heads in amazement.

That's great!! I would be thrilled if my boy lived to be 30 years old :)

[summerhorse]

Be aware also that alfalfa contains a mineral (forget what) that can make many horses' feet sore, esp. foundered ones.

[jennywho]

I was just reading on another board an article regarding success that Alamo Pintado had treating Thorn Song's laminitis with stem cell therapy.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/55321/thorn-song-gets-a-second-chance-at-life

might be something to look into

[Diamondindykin]

Be aware also that alfalfa contains a mineral (forget what) that can make many horses' feet sore, esp. foundered ones.

You might be on to something Summerhorse!! This horse went into reining training when he was almost three years old. He began showing odd behaviour by bucking when he had a saddle on with out a rider. They tried several different saddles and had the vet out to check him over and they found nothing. After three months of ground training the trainer didn't want to get on him because of the bucking. This trainer fed straight Alfalfa!!!!

I sent him to another trainer and he never bucked again.........this trainer fed orchard grass!!!

Looking back I think that he was going through laminitic episodes but they were so mild that he didn't become lame and did not have any rotation (we x-rayed his feet several time in the last three years and he had no rotation). He had almost a years worth of professional training but there was always something not quite right on his front end and he was reluctant to lope.

[eventgroupie2]

Dang- I had written a long narrative the other night, computer went down just when I was ready to hit submit (because of snow!!!/wind!!!) - so I'll try to make this shorter just in case :lol:....
Willie (19 yr old Arabian low level dressage horse) presented with SCC of penis in August 2009, had partial amputation, didn't heal, had 2nd surgery a week later because internal bleeding had blocked urethra and bloated bladder to almost eruption, steroids/stress from both surgeries so close together brought on a Cushings episode (condition which was previously undiagnosed) which caused a laminitis attack which resulted in 10/12 degrees rotation in front feet - sole depth was 9mm. He came home after 18 days at the clinic in Softride boots for stall rest. Got our vet and farrier together- after radiographs chose an aggressive wedge/extended shoe out the sides because of horizontal sinking / "shoot-in" gel that hardens for support of the coffin bone approach. Three weeks later, the surgical site had closed over too much, restricting his urination, which required yet another major surgery to move the urethra back 8 inches. He came come from that surgery 18 hours later (due to his depression and not eating.) We were sure that we were going to lose him. We didn't. We have continued the original plan of the wedges, special shoes, gel stuff, radiographs every 4 weeks at first, now every 8 weeks. Also built a stall in our run-in so he could at least be with his buddies outside for his rehab for part of the day. Then came in with a buddy for night.
Fast forward - sole depth is now 19mm, angles are back to normal, Willie gets turned out on our hilly pastures when weather permits and rips around with our TB's, and we are discussing putting him back under saddle at the next vet visit in four weeks. All I ever hoped for was to make him pasture sound, so this is certainly a bonus. I'm sure that he is somewhat of a "miracle horse" and that this won't happen for all, but wanted to let you know that it can. It was a lot of work, worry, financial hardship for us as DH and I are basically retired and working part time, but I don't regret our decision to give this horse a chance. Luckily, it worked out for us. Hope your horse does as well. :yes:

[Diamondindykin]

[QUOTE] aggressive wedge/extended shoe out the sides because of horizontal sinking / "shoot-in" gel that hardens for support of the coffin bone approach.

It was a lot of work, worry, financial hardship [QUOTE]

We are also following this protocol except we are using Redden Ultimate wedges with shoot in hardening gel for coffin support. We have noticed a remarkable change with these wedges!!!

When I went to see him last night he was trying to chase me around in a circle when I was trying to buckle the back leg straps on his blanket because he thought that I had a treat!! He was moving fantastic:)

I am also finding that this is an expensive condition. I have him over at my trainers barn while he is recovering and that is not cheap. My vet bills have been high but my vet is really being kind when charging me. I noticed that he is only charging me for a 1/2 hour when he comes for 1 1/2 hours. I am not complaining because I will pay anything to save him!!!

[Diamondindykin]

I went out to visit Whiskey today and my trainer decided that we should take him out in the indoor arena to see how he was walking. I was shocked how well he walked down the breeze way. We stood by the door talking and he just stood with us so we decided to stand in the middle of the arena. All of a sudden he started bucking and rearing and he just took off at a trot around the whole length of the arena. He then started loping and bucking and at one point he was jumping in the air like a Lippizaner (SP?) stallion.

Last week on Tuesday he could hardly walk and today on Saturday is running around and bucking like a nut. He is obviously feeling better!!

I has to be all the positive stories from COTHers and their well wishes:)

[HorsesinHaiti]

Yahoo!!:D:yes: Glad he's feeling much better.

[FatPalomino]

YEAH!
And this is why I believe so strongly in corrective shoeing- applied properly, often you can get amazing results very quick, which certainly help the horse!

[Scar Face]

I am so happy to have noticed this thread. I'm going through a similar situation. I never seem to know what to expect when I get to the barn. It all started in June/July when his feet were cut too short. It's been a nightmare ever since. Two bouts of laminitis and more tears then I care to think about.

We are just now at the point where the hoof is about half way regrown. We've had every boot known to man, more xrays than I can remember and finally seem to have the angles right. I was expecting him to be much better after this last shoeing and was beside myself when he didn't seem to improve.

I've finally realized it's just going to take lots and lots and lots of time (not to mention $$$$) but I'll do anything to keep my boy out of pain. We've been doing lower level dressage after several years of hunters but at this point, I'll be happy to ride him along the bayou although the vet seems very pleased with his progress.

I will certainly check out the Yahoo sites as I want to hear every story possible.

Good luck Diamondindykin! I know you you feel.:(

[Diamondindykin]

I am so happy to have noticed this thread. I'm going through a similar situation. I never seem to know what to expect when I get to the barn. It all started in June/July when his feet were cut too short. It's been a nightmare ever since. Two bouts of laminitis and more tears then I care to think about.

We are just now at the point where the hoof is about half way regrown. We've had every boot known to man, more xrays than I can remember and finally seem to have the angles right. I was expecting him to be much better after this last shoeing and was beside myself when he didn't seem to improve.

I've finally realized it's just going to take lots and lots and lots of time (not to mention $$$$) but I'll do anything to keep my boy out of pain. We've been doing lower level dressage after several years of hunters but at this point, I'll be happy to ride him along the bayou although the vet seems very pleased with his progress.

I will certainly check out the Yahoo sites as I want to hear every story possible.

Good luck Diamondindykin! I know you you feel.:(


I am so sorry to hear that we are in the same boat Scar Face:( I would not wish laminitis on my worst enemy!! If you need to talk please feel free to PM me :)

[Diamondindykin]

I thought that I would update on my gelding. The vet was out last week to do new x-rays and even though they showed more rotation they showed that the coffin bone was being supported correctly. He is wearing the Redden Ultimate wedges and he is walking normally now. His heart rate is now in a normal range at 46. His heart rate was near 80 before :( He is not completely out of the woods yet as things can go badly fast with this disease but he is doing better than expected.

The bad news is that he has picked up a bug :( I moved him to my trainers the beginning of January to rehab and one of the horses coming in must have brought in something. My vet thinks that he has Rhino. He is in good health and only 6 years old so he should be fine. Just when things were looking up!!

[smay]

Be aware also that alfalfa contains a mineral (forget what) that can make many horses' feet sore, esp. foundered ones.

Can you clarify this? I have never heard that alfalfa has any minerals that make horses' feet sore. Alfalfa can make horses fat, yes. Some hays can have higher NSC (non structural carbohydrates) than others, and those carbs can be dangerous for overweight, IR, or Cushings horses. But we had both third-cutting alfalfa and 3rd cut orchard grass hays analyzed recently, and the alfalfa was the lowest NSC - less than 6%.

[Scar Face]

Diamondindykin, so sorry to hear you have another issue to deal with. Like you said, he's young and hopefully will recover quickly from the "cold".

Is he still walking comfortably? I have to say I've been pleasantly surprised at the progress my guy has made. I hesitate to talk about it because I don't want to put a hex on him. We still need to back him up a little but we didn't want to do too much too quickly.

He was so sore and I was really tired of dosing the Bute so we tried provacox (sp?) an anti-inflammatory that does not upset the stomach. It worked beautifully! We left him on it about a week and he was trotting all around the paddock, running, bucking having a great time. I've even started getting on him and walking him around the arena or soft footing for 30 minutes a day or so. I was so excited! I haven't ridden him since last July!

I know the emotional roller coaster this awful condition can put you through. I'm trying to be patient and remember it's just going to take a lot of time.

Thanks for updating us on your boy!

[Zu Zu]

Jingles for your gelding and you during this worrisome time period. Jingle Jingle Jingle & AO ~ AO ~ AO ~ Always Optimistic ! Hang in there ~ things will get better.

[Diamondindykin]

Is he still walking comfortably?

He is walking normally now!! We still are not turning him out in the arena because we don't want the bandages to come off that are holding on the wedges (plus he is sick and contagious). He gives us a pretty good show in his stall at feeding time.........he lookes like a bronc....jumping, bucking & kicking.

My vet and farrier are thrilled with his progress so far but they say that his prognosis is still guarded. As many people have said this is a LONG slow process to over come laminitis.

[LJ1972]

Your horse is young, that is definitely in his favor, plus you know the cause, and sounds like you're doing all the right things for him. Just remember, laminitis recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. He basically has to grow out a whole new hoof which your farrier will keep shaping as it comes in, to get his rotation corrected. There will probably be ups and downs, but don't lose faith. Keep your eye on the big picture, a year from now this will all be behind you!

[Diamondindykin]

Things have taken a turn for the worse and my boy needs all the jingles that he can get!!!!

He has been doing fantastic in the Redden Ultimate Wedges. My vet was talking about taking off one of the wedges soon since he was making such great progress. A couple weeks ago we took new x-rays and everything looked good except my vet wanted to change his angles on the right about 2 degrees. About a week later vet and farrier do exactly that. Whiskey is sore immediately but we just chalk it up to a change. As the days go by he gets worse but I was out of town and didn't realize how bad he was until I get back. I immediatley have the vet out and he has a severe heel bruise from the impression material used to fill the void of the frog. Vet reapplys the wedges without the impression material so the heel bruise can heal. That was four days ago. I went out to see him last night and he can hardly walk on the right foot. The vet comes out first thing this morning and the news was not good. His sole on the right foot has collapsed!!! He was not able to see any bone and he didn't have the x-ray machine with him so he couldn't take any pictures. He reapplies the wedge this time with the void filling impression material. I was out of town today and wasn't there for the vet visit but vet asks me to call him tonight after I saw him. When I went to see him I was amazed how good he actually looked. He is actually more sore now on the front left foot from compensating for the right. He was bright and very vocal calling for me and seemed quite content actually.
My vet warned me that his prognosis is not good now with this latest turn of events.

To make matters worse I lost my beloved reining gelding suddenly last week to colic. He was fine one minute and gone two hours later. It was so devastating!! I can't imagine losing both of my boys in less than two weeks.

Please send Whiskey jingles..........he needs all the help he can get to make it!!!

[Zu Zu]

Jingles for Whiskey ~ Jingle Jingle Jingle & AO ~ AO ~ AO ~ Always Optimistic ! Come on Whiskey !!!! ~ Your mother needs you now more than ever ! Jingles for both of you during this worrisome and fragile time period. So sorry to hear about your gelding last week.

[eventgroupie2]

Jingles and hugs from VA - hope you see improvement soon. So sorry about your other boy.

[LMH]

I hope you find the solution for your horse.

In the meantime, some thoughts. I don't understand wedging a rotated coffin bone. I know others will say it take the strain off the DDFT, but it just makes no sense to me.

I don't understand wedging a horse without frog support-it seems to me that set things up to do what happened-things to sink.

I understand he had heel bruising that needed to heal-but that seems secondary (to me) to keeping the coffin bone supported.

If you horse is still shod in that arrangement, I would think you need to get a farrier experienced in laminitis to come do something different.

I know your world is spinning and it is hard to think about doing something different under the gun-but I would really consider it.

[Heart's Journey]

I didn't read through all the responses, but my horse has been going through some health issues (not foot related) for the past 2.5 years. I've spent $8,000 with vets and they finally said they couldn't offer anything more.

So I went the Alternative medicine route and am estastic to report, my horse is doing incrediably. He's eating everything in sight, gained all his weight back and the surgical site that had continued to retain fluid (he kept getting infections) is now flat, smoother, and softer.

A friend of a friend is performing craniosacral therapy, it's noninvasive - he can graze while she's doing it and we carry on a conversation. He's had 4 treatments so far with another one tonight.

do a search and find more about it, but I'm a believer and my horse is proof.

[blackstallion2]

Jingles from Virginia for your young fellow. Its so hard to see them in pain. I hope he improves on you next visit.

[EqTrainer]

Please discuss w/your vet the possibility that your horse is abcessing from the bruise and that he has also now put his weight onto the other foot for long enough that it is having problems.

Something that I learned in the only bout of fatal laminitis that I have worked with is that underestimating the need for pain control is common. If your horse is in obvious pain it must be controlled... gabapentin, torbugesic, tramadol, more opiates - WHATEVER IT TAKES - because pain elevates cortisol and cortisol is the big player in triggering laminitis.

If I ever have to do it all over again, and I pray to god that I don't - but if I do, I will *start* with the big gun pain killers rather than let the pain become a vicious circle.

[buck22]

oh jingles for you, what a rough week to go through.

[AKB]

Lots of jingles to you and your horse. Laminitis is awful. We had something happen in our barn, ?contaminated feed, 3 years ago. 3 out of our 5 horses developed laminitis along with multiple other issues (fevers, nosebleeds). My previously healthy 12 year old horse had to be put down after 2 months of suffering. My daughter's skinny TB seemed to gradually improve for a while but never became sound. We recently put him down after he worsened again. Our old guy briefly had laminitis, but it cleared up rapidly and has not come back. We did start him on pergolide and thyroid because he has signs of Cushings and some abnormal labs.

To me, laminitis seems unpredictable and horrible. All you can do is to try to find a cause for the laminitis, try to make them better, and then put them down when you and the horse cannot stand to do any more.

Try to take care of yourself as well as your horse. Laminitis is physically, emotionally, and financially draining for the owner. I hope your guy improves soon, and that you can come off the laminitis roller coaster.

[Scar Face]

OMG! I'm so sorry! I am still in that exact process....waiting for regrowth. I fought like crazy when they wanted to put in the filling material because we had a similar incident where my guy got sore because of pressure it caused. I finally persuaded the vet and farrier to go with a leather pad since we used one of those successfully years ago. Seems to be helping.

I'm so sorry to hear about your other guy. Just doesn't seem fair!

Also, I have to say because I just couldn't justify giving my guy Bute any longer I tried Provocox (sp?) an anti inflammatory without the side effects of Bute and it has helped tremendously! Now I only use it for a few days every time he gets his shoes reset.

Jingling like crazy here!!!

[Zu Zu]

Jingles continue for Whiskey ~ Jingle & AO Always Optimistic !

[hitchinmygetalong]

So sorry to hear about you losing your other horse, and now this. It's a horrible roller coaster ride, isn't it?

Jingles for you, Whiskey, and best wishes for a turn around for you SOON!

[Diamondindykin]

Please discuss w/your vet the possibility that your horse is abcessing from the bruise and that he has also now put his weight onto the other foot for long enough that it is having problems.


My vet and I discussed this possibility last night after I went to see him and he looked pretty good. He was putting more weight on the right foot and less on the left one so there is a good chance it is an abcess. I would normally never pray that my horse has an abcess but I am today!!! An abcess would be the best news in the world right now.

I called my trainer this morning to check on him and he said that he was laying down this morning when he came in to feed and he gave him his hay and it took him a couple minutes to get up. He is up now and eating his hay.

[AnotherRound]

My vet and I discussed this possibility last night after I went to see him and he looked pretty good. He was putting more weight on the right foot and less on the left one so there is a good chance it is an abcess. I would normally never pray that my horse has an abcess but I am today!!! An abcess would be the best news in the world right now.

I called my trainer this morning to check on him and he said that he was laying down this morning when he came in to feed and he gave him his hay and it took him a couple minutes to get up. He is up now and eating his hay.

What did you think of EqTrainer's post? To me that is critical, one of the most critical issues you could address, besides getting a different farrier for him. Do you understand what the pain can do to his feet?

[Diamondindykin]

What did you think of EqTrainer's post? To me that is critical, one of the most critical issues you could address, besides getting a different farrier for him. Do you understand what the pain can do to his feet?

What makes you think that I need a different farrier?

I personally live in chronic pain and I FULLY understand what she is talking about and we are taking care of his pain the best way that we can.

[Auventera Two]

Oh gosh I totally agree with EqTrainer. You HAVE to knock out the pain/cortisol and inflammation cycle - regardless of what kind of drugs you need to use to do it. On every founder case I've worked on, breaking the pain and cortisol cycle is absolutely crucial and when it's not done, the horse can continue to decline.

Can you explain more about the "sole is collapsed." That doesn't happen with an abscess, so if the horse has a dropped sole, you need to get new radiographs and find out what happened inside the foot. The horse may have sunk.

Hang in there, and I wish you all the best. :(

[EqTrainer]

And if the horse is sinking, wedging is counterindicated.

One of the most unfortunate aspects about laminitis is that it can create its own vicious cycle... inflammation creates pain, pain increases cortisol, cortisol increase creates (loose verbage here) laminitis.

[Diamondindykin]

Just got back from the barn...........he looks terrible. His heart rate is 62 and his temp is 101. He can hardly move although he is up and has not laid down since this morning. I have a call into my vet (who is off today). I think that it may be time to let him go :( To top it off today is my birthday.............

[hitchinmygetalong]

So sorry to hear of this turn for the worse. I wish you strength and courage to get you through the next few days.

[li'l bit]

Big Jingles for both of you from NY.

[Auventera Two]

Oh no :( I wish you all the best and I'll be sending well wishes your way. Laminitis is such a horrible disease.

[lovemyoldguy]

I am so sorry to hear the latest news. Praying for your strength no matter what the outcome.

[Scar Face]

Oh no! This breaks my heart as believe me, I know the roller coaster ride you have been on. I absolutely HATE, HATE HATE laminitis!!! I'm so sorry.

[blackstallion2]

I'm so sorry, but you will do the right thing for your horse. Jingles for you both :(

[monstrpony]

Hope you are able to turn it around once more! Laminitis is awful to deal with, I got through it once with my Cushings horse and it IS an ordeal. Jingles for your boy--

[Diamondindykin]

I just spoke with my vet again and we are going to give him more drugs today and tonight and he will be out first thing in the morning to help me make the decision.

Where do I find the courage to let him go? My gelding that died a week and a half ago told me he was ready and it made the decision easier. Whiskey is not telling me that he is ready to go. He is bright, whinnying at me, looking for cookies in my pockets. I just don't know what is the right thing to do...........

[Rodeio]

I have been through the rollercoaster of laminitis with one of mine. It is heart wrenching. If it is the right time you will know. Take care.

[Zu Zu]

Jingles for you and Whiskey ~ you will know ~ he will tell you when it is time ~ just like your other gelding. You will know and you will be able to make the decision for Whiskey because he is part of you and you are part of Whiskey ~ You will know. HUGS & Jingles & AO Always Optimistic !

[Androcles]

Please discuss w/your vet the possibility that your horse is abcessing from the bruise and that he has also now put his weight onto the other foot for long enough that it is having problems.



I agree with this. It would be a shame to lose your horse to the treatment, and not the disease.

I also don't understand what 'void' you refer to in the frog that was filled with impression material, and the sole 'collapsing'. Which leads me to agree with whomever suggested you might need more experienced help.

[EqTrainer]

I just spoke with my vet again and we are going to give him more drugs today and tonight and he will be out first thing in the morning to help me make the decision.

Where do I find the courage to let him go? My gelding that died a week and a half ago told me he was ready and it made the decision easier. Whiskey is not telling me that he is ready to go. He is bright, whinnying at me, looking for cookies in my pockets. I just don't know what is the right thing to do...........


You are in an especially hard time with the recent loss of your other horse. I have no idea why sometimes life has to be so tough.

Hang in there. You will know when to let him go I think, the horse I had that taught me that particular lesson about pain control was a fighter - but I knew when I pulled in the driveway that afternoon from his body language that he wanted out of his earth suit. It was the easiest thing I have ever done, the phone call, sedating him before the vet got there, sitting with him after he lay down and ate grass, laying his head down as he died. Just as caring for him had never been too much, letting him go was never too much either. You'll be ok.

In the meantime PLEASE do consider the information you're being given here about the different things that might be going on.. forgive us all if you are already 100% with all of this but it's very hard to sort thru all the information while you are in the middle of it. I have had horses for - OMG! - almost 40 years.. I've been blessed to not deal with a lot of laminitis but I am pretty competent in most thing - and I came on this board and asked a lot of questions during that time. I got a lot of help that I really needed to make decisions for that horse, information that my vet couldn't always give me in a way I could understand in context.

Best wishes to you and jingles for your horse.

[LuvMyTB]

Oh no. My heart is just breaking for you after reading this last update. I too lost my mare after a very sudden and violent colic and I was reeling from it for weeks. I cannot imagine the pain of having another one go so soon.

JINGLING HARD FOR WHISKEY!!!!!!! And sending thoughts of strength and courage to his mom.

[HealingHeart]

Diamondindkykin, my heart is with you and your boy. Today would be my late horse's b-day. I too recently lost him to colic. Blessings and jingles to you both. Follow your heart the days ahead.....

[Diamondindykin]

I went to spend some time with him this afternoon but with the increased drugs on board he was snoozing comfortably:) I have two of the best lameness vets at our clinic coming first thing in the morning. They will take more x-rays so we can see exactly what we are looking at before we make the decision to euthanize. He has been this bad before and came out of it very quickly with changes to what we were doing.

Other than bute and previcox what are some other pain meds that I can discuss with my vets tomorrow? My reining horse that died last week was on Previcox for arthritis and I still have a whole bottle. I had mentioned putting Whiskey on this with him before but he said that Whiskey would have to let the bute clear his system for 3 days before starting any new pain meds.

[FatPalomino]

Whiskey's mom:

I am so sorry you have to go through this.

I have friends that specialize in laminitis. One of the talks they went to, spoke of how to make 'that' decision. Sometimes you have to look overall: ie, set a time line. Give it X days. Keep a journal. Rate pain, welfare, etc. Then look at the trends. Is he getting better over the course of X days?

You could consider re-radiogrpahing or doing a venogram. That would give you a more up-to-date prognosis.

Have you considered pulling his shoes and putting him in styrafoam or soft ride boots? A deeply bedded stall to encourage him to lie down, but, we had one that would prefer to stand in the firm footing instead. He was a sinker, and the firmer ground felt better for him.

[Bogie]

No advice, just {{{hugs}}}.

[EqTrainer]

I will tell you what my experience with this was.

It was not until I got my personal vet out to see the horse in question that he got what was adequate pain relief. Tramadol and torbugesic were what he was put on. He had a catheter and I was running fluids 3x day. The torb was IV and the tramadol was in pill form. There were options past that. Bute and banamine, besides causing digestive upset, just were not strong enough to control his pain. Equioxx (previcox) would have been a drop in the bucket also. We later regretted not starting him on gabapentin at the same time.

It is worth noting that the TWO vets who saw him previous to mine did not offer him/me anything other than banamine.

There are options, you are going to probably have to ask for them by name, so take notes and be prepared. He was also on antibiotics but that is another aspect of his particular case. I noticed that your horse has a fever - has the cause been identified? The horse I cared for ultimately died from purpura hemorrhagica - again, hindsight is 20/20, I wish he had been on Naxcel.

Having said all that, everyone after the first two vets did the absolute best they could for him and he had excellent venograms and was eating/drinking/getting up/down and reasonably comfortable until the last day when he crashed.

I hope this information is helpful to you.

[AKB]

You are doing the right thing by having 2 good lameness vets come in. Laminitis is not something that has a magical cure, but you want to be sure you are not missing something that could be treated.

When we went through this with my horse, the internal medicine vet who came out with the surgeon suggested fentanyl patches for pain relief. She said fentanyl would be expensive and it comes with all of the problems of having a controlled substance/narcotic in the barn. I did not want to try the fentanyl because I did not want to deal with having a large amount of a controlled substance in my barn and house. In retrospect, that is something we might have tried. I don't think it would have made a difference in terms of his survival, but would have made his last days more comfortable. After we put my boy down, I felt guilty that I had let him suffer while I tried to make him better. Banamine and bute did not control his pain very well.

Lots of jingles to you and your horse.

[FatPalomino]

Other than bute and previcox what are some other pain meds that I can discuss with my vets tomorrow? My reining horse that died last week was on Previcox for arthritis and I still have a whole bottle. I had mentioned putting Whiskey on this with him before but he said that Whiskey would have to let the bute clear his system for 3 days before starting any new pain meds.

I think bute is more effective than previcox for laminitis. Bute seems to be the best thing that I have ever used.
You can ask your vet about cocktails.

Gastroguard.

[shea'smom]

I am just sending you jingles and prayers.

[MunchkinsMom]

Where do I find the courage to let him go? My gelding that died a week and a half ago told me he was ready and it made the decision easier. Whiskey is not telling me that he is ready to go. He is bright, whinnying at me, looking for cookies in my pockets. I just don't know what is the right thing to do...........

This just broke my heart. Especially when you are still grieving the loss of your other horse. And I do understand your pain. It is a personal decision that only you and your horse can make.

My heartache is still fresh, it has been 8 weeks since I had to make the same decision. For me it was a quality of life type decision, I didn't want to wait until he was suffering, and I knew that all treatment options had been exhausted.

I do not have any personal experience with laminitis, so I cannot begin to fathom how hard it must be on both the horse and the owner.

Hugs to you at this difficult time.

[FatPalomino]

It was not until I got my personal vet out to see the horse in question that he got what was adequate pain relief. Tramadol and torbugesic were what he was put on. He had a catheter and I was running fluids 3x day. The torb was IV and the tramadol was in pill form. There were options past that. Bute and banamine, besides causing digestive upset, just were not strong enough to control his pain. Equioxx (previcox) would have been a drop in the bucket also. We later regretted not starting him on gabapentin at the same time.

Torb. is a controlled narcotic so it can be very expensive. (Eq Trainer- do you remember the cost)?

Tramadol is an opiod. It is controlled (and therefore more expensive) in some states.

Both are only analgesics (pain relievers) not NSAIDs like bute/banamine (reduce inflammation). But, they would be added into my cocktail, but not a replacement for an NSAID.

Gabapentin is often used for neuropathic pain. I have seen it used in combination with Amantadine (NMDA receptor), which is a wind-up antagonist and helps with chronic pain.

Is money an issue? If not, hospitalizing him with round the clock IV and pain medications would be an option.

[EqTrainer]

I'm sorry, I don't. I know the torb was the most expensive, the tramadol was actually fairly inexpensive, and when we priced gabapentin it was downright reasonable.

Bute and banamine didn't do anything for him that was obvious, of course he was on them during the active stage of laminitis.

He was a sinker and could not tolerate anything on his feet, definately preferred firmer bedding. We toyed with pads and wedges and boots but he was very clear (as in, violent) that they made him feel worse.

Round the clock care was necessary; I did his last fluids and torb around midnight every night and began again at 5 AM. I only left the farm for short periods - 3 hours max. In his case by the time his laminitis was properly identified (long ugly story) he was past the point of being able to be hauled and so his care had to be done here.

[Laurierace]

Please don't question your ability to make the decision when the time is here. I have never met you and I can feel the connection, there is no way you can't feel it. Just listen and respond to what you hear. Jinglng for whatever is meant to be.

[Zu Zu]

This condition in a horse or pony can change so very much in a matter of 24 hours or slowly and in a matter of two weeks ~ it is a condition that takes time and constant monitoring of pain levels and making the animal as comfortable as possible as much as possible. The "expression" usually indcates the will to push forward and onward but to get a clear determination of expression one must first get the pain under control or at least to a "standable" level. If the horse wants to get off his feet and stay down, then pain must be addressed aggressively . Once the pain is tolerable ~ this will enable the horse to get up ~ thus increasing the blood flow to the feet. My vet pushes - Ice therapy three times a day ~ Bute twice a day and deep beeding and gradual walking on soft indoor footing for short periods ~ as well as diet changes - LIGHT diet steam crimped oats with Bran and of course vet/farrier work guided by the images. This problem in horses is long term ~ there will be terrible times and better times even some good times. Willie's thread is an example of pure love and guts and the will to live. Jingles for Whiskey and his owner I am hoping this turns around tomorrow ------at least enough to push onward . Jingles & HUGS & AO Always Optimistic.

[Scar Face]

I never had to use anything stronger than Bute, though we did use it IV. The previcox came much later when he needed something but the Bute was tearing up his stomach. I'm with EqTrainer, I'd ask for any drugs available to eliminate the pain as soon as possible. Who knows what could happen after that. Especially since he's rallied before!! I think some vets are just not comfortable treating laminitis....period and are afraid of trying things out of their comfort zone. Keep after them! If they aren't sure, have them recommend someone who is! My heart is with you. Wish I could do something to help.

[KellyS]

I am so, so sorry.

I wanted to let you know that when I put my horse down in December, he never, ever told me it was time. He was so stoic and willing to be happy no matter what...it was the toughest decision I've ever made.

Right up until the moment he passed I was in agony over whether I was doing the right thing. But the incredible, immense relief and instant peace I felt afterward made me realize that I had done what was the very best for Rocky.

He passed so peacefully; his body was tired (long battle with heaves and on heavy duty medication during the last couple of weeks). No more worries about him suffering...no more anxious days trying to figure out the right thing. We could have easily kept him going for a couple of weeks...who knows...a couple of months. But my vet told me that the worst thing to do would be to walk out in the barn one morning and wish we'd done it sooner.

The horse I lost before--Traveler--told me, without a doubt, it was time. It almost made this decision harder.

I am jingling like crazy that your guy pulls through but wanted you to know that some times the harder with decision the more obvious the answer is. I wish I hadn't beat myself up so much beforehand. I just know my guy is up running around the fields of heaven, no longer in pain.

[EqTrainer]

I think it is pretty much common knowledge that pain control for horses is not very well developed/used in the field.

I am always grateful that my vet is progressive in her thinking - when I showed her the research about gabapentin (it was actually done at NCSU, our local teaching hospital) she had no qualms about trying it. He died before that happened. Maybe if the OP can present some ideas to her vets about pain control they can look into it and then be more helpful. Certainly she might just need to take him to a clinic but there are issues with that, that should be carefully weighed. It is so stressful for horses to be taken out of of their home environment and hauling a horse who is up/down can be dicey.. I was told that hauling a sinker is avoided.

[Diamondindykin]

Is money an issue? If not, hospitalizing him with round the clock IV and pain medications would be an option.

Money is not an issue..........time is not an issue either. The issue is that we do not have a vet hospital within 1 1/2 hours that has around the clock care. There is NO way he can travel that far.

A few years ago I had a mare that kicked her leg through the side of the barn. She needed to have her bandages changed every other day and she would not tolerate it without sedation. My vet (the same vet I am using here) put a catheter in and I gave her a cocktail of Torb & Dorm. So it is possible to get it here but it only lasted a short time. How would something like that work long term?

[EqTrainer]

IME (and I have had more than one horse here w/a cath) it's the same. You have to flush on a schedule of course and give meds on a schedule, which it sounds like you can do. I want to say that we leave a cath in for no more than 7 days and of course remove it if there are any signs of infection.

My personal vet is quite far away but I do have an emergency vet who is close and I can call him anytime if I have a problem with anything, they are both good w/that.

[Quinn]

I can't even imagine what you're going through. I am sending you all good thoughts, jingles and prayers. I truly hope your boy has a good Vet visit tomorrow.

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

[Diamondindykin]

I was going through some pictures of Whiskey and thought that I would share!

Here he is when he was only a week old:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b7cf26b3127ccec2da28fe5c5200000010O00AaOHDZs2buG IPbz4Y/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Here he is when he was two years old:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b7cf26b3127ccec2db2e7f7c9c00000010O00AaOHDZs2buG IPbz4Y/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Here he is being his silly self!!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b7cf26b3127ccec2db5fcebdbd00000010O00AaOHDZs2buG IPbz4Y/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[Zu Zu]

Great photos of your handsome boy ! Thanks for sharing ~ thinking of you two ~ wishing the Best of Luck tomorrow.

[EqTrainer]

He is precious.. hope everything goes well tomorrow!

[FatPalomino]

He is gorgeous.

A few pros I would see as reasons to have him hospitalized would be the
-round the clock care (they are usually looked a, pretty intensely, at at least every hour and more if there are concerns)
-ability to change/add medications immediately
-improved sterility for the IVC (IV Cath.)

The long haul is certainly a valid consideration. That said, I have shipped a very painful laminitic horse over an hour to a clinic. It was our last resort, and it did save his life. It was painful for us to watch him load. He went in a air ride trail box stall, styrafoam on all 4's, and stable wraps. He jumped out of the trailer 90% resolved, which blew our mind at first ( an abscess popped on the way there). He stayed there until we were sure he was sound. The difference in a few days was night and day.

Some more suggestions: Ask your vet to do a venogram tomorrow. They are expensive but will help evaluate blood flow and if blood flow is too compromised the hoof can not have proper growth. We used the results of the venogram as a deciding factor as to "when to quit"- and our venogram came back better than expected so we kept going. (Search on here for Champion Lodge, for the entire, wonderful story) It can be tough to do venogram right if your vet does not do them often. Make sure the rads tomorrow mark the coronet band and are very good rads. Get them on disk and ask for a 2nd opinion from either the vet hospital someone within a few hours or send them to Rood and Riddle. If you want, I can pass them along to people I know and see what they think.

Hope this helps. Hang in there.

[hitchinmygetalong]

Thinking of you today, Diamondindykin. Hope things go well with the vet.

[Scar Face]

Great photos Diamondindykin! Such a beautiful guy. Thoughts and prayers are with you today. I know if love could keep them alive, most would live forever!

[monstrpony]

Jingles for you today. Hope you can find a way past this and should that path not be found, I wish you strength. In any event, we are here and you are in our thoughts.

[Rodeio]

He is a lovely horse. I hope you find answers with your vet visit today.

[Bogie]

He is beautiful. Good luck today!

[Diamondindykin]

Well, today is not Whiskey's day to go :) The x-rays are not good and showed what we expected......the coffin bone sinking. They do not show infection yet though. Both vets agreed that he is not ready to go yet. I think that my vet is having as hard of a time giving up and letting him go. We are going to take it hour by hour now.

Whiskey does look better than yesterday. He got a good 4 hours of peaceful sleep yesterday afternoon and some more last night so it must have given his body a break.

PLEASE keep the jingles coming!!!

[AKB]

I'm glad it's not his day to go. You need a little more time on the laminitis roller coaster to be sure of which direction things will go. I went through something similar. My vet was not ready to give up when I was ready. I waited a couple more days. I feel badly that I let my boy suffer the extra two days, but recognize that it was necessary. I then had to put him down on Good Friday 3 years ago because he could not walk the two steps to his water bucket, and was thirsty. The extra time did convince me, and my vet, that there was no hope. Make sure you give plenty of pain medicine to minimize his suffering while the roller coaster continues. Laminitis is such a dreadful disorder.

[Zu Zu]

A truck load of Jingles for Mr. Whiskey ~ Jingle Jingle Jingle & AO ~ AO ~ AO ~ Always Optimistic ! Sending wishes for some rest & recovery for the rest of the weekend. Hang in there and hugs ! Thinking of you two ~ I have been "there" more times than I wish to remember ~ be kind to yourself and try to get some rest.

[MunchkinsMom]

More hugs from me during this difficult time for you.

During the last week of Munchkins life, after the kidney failure treatments were stopped, I spent every spare minute with him, doing my best to be normal for him, and to let him know how well loved he was. In a strange way, I did the majority of my grieving for him with him before he was gone, and it helped that I had the time to come to terms with his condition. And I am glad that I didn't wait until he was in a really bad way to let him go, that would have haunted me more than being haunted by the question of "did I send him off too soon?" train of thought.

If you are doing any treatments at home that require a catheter, I highly recommend getting a slinky hood for him to wear, it helps to keep the catheter protected and clean, it worked great for me, the vet said it was "brilliant".

[eventgroupie2]

I certainly understand the ups and downs of the laminitis rollercoaster. After reading all of these replies, I think Willie and I were lucky that he was not in more pain that he was. But when he first foundered, he was already at the vet clinic after his second surgery, so they were ready for it with iv pain meds and ice boots. I think that was a major help in controlling the episode, even tho' we ended up dealing with 10 and 12 degrees rotation, and sinking in both fronts. He was under the vet clinic's care for about two weeks after the episode, came home in his soft ride boots, and we started the wedge pad, gel stuff, special shoes about three weeks later. Needless to say, we were very lucky that he has progressed as far as he has. But he never gave up, never told me that he was done trying, so we gave him the chance to recover. We had picked his grave spot several times, and were ready to let him go as soon as we knew he was ready. Luckily, we never got to that point. I am hoping and praying that Whiskey does the same, and makes a good recovery. I am also praying for you to have the strength to let him go if he doesn't. Massive hugs for you and your boy from Willie and me in VA.

[sdlbredfan]

And if the horse is sinking, wedging is counterindicated.

One of the most unfortunate aspects about laminitis is that it can create its own vicious cycle... inflammation creates pain, pain increases cortisol, cortisol increase creates (loose verbage here) laminitis.

It can actually backfire to make the horse so comfy that it runs around, bucks etc. The reason is that the laminae are fragile during laminitis, so it is best to avoid shear stress, torqueing, concussion on hard ground, etc. When a horse with sore feet lies down, that is actually a good thing, meaning the horse is paying attention to its body and is allowing the feet to rest from weight bearing. Pain relief should be sufficient for the horse to have good appetite, etc IMO, but not so good that the horse runs around. I have read that people who have used Phyto Quench have had some good results with that. Another web resource is www.ecirhorse.com .

I just read the last 2 pages (had not before) and saw the updates. I am so glad he is still with you, and will send positive vibes, perform jingles and pray that he will have a full recovery. I agree with whomever recommended he be put into the special styrofoam protocol (2 layers per foot, one conformed to foot with area under sinking P3 scooped out with another layer fastened on the ground surface and attached to the foot side one. I am not sure if that was done earlier on or not? I defiinitely agree, if he is a sinker you do not want wedges, OMG no!

[shea'smom]

Keep hanging in there. Hope for the best.

[LarkspurCO]

Jingles for Whiskey!!!!!!!!!!!

[jpeg]

Jingling like crazy for you & Whiskey!

[Scar Face]

Jingling away for Whiskey!!!

[Zu Zu]

Sunday Jingles for Whiskey and his family ~ Come on handsome boy !

[Diamondindykin]

I haven't been out to see Whiskey this morning yet but yesterday was a pretty good day. He didn't lay down all day and seemed to be doing ok. He did not get worse yesterday which is hopeful. It is hard to tell what today will bring though.

Keep those jingles coming!!

[FatPalomino]

What did the vet recommend in regards to treating the sinking? Did they decide to add more drugs?

[Diamondindykin]

Yes, we increased his bute and added large doses of Ace which has helped ALOT!!! It seems to be relaxing him enough that he is way more comfortable. He didn't lay down at all yesterday which is a good sign. I just went to check on him and he was laying down and resting comfortably. His temperature was 100.4 which is also a good sign that infection is not setting in.

So far today is a good day for us showing some small glimmer of hope!!!

[shea'smom]

JINGLES!!!! Glad there is some good news. While founder is one of the rottenest things that can happen, I think it is also something that horses can come back from even when things look dire. Hang in there. I know this is so hard on you.

[Zu Zu]

More Jingles for Whiskey !

[shawneeAcres]

Sorry to hear this and hope he is turning the corner. If it's any hope, I have a gelding here that foundered TERRIBLY about a year and a half ago. It was a reactions to a hock injection/steriod. i did not own him at the time. It was VERY iffy as to if he would survive. Today he is sound and going strong! So don't give up!

[sdlbredfan]

I am still jingling, and if I forgot to say before, you have my condolences on the one you just lost. When I read this, 'He didn't lay down at all yesterday which is a good sign', it occurs to me that you may not know, it is actually better for them to lie down. When the horse lies down, it allows the feet to have a break from the constant weight-bearing. Being up on damaged laminar attachment feet can cause further damage, unless feet are properly supported, usually by styrofoam or foam pads in boots.

[Diamondindykin]

I am still jingling, and if I forgot to say before, you have my condolences on the one you just lost. When I read this, 'He didn't lay down at all yesterday which is a good sign', it occurs to me that you may not know, it is actually better for them to lie down. When the horse lies down, it allows the feet to have a break from the constant weight-bearing. Since the sinking is a sign of some internal attachments breaking down, it is good to avoid extra stress on the damaged laminae, if you can. That is what I meant by saying in the other message, that you want just enough pain relief that the horse does not lose appetite, but not so much that he continues to stress the hooves in any way. That is a toughie, knowing just how much is enough though. If I forgot to say before too, there is good info at www.ecirhorse.com .

I totally agree and I am encouraging him to lay down. What I meant is that it is a good sign that he wasn't in so much pain that he felt he had to lay down.

[MunchkinsMom]

Just wanted to send more jingles your way, and to share an article about wooden shoes for horses with chronic laminitis, might be an option for your horse:

http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=11718

http://www.equicast.us/laminitisfounder.html

[eventgroupie2]

Continued jingles from VA for Whiskey and his mom!

[sdlbredfan]

Thanks for clarifying that Diamondindykin, now I understand, and agree. We all will keep jingling!

[Scar Face]

I'm thrilled to hear he's feeling better. Getting the pain under control hopefully will make a huge difference!!! Still jingling away for the both of you!!

[FatPalomino]

Just wanted to send more jingles your way, and to share an article about wooden shoes for horses with chronic laminitis, might be an option for your horse:

http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=11718

http://www.equicast.us/laminitisfounder.html

Yes, this is a great idea. I posted on COTH about a year ago- when my Palomino got laminitis- and how wooden shoes helped him. Very shortly after they were applied we went trail riding- and documented the shoeing and such with pictures. But, he doesn't have rotation or sinking.

OP- Has the vet recommended any changes in shoeing now since the dx of sinking? I have heard and seen people cast sinkers in hopes of limiting the sinking. Also, firm ground (not the super soft bedded stall) may actually help his feet feel better. Sinking is by far the worst, most painful form, but, sometimes you get lucky. Champ was a sinker and came back to complete soundness.

[Diamondindykin]

Fat Palomino~ what was the protocol when Champ sunk?

[LuvMyTB]

Still jingling for Whiskey!!!!

[FatPalomino]

Fat Palomino~ what was the protocol when Champ sunk?

Here is the link for my Palomino who was laminitic which was shod in wooden clogs, complete with pictures: http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/showthread.php?t=212408

Well, for Champ, first, we had to get an accurate diagnosis. Easier said than done. Using several of the "best" vets at the university, we never got the diagnosis of a sinker (or even of founder!) over the first 6 months of treatment with them (including an unrestricted budget). [I bought Champ at a slaughter feedlot where we found him foundering]. So, long story short, 6 months later (after a roller coaster, in which he had come completely sound but crashed again) we decided to get digital rads of all 4 feet and send them to Rood and Riddle for a 2nd opinion. We had already gotten non-digital rads from the university that week indicating rotation. Vet #2 takes the rads, won't say much, but will promises "the horse definitely hasn't sunk." Agrees with poor prognosis.

They were all wrong.

Before this, in the 6 months we didn't have an accurate diagnosis, my farrier and I had gone against the university's recommendations. We put Champ in EDSS Stryafoam (http://www.hopeforsoundness.com/techsupport/instguides/styrofoamguide.htm) which he lived in for at least 6-8 weeks, maybe more (I was told to leave him shod). We gave him a deeply bedded stall with access to a 30' dirt run. (I was told stall rest only). He preferred the dirt (which in hindsight makes sense for a sinker) We eventually nailed a regular shoe on and he was fine with that, for a while. He had chronic abscessing at the apex of his frog which he just kept open and treated with topicals.

R & R gave us an amazing referral. Imagine how hesitant I was go to there! My farrier (who, also right at this time, moves out of state) and I had gotten Champ sound, but now the vets are giving us a grim and guarded prognosis. Who were we to believe?

That was the hour long trailer ride Champ went on- with stryafoam on all 4 feet, heavily wrapped, big trailer, and my friend driving just got on the least bumpy (left lane) of the highway and stayed there, with me following or in front, whatever was needed to keep idiot drivers away. It was a hard decision to make, but that haul saved Champ's life. By leaving him at the clinic, he had round the clock care with those who could treat him best. Champ was an imported racehorse- used to moving often- so the change in environment never bothered him.

Also, remember, this horse was not IR/metabolic founder and his only his true laminitic episode, in which he rotated and sunk, was 6 months prior. He was NOT actively sinking or laminitic. There is a big difference there. In your case, if you even suspect your horse is actively sinking, it's a downright full-out emergency in my eyes.

Once at the clinic, first they gave Champ some good IV drugs ;) Then they pulled his shoes (he was in natural balance, with dental impression and pour in pads). He had a big abscess- which was the source of most of his current problems. The pour in pads were not helping his abscess at all. Once the abscess was open and the pad wasn't pressing against it we had a much sounder horse.

They took very good diagnostic rads- using barium to mark the hoof wall, coronary band, etc. They uploaded them and within moments we got a call back from R & R confirming the sinking. He was sunk and rotated on both fronts, more sunk on the left and more rotated on the right. He had an obvious cleft just above his coronary bands. You can manipulate his LF hoof and move it all around with your hands- it was very unstable.

We did a venogram- at this point money was becoming an issue- so we only did the LF- which is where most of the horse's problems had been and where he was most sunk. It showed, in my lay terms, that there was some decreased blood flow but there was enough blood flow for him to be able to grow a ok (but probably not totally normal) hoof. That gave him a much better prognosis. Because it was becoming a money issue, and a pain management/quality of life issue, we had decided if the venogram came back with anything less than that, it was the end. So we kept chugging!

They treated the abscess and put soft ride boots on. The Soft Ride Boots (http://www.soft-ride.com/) made Champ feel a LOT better! The vet explained that she did think SMZ's helped chronic abscesses (everyone else had told me no), and after 3 years of treating abscesses with that horse I certainly agree with that. They used Clean Trax to help dry out the abscess. They made sure the abscess was well resolved before re shoeing him. I think he was then shod (well, shoes applied without any nails) in the Sigafoo shoes with pour in pads (pads do help sinkers).

I left him at the clinic. Champ was ready to come home in 3 days. I refused to take him home until after the weekend, as we had so many roller coaster rides with that horse already, I didn't want to take him home and have him crash again. Champ never did crash again. The day I loaded him, less than a week after thinking we'd be burying him, the vet remarked that "I wish my horse was that sound."

5 days later Champ degloved his front right leg straight down to the cannon bone after throwing it under a wooden fence. He had to be brought down to the university for intense cleaning/suturing of the leg. Now remember, this horse was a 4/5 lame on the LF only a week before! Now he has every reason to be laminitic due to the injury and not wanting to bear weight on the other limb. Thankfully his shoes really helped him, and he never got laminitis.

The abscesses were our biggest problem after then- and they could come on quick and with intense pain. As Champ's feet got healthier (we would argue they never were really 'healthy', but remember the damage to the circulatory system that we knew about), the abscess decreased in frequency and intensity. We caught and treated them quicker. It took a while to figure out exactly how the horse went best with shoes. As money eventually became a huge issue we tried to get him into the cheaper shoes (that didn't work well for Champ!). We tried to work with a local farrier to apply the shoes rather than hauling Champ (that didn't work- twice). After that 2nd time, we decided to only have Champ shod at the clinic. It seemed as if only one person in a huge 75 mile radius of equine professionals could shoe him- and it worked for the horse- so why change it. Champ did love the Sigafoo shoes and did so well in them, so we stuck with them.

On a final note we lost Champ only a few weeks ago to (unrelated preexisting) renal failure. You can search and find some pictures of us doing awesome things together- if I look at any of those pictures I'll break down terribly, as we miss him just so much. He was a very special horse in so many ways, but esp. in how much he taught us. While in the hospital the last time for renal failure, the vet (like many) was amazed at how sound he was for a sinker. Then the barn farrier said "I could FIX those feet." His feet didn't look pretty and weren't textbook, but they worked for Champ, and that is all that mattered to us.

A few things I have learned from our journey... take them for what they are worth!

-Laminitis is no longer a death sentence. That said, sinking is a tremendously difficult thing to deal with. I have heard of horses being radiographed on a daily or weekly basis as the sinking continues and continues....

-Thin is in! We tried to keep Champ race fit (a little heavier in the cold Colorado winters). Some gasped- but the extra hundred or 200 pounds doesn't help the feet.

-When shod, the horse should IMPROVE right away. I used to believe in the theory that sometimes they need a few days to "adjust", and can be worse right after shoeing/trimming, but not any more. Champ (and now all my other horses) are sounder after they are shod... otherwise, we switch farriers. IMHO, horses with issues like sinking just can't afford any "adjustment" time.

- Professionals (vets/farriers) who constantly use the words always, never, guarantee, etc should be avoided. Sometimes, those words are ok and proper, but not always or often (does that make sense)? The first vet promised me Champ did not have laminitis (when I continued to ask her for weeks afterwards). She put it in writing. She assured me over the phone- to the point of being annoyed by me- that she promises and guarantees it was not laminitis. This wasn't an 'average' vet either, but one with advanced training. Sadly, vets are only humans and they make mistakes.

-There is no one cure. What worked for Champ won't work for others. I have seen people advertise the "only" cure for laminitis- and I firmly believe there isn't only one.

-Professionals who don't offer a referral- either when the horse is doing poorly or when it is something in which a specialist may be able to offer more options for- are unethical. The client should at least have the choice and know all the options.

-The best professionals can take the time to answer your phone calls, explain things thoroughly, give you options, and not let you feel rushed or that you are annoying them. Remember, without a client these professionals would not have a job!

-Set reasonable boundaries. Decide at what point is too much. Stick to it.

-Follow your gut. Which may not always coincide with your emotions.

Don't hesitate to email me for moral support. (margaret.desarno@gmail.com) Maybe our podiatry team knows someone in your area (not sure where you are, OP). Hang in there, and I hope you have the next amazing successful sinking rehab story!

[Fharoah]

Jingles for Wishky! Best wishes!

[Scar Face]

Fat Palomino: Your boy was beautiful and I can understand the emotions involved. Your post has given me hope as I am going through a similar incident, however my horse has started showing signs of IR. After two severe cases of laminitis, lots of tears, etc. the BM finally agreed to change the feed, however we are still dealing with the laminitis issues.

Still jingling for Whiskey! Keep us posted!

[Zu Zu]

Monday Jingles for Whiskey ~ hope he is feeling better today. AO ~Always Optimistic !

[Diamondindykin]

We are going to let Whiskey go today. He is worse today and off his feed. The vet will come and nerve block his front feet and we will bring him home (a 5 minute trailer ride). He will get to say goodbye to him mom Diamondindykin eat as much grain as he wants and he will be laid to rest next to Peppy in their favorite summer pasture.

[Bogie]

(((((Lots of hugs)))))

I am so sorry for you on this sad day. You obviously have given your horses the very best of care and to lose two so close together must be heart breaking.

[elsbet]

I am so sorry!!! Many, many hugs to you - you fought the good fight.

Godspeed, Whiskey!

[jetsmom]

I'm so sorry. I've been following this thread and really hoping for a better outcome. Godspeed Whiskey.

[monstrpony]

So very sorry that you are losing this fight. Hope it goes as well as those things can. Godspeed, Whiskey!

[li'l bit]

I'm so sorry that this is the outcome for your special boy. You tried so hard and it has been a rough time for you. God Speed.

[LuvMyTB]

I am so very sorry. God speed to your boy, and strength and peace to you.

[eventgroupie2]

So sorry for you and Whiskey. Hugs from Va.

[FatPalomino]

((hugs))
((hugs))
((more hugs))

You're making the right decision, because you know your horse best. With all the money and best care in the world, I have seen sinkers that have never come pasture sound.

I'm so very sorry for your loss. I promise, Champ will be there at the bridge to show Whiskey around ;)

[bf1]

Oh no, so very sorry for this outcome. RIP Whiskey.

Hang in there. You have been through so much - it will take time to heal.

[Zu Zu]

Godspeed Whiskey. Thoughts and prayers and HUGS for everyone who loved Whiskey. He was a handsome teasure who will remain in your hearts forever.

[katarine]

I'm so sorry for your devastating loss. HUGGGGS

[hitchinmygetalong]

Oh, I am so sorry to hear this. How brave of you to do the unselfish thing. Many hugs from Kentucky.

[ILuvmyButtercups]

I've been following this thread because I'm in a similar situation with my good boy since Aug '09. Can totally feel your sorrow ~ how many times have I stumbled back to the house in the evening thinking I should just go ahead and call the vet for the final visit. So little is worse than this! :no:

Hugz, tears, and jingles ~ you did everything you could, and he knows it. Bless you for finding the courage to know when enough was enough. :sadsmile:

[MunchkinsMom]

My deepest sympathy that you have to make this difficult decision, especially on the heels of loosing another horse prior to this, my heart breaks for you. Heres a big hug from Florida, and a few tears too.

[Diamondindykin]

Everything went well. We nerve blocked his left foot so that he had something to help him balance with in the trailer. He loaded and unloaded well. It was so heartwarming to see his reunion with his mom but also very sad because he was so happy to be home. My trainer came to hold him while he was euthanized as me and my husband couldn't handle it. I had scheduled another vet from the hospital to put him down because I didn't think it was fair that the vet who tried so hard to save would have to do it but he came anyway. He let the other vet put him down but he was there for support. The other vet told me later that my vet was very devasted that we couldn't save him.

When he was gone they took the wedges off and the bone could be seen coming through the sole and it was infected so I did make the right decision. I actually feel a strange calm now............I am thankful that he no longer suffering.

I can't believe that both of my boys are gone!! RIP Whiskey & Peppy.....

[Quinn]

I can't even begin to say how terribly sorry I am. What a total heartbreak but bless you for trying do hard and knowing when enough was enough. I'm in tears here.

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

[esdressage]

I just read through this entire thread and am in tears for you, but I'm glad that beautiful Whiskey is no longer in pain. How wonderful that he was able to spend his last moments at home, as well.

I am so very sorry for your loss, both of your horses so close together! Life is not fair, but your boys knew they were loved, I am sure of that.

[deltawave]

So very sorry, but bless you for being there for him and taking his welfare into your hands and heart, doing what needed to be done. :sadsmile:

[Beasmom]

God bless you. You did the right thing for Whiskey. What a heartbreaker.

[Alibhai's Alibar]

I'm so sorry for your loss and I admire your devotion to your horse, even to the very end.

[mp]

I am so sorry. Laminitis is the worst. Bless your heart for doing the right thing.

[ChocoMare]

I followed this from afar...

You have done the most self-less, loving thing for him. :cry:

((( Many hugs ))) :sadsmile:

[Thomas_1]

Sorry to hear of the tragic loss of your horse.

[atr]

I am so sorry for your loss.

[eventgroupie2]

My heart is breaking for you. Just know that you did the final right thing for Whiskey after you had tried everything to save him. I am just so sorry that it had to end this way for you, and wish there was something I could do for you to ease the pain. Massive hugs from VA.

[maybedog]

I know how heartbreaking this must be for you. Can't express how sorry I was to read this. Please know in your heart you went above and beyond to ease his pain. Many hugs sent your way.

[pixie]

so sorry

[cardicorgi]

C, I'm so very very sorry to hear about Whiskey.

Sometimes a kind passage is the last best gift we can give them.

You did the right thing, and it sounds like you are taking some comfort in that - I hope you are. ((dyber hug))

[JB]

I followed this from afar...

You have done the most self-less, loving thing for him. :cry:

((( Many hugs ))) :sadsmile:
:sadsmile::sadsmile::sadsmile:

[Mallard]

Many ((HUGS)) from Ontario.
I hope that I have your courage when it is time to let mine go....

[jpeg]

Deepest condolences, and hugs. :cry:

[Futuresmom]

More hugs & tears coming from Florida! I am so sorry for your loss you have had the past couple of weeks. Just know you have done the right thing...and one day you will meet again.

[ctanner]

I am so sorry.

[JoanR]

Sometimes doing the right thing is very painful for the humans--but the best choice for our equine friends. I have lost two horses to laminitis and I know the rollercoaster ride you have been on. You did the best you could possibly do. Sometimes it is just not enough. The time will come when you can think of him and smile, rather than cry. Although I still cry for my two even years later. I am so sorry for your loss. Laminitis is absolutely the worst thing to go through, I think.

[Poniesofmydreams]

I am so sorry for both of your losses. Please take care of yourself as these are very big stresses. Hugs to you and your family.

[shea'smom]

I am sorry that your lost your boys. I just want to come and give you a big hug. I'm glad that you can know you made the right decision.
Boo.

[jaimebaker]

I'm so terribly, terribly sorry.:cry:

[sdlbredfan]

I am so sorry. He was a lucky horse, to have you for a human. Picture in your mind's eye the two boys running around in heavenly fields now, and know that you will see them again in spirit form someday.
hugs, Jeanie

[foundationmare]

What a heartbreaking story, but heartwarming as well because you loved your boy so much to do everything in your power to help him. Bless you. I am happy that you feel relief now: you know you did the right thing for him and I hope your ensuing days are ones of peace and lovely memories.

[EqTrainer]

I actually feel a strange calm now............I am thankful that he no longer suffering.

I know exactly what you mean. Hugs to you and godspeed to Whisky.

[3horsemom]

i am so sorry for your losses. life is just hard. you will be in my prayers.

[blackstallion2]

Jingles for all of Whiskey's friends left behind :(
Run fast and run free Whiskey

[Laurierace]

You gave the greatest gift a person can give. You took his pain away and made it your own. Godspeed Whiskey, run free.

[Diamondindykin]

Thank you everyone!! Whiskey is at peace and so am I now. For me making the decision to let him go was much more agonizing then the actual act of doing it. I already miss him so much because our whole lives revolved around him especially the last three months.

He was cherished from the moment he was born and he will continue to be cherished forever in our hearts!!!

Everyone please make sure you hug your horses tonight and every night!!!

[marta]

i am so sorry for your loss.

[monstrpony]

GIANT {{{{Hugs}}}}. But also, alas, Well Done.

[Scar Face]

I am so, so sorry. I can only imagine the emptiness in your heart. Just know memories will soon fill the hole.

[Zu Zu]

Sending some Jingles for the family today ~ thinking of you & sending hugs.

[kookicat]

I'm so sorry.

[Coreene]

I am so sorry for your loss. Willem fought and lost the same fight, and it's just so devastating. Giant hugs for you, he could not have had a better mom.

[Nlevie]

Sorry for your loss !
But Thank you for doing what was right for your horses and sharing your story to help the rest of us if we find ourselves with the same problem.

RIP Whiskey -

[Rodeio]

I am sorry for your loss.

[Buffyblue]

I'm so sorry! You and he fought hard, but some things are not meant to be, I guess. Your boys are together now. RIP Whiskey. Hugs to you and your husband.

[Diamondindykin]

My husband and I had a conversation tonight at dinner about Whiskey's mom and whether or not she will grieve for him.

When he was buried today they placed his body right by the fence to her paddock. She was probably two feet away from his body. She stood there looking at him the whole time it took to dig the hole and bury him (about 1/2 hour). After the backhoe left she stayed there for 20 minutes or so looking at where his body was. My husband fed tonight and thinks that she is acting funny and somewhat depressed.

What do you guys think? Does she know that he was dead and can she grieve for him?

[MunchkinsMom]

I think she knows and may be grieving, just not in the same way that we human's do. And the thought of that makes me sad too.

[Diamondindykin]

I think she knows and may be grieving, just not in the same way that we human's do. And the thought of that makes me sad too.


My heart breaks for her too:cry: She adored him and he adored her. She was such a great mom to him. They were always together and they would both eat in the same stall.

I did want her to know that he was gone so she wouldn't wonder where he went (if she can even think that way).

[Zu Zu]

I believe you did the absolute correct thing for the mare ~ she needed to know. I went through this painful grieving process ( my own as well as my cat, Hillary's) for her sister "O" last April. We allowed Hillary to say "good-bye" and see her sister after "O" had passed away at the emergency vet cliinc and before we buried "O" with red roses in the backyard. In spite of this ~ our beloved Hillary could not handle the death of "O" and she herself joined her sister across the Rainbow Bridge in August ~ a mere four months later. It was a devastating summer for us. We miss our beloved "O" and Hillary so very much. Please help your mare to get through her greiving process ~ thoughts and prayers for your entire family ~ house and barn.

[Diamondindykin]

I believe you did the absolute correct thing for the mare ~ she needed to know. I went through this painful grieving process ( my own as well as my cat, Hillary's) for her sister "O" last April. We allowed Hillary to say "good-bye" and see her sister after "O" had passed away at the emergency vet cliinc and before we buried "O" with red roses in the backyard. In spite of this ~ our beloved Hillary could not handle the death of "O" and she herself joined her sister across the Rainbow Bridge in August ~ a mere four months later. It was a devastating summer for us. We miss our beloved "O" and Hillary so very much. Please help your mare to get through her greiving process ~ thoughts and prayers for your entire family ~ house and barn.


I am very sorry ZuZu!! I am also a cat lover.....they actually call me a crazy cat lover. To lose two cats so close together must be the same as losing two horses so close together.....DEVASTATING:no::no:

I went out to the barn to give the mares their grain and Whiskey's mom ate her grain ok. She did keep looking out her stall door towards where he is buried which is unusual. I worked from home today and I only heard her call for him twice. I brushed her some tonight and we talked about him. The day he was born and when he came home from a year of training. Like me I am sure she will be fine but we are never to bury our children :no:

[skip916]

diamond- so sorry for you loss and thinking of your mare. hugs from GA

[Fharoah]

I am so sorry for your loss. You did the kindest act. My heart felt condolences! Hugs!

Rest in peace Whiskey!

[AKB]

RIP Whiskey. We do the best we can for them, but sometimes it is not enough. Then, all we can do is to help them have a peaceful death.

I do think the horses grieve for the dead horse. When we put my horse down 3 years ago, our others stood with his body for several hours. They called for him for about 2 days after the truck took his body to be buried.

When we were about to put the TB with laminitis down a month ago, our older horse would not come near me or my daughter when I was holding the euthanasia solution. I think he was worried it was also for him. After his friend was put down, he stood with the body for a few minutes and then came over to us. He called a few times after the body was loaded in the truck. The 2 younger horses seemed oblivious that anything was going on, but he was very aware of the entire situation.

I think it is good for the best friend herdmates to see the body so they can mourn.

Laminitis is such a bad disorder. I keep hoping that someone will find a cure.

[Dressage Art]

So sorry for your loss.

[eventgroupie2]

Continued hugs from VA as you make it through these difficult days.......