Southern California Advice Needed (Merry? Beezer? Coreene? Linda Allen? AAJumper? Et al.)

[elizabeth]

Hi gang.

I am contemplating having Buster-the-wonderhorse nerved on his right front leg. (Remember that he has navicular syndrome - clean x-rays, but caudal heel pain on the right front leg that is not really responding well to shoeing changes since I moved to CA.)

I am hoping some of you might have answers to the following questions:

(1) My vet suggested I use Humphrey Giacopuzzi & Associates or Alamo Pentada for the surgery. I have NO idea where this second place is located or if I even have the name right. Please let me know if you know where it is or how to spell it.

(2) Have any of you dealt with either place, and do you have views on either place?

(3) Do any of you have suggestions on any other clinics I should consider instead of or in addition to the two listed above?

(4) Lastly, should I contemplate sending Buster all the way to UC Davis?

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

[elizabeth]

Hi gang.

I am contemplating having Buster-the-wonderhorse nerved on his right front leg. (Remember that he has navicular syndrome - clean x-rays, but caudal heel pain on the right front leg that is not really responding well to shoeing changes since I moved to CA.)

I am hoping some of you might have answers to the following questions:

(1) My vet suggested I use Humphrey Giacopuzzi & Associates or Alamo Pentada for the surgery. I have NO idea where this second place is located or if I even have the name right. Please let me know if you know where it is or how to spell it.

(2) Have any of you dealt with either place, and do you have views on either place?

(3) Do any of you have suggestions on any other clinics I should consider instead of or in addition to the two listed above?

(4) Lastly, should I contemplate sending Buster all the way to UC Davis?

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

[Coreene]

I, too, cannot spell Alamo's second name, but I know that it is one of the premiere places to go to. Isn't it near San Luis Obispo? I have only heard good things.

A friend had her horse's nerving done at San Luis Rey in San Diego County, but that's the complete opposite direction.

Do let us know how it goes! As I sit here with a throbbing nail-less big toe, I can only imagine how poor Buster's heel must feel.

Willem, who is jangling extra hard for removing said nail, is going to add a Curb Chain Dance for Buster as well (he is still jealous that Buster got to go Fedex).

Fingers crossed!!!

[Erin]

Alamo Pintado... I think it's a very reputable facility, but that's just because I've seen it mentioned in a lot of articles and such. I don't know anyone who's actually used them.

Here's their website though:

http://www.alamopintado.com/

[elizabeth]

Thanks, Coreene!

Now at least I have a region to point to when I call 4-1-1 atain.

I wonder if we can nerve the front portion of your hoof... errr, foot. . . to block our your toe pain. (Just kidding - good luck with the natural heeling process. You'll be happy to know that when I broke my finger my Dr. gleefully told me that we have a HUGE concentration of nerve endings in our digits (toes and fingers).)

[Coreene]

Those nerve endings are definitely in working order!

I can't remember - how long is the whole process for nerving? Do they put the horse under or do they just ace them and block the leg, and then do the nerving?

[Merry]

Don't know nothin' about the first place. Have only rave reviews for Alamo Pintado. It's quite well known. Pretty much state of the art facility. They did amazing laser surgery on my friend's horse. I'd go there anyday. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Good luck with the Buster Man!

"Charter Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America"

[AAJumper]

I have never heard anything negative about Giaccopuzzi clinic...it's the most local clinic where all the colic surgeries are generally done for our area as well as other miscellaneous surgeries. A friend of mine had a horse that tore it's tendon and had surgery there. She didn't say anything negative about the clinic from what I remember.

You might want to do a little research into how complicated of a surgery nerving is...I think it's a more common surgery these days, thus not requiring a trek to a distant "premier" surgical facility. Giaccopuzzi's place is about a 20 minute trailer ride...Alamo is more like 3 hours I would guess. Davis is really far....8 hours, and I wonder if that would make a difference in his recovery, having to make that long trailer ride home (or would he stay there for 6 weeks?).

[Chef Jade]

Alamo Pintado performed 2 nerving surgeries (I know there is a technical name for them but my brain doesn't work like that.) for my horse and both went extremely well. The first surgery worked for about 4 years and then he needed it done again. There is a risk of the nerves growing back in a hard little bundle (again can't remember the name) and at that point the horse would need to become a pasture ornament. But again, we felt Alamo Pintado was the most qualified to do the procedure. And if you gave me some names to choose from - I could even tell who did the surgery!

We also use Giacapuzzi for non-routine veterinary procedures that do not require the horse totally going under. Actually - he also shoes miss Imelda Marcos-Jade...

So both are good but Alamo's specialty is surgery. They are located in Santa Ynez and have fabulous facilities.

[poltroon]

I would feel pretty comfortable with either of those. Alamo Pintado, in lovely Santa Ynez, is a top notch facility but because of that they can be busy.

Even without the distance question, I think you will probably be happier with either of those than UC Davis.

[elizabeth]

Oh, wow!!

Thanks everyone, for the information. I guess it is worth my while to look into BOTH places.

(Chef, I believe the surgery is a neurectomy, and the hard lumps are neuromas. I would love to hear a bit more about your experience with nerving. Can I e-mail you? Also, I would love to know more about Jade Marcos's shoes. Is she a navicular horse? I didn't know Giocopuzzi's did shoes. Hmmm. . . . Maybe that is worth a thought, not that I'm unhappy with my farrier. I'm not, but he's not a vet. . . .)

AAJumper, I think you are right that it is a fairly uncomplicated surgery, but if I can avoid having problems by going to a place that does a LOT of neurectomies in a truly cutting-edge environment, it is worth my while. I spoke with Dr. Sullivan at Giacopuzzi's, and he sounds great. I am likely going to take a look at the facility this weekend.

Now that I have been pointed to the Alamo Pintada website (thanks Erin!), I have also contacted them, and I am awaiting a return call.

Also, as I understand it, the surgery can be done standing up in a barn aisle, but most vets advise general anesthesia in a vet clinic . . . .

Thanks, all! And please give me more information if any becomes available to you.

[Coreene]

...who does not post, but emailed me and asked me to forward this to Elizabeth:

"I was reading the one with the nerving issue. If you don't mind, write to her and tell her to make sure if she goes through with it that she has it cut and not lasered. They all grow back but cutting will take much longer to grow back."

[elizabeth]

Please thank your lurking friend for the information.

I spoke with Dr. Sullivan at Giacopuzzi's, and he said that he does the double cut procedure (I think discussed in the August volume of the Practical Horseman). It seems that he has no intention of doing the laser procedure, but I will note your friend's advice.

Might your lurker friend have some input, in terms of positive encouragement with regard to the whole process? I would love to hear from people who have had the process done and did NOT have neuromas or other issues arise.

Thank you, coreene and Lurker Friend!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Chef Jade]

I'd e-mail you elizabeth but your address isn;t in your profile...probably for the same reason mine isn't, either (only have a work e-mail.) My mom could probably tell you more about everything that went on since I was about 15 at the time. You can e-mail her at mergpv@aol.com I'll tell her to expect an e-mail about Rocky's n..ner...ner...nerect...nerectomy - yeah that's it!

/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Lord Helpus]

Years ago I had a horse nerved at UC Davis. I believe they did the double cut or tied the nerve endings after they cut them (or was that my husband's vasectomy that was done that way?)

Anyway, there is a method which vastly decreases the chances of the ends re-growing and forming neuromas..... (or little babies.....)

[wtywmn4]

elizabeth Alamo Pintado is a wonderful facility. People from here in the north have taken horses to them. When you have the neurectomy done, make sure you do both front feet. Many people try to do just one, don't! This makes for complications later. Having done this on a wonderful mare, and gelding it does work. They can do it so your horse still has some sensation in the toe area. You diffinitely want this. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

So Lord Helpus your husband is nerved there now???? /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[Chanda]

Alamo Pintado is a great place. I have not had the occasion to use them but many of my friends have and were very satisfied. I even remember touring there many years ago. It is actually only about 15 minutes from my house. I will come visit you if you end up there!

[Beezer]

Hey, Elizabeth. As you know, we had the original Beezer "done." Best decision we could have made for him. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

I'd agree with Wty: Get both front feet done. Even if Buster *seems* bad in only one foot, very often both are involved and the symptoms will soon appear in the "good" foot. Plus, the horse will just adapt better if the sensation is the same in both feet.

I'd also agree that it's vital to go with a surgeon who's done a lot of these. As important: the after-care. To be blunt, if you (or someone you trust) can't follow the post-surgery instructions to the letter, you and Buster would be better off if Buster stayed at the vet hospital. When Beezer had his, the only reason my vet allowed him to go home the next day was because he knew the horse would get the same kind of care at home (that and, frankly, Beezer was driving them all crazy with his demands for carrots, licorce and orange soda /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif ). The possible complications are just too great to risk the savings on the day care at the hospital. Again, though, if you or the barn manager or trainer or whomever is comfortable caring for Buster "at home," Buster will probably be happier there.

There is a certain adjustment time for the horse. Beezer was cautious the first few times out of his stall; I did notice a real difference until he adapted. But once he did, and it was only a few days, he was back to his old silly self. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Would I do it again? Yup. Even with all the risks -- and they are MUCH LESS today than they were back then -- it was the right decision for Beezer.

Best of luck to you and Buster!!

(P.S. to Pam/Lord Helpus: Your reply made me laugh out loud. Mr. Beezer had the same procedure -- but that was before Beezer's time. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif )

****Bulletin Board Goddess****

[elizabeth]

That much I decided in advance: Buster-the-wonderhorse is going to stay longer than the minimum time at the hospital. For the extra $45 per day or whatever it is, I am much, much happier knowing that his bandages are being religiously changed, etc. etc. The vet at Giacopuzzi's (Dr. Sullivan) said Buster could go home the day of or the day after surgery, but I asked if Buster could stay longer, and he said that was fine.

Now, the article in Practical Horseman DID say that you should do BOTH front feet, but Dr. Sullivan said I should not, unless Buster had symptoms in both feet. Hmmmm. I'm gonna have to survey more people about that, b/c I tend to agree with you and the PH, Beezer.

Bezzer-meister (or anyone): Do you have any view on the horror stories we hear? The article in PH said the incidents of neuromas are low, as are the incidents of other problems. Now that the technology has improved, it seems, having a successful procedure is de rigeur (Ed. note: I just wanted to use that phrase. Sorry.)

I know there was a thread on nerving, and I followed it, but I just want a "tidge" more hand-holding. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Peggy]

I'm pretty sure that there's more than one and that they are related. Jim Giacopuzzi is also a shoer and works, at least some of the time, in Palos Verdes. Who knows--maybe they are all talented and do both.

[AAJumper]

I think the Giacopuzzi's are the same ones that owned a dairy, too, right? Down the stream from my old house was the Giacopuzzi drive-up dairy mini-market.

[Merry]

Okay, just for the record: My friend's horse that had the laser surgery at Alamo Pintado... That was NOT laser surgery for a neurectomy!

As for Mr. Beezer and Mr. Lord Helpus, mover over so Mr. Merry can join your ranks. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif So, while you were in the waiting room, could any of you hear your husband screaming? For some reason I just began giggling and buried my head in Newsweek. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Now, maybe if I'd hauled him up to Alamo Pintado... /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

"Charter Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America"

[elizabeth]

Hohhhhh (<<elizabeth makes Homer Simpson noise>>). . . dairly market. . . .

Now, if the Giacopuzzi's could get their business enterprises together, I could drop Buster off for the surgery, get some ice cream to soothe me as I worry, go back and talk to the farrier about how to shoe him, and get a large chocolate milk for the drive home.

[AAJumper]

Well, you are in luck! The old Giacopuzzi mini-dairy market is located near David's house! Just take Fallbrook north to Saticoy...it is on the southwest corner!!! I think it's still there, although the name might have changed! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[wtywmn4]

Gee, do you think horsewomen have a higher percentage of spouses having done this? You can add Mr. Wty to those ranks as well. So make that a very loooooooong couch. And Merry, if you'd hauled him to Alamo Pintada, his feet wouldn't hurt an iotta! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Merry]

Hmmm... methinks this thread is taking on a few extra lives! So I see it as kind of like this:

Haul your horse to Alamo Pintado for a neurectomy. Drop your husband off at the local health clinic for a "little procedure". Then, regather the horse and hubby and buy them an ice cream bar for being good little boys on the way home! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

"Charter Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America"

[Coreene]

In fits of giggles to realize that he's not the only gelding in the barn. Or so to speak. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

I too have heard that you need to do both legs.

[Chef Jade]

Forgot to mention...

I understood that in order to decrease the chance of nueromas - the surgery should be done while the horse is down - not standing. But I am certainly no vet and have had only one experience with this.

[AAJumper]

Hmmmm...now you have me wondering, Coreene, who else in our barn is, ehem, gelded!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[Beezer]

OK, now that I am sitting here giggling, envisioning every man in the room crossing his legs ... I know of at least two other horsey types who've had the snip job. Not intimately, so to speak, but just on their S.O.'s say-so. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Aaaaaannnnnywaaay, Elizabeth: From what I've heard, the incidences of complications are MUCH LOWER now than they used to be. When we did Beezer, the vets basically told us it was nerve him or put him down. We took the only reasonable option. We had long talks about neuromas, needing to be religious about checking his feet, the nerves growing back ... basically, every bad scenario that we could think of, we discussed. I think that's really important: You have to know going in what *could* happen, even in the rarest of circumstances (including the horse dying under the anesthesia). That way, you've made the mental and emotional commitment to accept the worst possible outcome. Not saying AT ALL that the worst-case scenario would happen, but that's just kinda how I approach most things in life. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Again, to limit the chances of a bad outcome, I'd go with someone who has done a lot of these -- which it sounds like you already are. /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif Our worst moment with Beezer was a couple of days out, when I was changing the bandages, and I noticed puffiness along one of the suture lines. Panic set in; vets came on the run ... turned out that that was the foot done by the less-experienced of the two surgeons. /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif But it was just a minor, minor hitch and Beezer was absolutely fine. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

I've said it before, I'll say it again: Given the same circumstances, I'd do it again. Now, if only something could be done for ringbone.... /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

****Bulletin Board Goddess****

[Coreene]

Elizabeth, she just emailed this:

"This is in reply to your friend with the nerving issue. VERY IMPORTANT to take the time in bringing the horse back after it is done. Very slow. The horse will want to run and play very soon cause his feet won't hurt. DON'T LET HIM. If the lay-up is done well he should be fine for a long time. Quick lay-ups may cause the nerves to grow back sooner."

[wtywmn4]

Totally in agreement with Beezer, between fits of laughter at the other course, ahem. Having done one standing, and one laying down, it is truly something your vet will talk to you about elizabeth. Knowing how hard it is on a horse, being down and knocked out, if it is at all possible, standing is much better. And bringing them back is something that must be done slowly. They do feel wonderful, and want to play. They cannot do this. Like Beezer said, I too would do it all over again. Sorry to be repetitive, but going with a vet who has done mucho amounts, will help in the long run.

[elizabeth]

Beezer: Thank you. One more query - how long was Beezer fine for? Did you have several sound years? Did you have to have the surgery re-done ever?

Coreene and Lurker Friend: Thank you. Good advice. I intend to take at least a week off when Buster has the surgery. I will leave him at the clinic for five days, then I will take care of him personally for 10 days - hand walking a few times a day. After I have to go back to work, the grooms at my barn can handle the hot walker or hand walking routine. Buster DOES tend to run, even when DEAD lame, so I appreciate the advice about NOT letting that happen. We just will not turn him out for a few weeks.

Dr. Vanessa Cook at Cornell, who diagnosed Buster two years ago at Virginia Tech, just spoke with me on the phone. (That woman is unbelievable.)

She said that I should do two additional things to avoid neuromas: (1) make sure he is NOT nerved soon after being nerve blocked (so if we go for our diagnostic appointment this Friday, when he will likely be blocked, he can be operated on no sooner than two weeks from then) and (2) make sure the surgeon is good, so that he goes in and out quickly without any poking around.

She also made the following good point: Always get a nerve block before the surgery, so that you can see what you will be getting after the surgery. If the horse is only at 80% when blocked in the nerve block, that is all you will get after surgery. Ahhhh.

Does anyone have any anecdotal experience with how long a nerving lasts? Chef's wonderful mom said that Rocky's lasted four years. Anyone else?

Oh, Merry, I love it! Good boys who behave during the snip-snip surgery get an ice cream bar from Giocapuzzi's.

[Beezer]

Wow, very interesting re the waiting after blocking, Elizabeth! And I'd add my "ditto" to the cautions about not letting Buster get too cantankerous until he's well and truly healing.

Beezer was fine for several years. Merry won one of the big county medal finals on him after the surgery, and he continued to win the hunters. We never redid the surgery; his retirement was more due to just general advancing age than to the navicular, and in his later years, he was a serviceable sound pony horse/lawn ornament/trail horse (enough so, in fact, that some of our hair-raising rides through town are the stuff of local legend /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif ).

I honestly don't think he was ever bothered by the navicular again after the nerving; I'm sure it's quite possible that the nerves grew back, but even years later, he was a happy, happy horse. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

****Bulletin Board Goddess****

[Coreene]

A gal at our stable bought a wonderful ex showjumper and was told never to jump him again. So she nerved him and did anyway. Story with a very sad ending, but I have not heard sad stories about nerving when it related to people who followed vet's orders.

Besides, Buster gets such impeccable care from you, Elizabeth - you're doing this as a kindness to make him more comfortable. It's not like you're going to pound him into the ground.

I'm guessing that he has all the women at your barn wrapped around his hooves? Have he and Cypress bonded? /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[AAJumper]

Poor Buster is probably afraid of the "women" since he is stabled across the aisle from a mare who better resembles a snapping turtle!!! Cypress is way way down the barn aisle, so she can't tempt him with her lovely tongue "movements", as you've witnessed in person Coreene!!! He is, however, next door to a nice gelding who had the animal communicator let us know that he thinks he has a nice butt, and likes it when people tell him so.

[elizabeth]

Such good, encouraging news about the Beezer horsie!! I'm glad for that. It sounds like he had a good life after the surgery. Ahhhhh.

Thanks, coreene, for the information. No, I am not going to pound Buster at all. Sadly, my life is too BUSY to even have time to pound him (well, good for him, but sad that my life is so hectic).

He does have the pampered life. Full care, just to keep him fit and happy, not to pursue a show schedule. After he is recovered, he will get two or three trainer rides on the flat per week, and one lesson for me (flat or jumping, depending on what he can do). Our trainer (who is great) is very sensitive to Buster's needs.

The very interesting thing about Buster is that he loves to jump. For example, when he was turned in this winter in the indoor with another horse (and me watching from the viewing room), he jumped the jumps in the ring, sua sponte!

So the vet at Cornell thinks he should go back to a life of low jumping (a lesson a week or every couple weeks) if that makes him happy. We'll see.

Oh, and he likes Cypress. On our walks back into the barn, I always let him stop and rub noses with her. She never nips at him or squeals or does the things some other mares might do. I think she liiiiiiiiikes him!!

Actually, when he was in Vermont, he made friends with the mare in the paddock next to him. The grooms finally came to me and asked if Buster could be turned out with the mare, because otherwise they would scream to each other all day.

Yes, elizabeth says proudly, my horse is a ladies man.

[elizabeth]

The animal communicator said that Hank thought he had a nice butt?? You're tellin' me that Hank sits around all day pontificating about his own rump? /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Now I'm gonna have to go look at it this weekend . . . . And I guess compliment him, if appropriate.

As to the mare across the aisle, Buster knows enough to stay away from her. David, the trusty boyfriend, however, has almost lost a limb to that mare.

[Coreene]

Oh yeah, like we expected anything else! He's in California, darling - he is now a movie star. Whether or not they actually grace the screen, they all think they are movie stars.

/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[elizabeth]

My boyfriend says his relationship with Buster is "conditional." (One moment Buster wants to be petted by him; the next moment Buster is tossing his head in protest.)

So I guess this confirms your view, Coreene - Buster is now a typical dysfunctional movie star type.

[AAJumper]

Yes, Cypress must like him if she didn't try to nip him! Just the other Saturday we were next to some gelding (I can't remember who) was next to her and tried to touch noses. She obviously was NOT interested because she tried to give him a quick little bite! In general, she's pretty unmare-ish though!

[elizabeth]

It's only a matter of time, AAJumper, before the same thing happens again: the grooms will come to us and ask if they can put our horses out together because they scream if they are separated!

Buster, elizabeth says proudly, is so attractive to the ladies.

[AAJumper]

I used to have a gelding that became attached to whatever mare lived next door to him. He also had his pasture women (always the young ones), who he'd herd around on the days I'd let him hang out there. His stall was right next to the pasture, and when another gelding was out there with "his" mares, he'd freak out!!! He would leap up on all fours, kicking and squealing! It was quite a scene. One of his mares was my friend's horse, and she later lived in a stall next door to him. She couldn't take her horse out without Roy freaking out, so finally she started turning them out together.

[elizabeth]

Back on topic: Tomorrow Buster and I and my trainer go to see the surgeon. We are going to have the surgeon block Buster's heels, to confirm that a nerving would get Buster 100% sound. We are also going to see what the surgeon thinks about Buster's shoeing. Just to ask. . . .

Everyone jangle curb chains for us, that this goes smoothly.

Oh, and we are going to Giocapuzzi's as opposed to Alamo Pintado. I made the decision that Buster is better off closer to home (as opposed to three hours away - travelling back on recently operated on legs would stink, I imagine!!). Also, my vet, Charlie Lisky, really has confidence in Dr. Sullivan and Giacopuzzi's. (He likes Alamo, of course, but given the distance, he feels Giacopuzzi's is just as good.)

P.S. It is just a matter of time, AAJumper, before Buster and Cypress throw fits when they are apart. (I think I heard Buster humming "Strangers in the Night" last weekend after he rubbed noses with Cypress.)

[Beezer]

Good luck, Buster! Am jangling my curb chain. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

****Bulletin Board Goddess****

[wtywmn4]

Curbs are jingling and jangling for our friend Buster. Good luck, and let us know how it goes, please?

[elizabeth]

Thank you for the good wishes.

I will ABSOLUTELY let you know how it goes. You guys are my horsey friends!! I will want your opinions, I am sure, after we get the surgeon's opinion. My fluffy horse. . . .

It was about this time two years ago that we took him to Virginia Tech and got the diagnosis. . . . It's funny - it feels very much the same - I'll go to the barn tomorrow, to meet up with my new trainer, who has only seen this horse be nothing but lame, just like my new trainer two years ago. We'll load him up. . . just like we did then. . . . drive to the hospital in the early fall morning. Just musing.

[TuxWink]

I hope everything goes well for you!

[AAJumper]

Good luck tomorrow Elizabeth! Charlie is great and wouldn't steer you wrong. Tell our trainer I said hello (since I am up here in Washington!) and give Cypress a carrot for me!

[Coreene]

Good luck, Buster!

Willem is sending telepathic good wishes. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[AAJumper]

So what did they say? Is Buster a good candidate for the surgery? I feel so out of the loop up here!

[elizabeth]

Here we go, here we go.

First, a bit of a rant: I spent Friday (after the vet visit), Sat., Sun. & today MOVING apartments. The biggest headache was not packing, unpacking, etc., but, rather, my INTERNET access. I have spent at LEAST seven hours of my life on the PHONE with Adelphia trying to get my cable modem access re-set-up in my new apartment. SEVEN HOURS, people!!! I could have birthed a CHILD in that period of time. ARGGGGGH. So I couldn't post this update until now.

O.k. So my trainer and I took Buster to Humphrey, Giacopuzzi & Associates on Friday to see Dr. Sullivan, the surgeon. Dr. Sullivan, I had been warned, is a bit. . . unexpressive, but since I was forwarned, we interacted well. I took it as a given that I needed to take the initiative to ask questions and such. And I found that he is a really really nice guy, quietness notwithstanding! He just is so thoughtful and academic that he doesn't think to explain every little thing to the layman. So I asked!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif (Poor guy probably ran out of words for the day after I was done with him.)

When we flexed and trotted Buster, he was indeed lame up front. So Dr. Sullivan concurred that we should block him to see whether we would get 100% soundness after the block.

Now, as you will recall, you all had advised that I get both feet nerved, but Dr. Sullivan didn't want to do that if Buster was only lame on the right. Well, lo and behold, when we blocked the right, he came up lame on the left. So we blocked the left. . . and - presto BAMMO - I had a totally sound horse. Dr. Sullivan was VERY pleased with the soundness after the block, and he said my horse was the perfect candidate for the surgery.

Dr. Cook at Cornell had suggested waiting two weeks for the surgery if we blocked him, because the block inflames the nerve area and the incidence of neuromas increases if you operate on an inflamed area. So Dr. Sullivan sent us home, and we will go back for the surgery at the end of the month.

Ah, it is nice to be making some progress. It is only a matter of time before Mr. Bustifer is finally comfortable.

Now I need to go see the Fat Boy. (The vet tech noted that he is "well fed." Well, I don't call him "Fat Boy" for nuthin'!!) I'm bringing him saltines, which I found when I was moving apartments. He likes animal crackers, so maybe he'll like the saltines. And we'll see what Cypress says about the saltines. . . . (Don't worry, AAJumper, if she won't eat them, I'll get her some carrots!) /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[JustaLurker]

What wonderful news, Elizabeth! Now you just have to be a bit patient, but knowing you'll have a sound horse after the surgery and recovery, that won't be hard. And, how nice that you and the vet were able to communicate well.

Cheers, Maggi

[wtywmn4]

Thats great news elizabeth!! Hooray for Buster. He will go into the fall being well heeled. Excuse the pun /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif That really is wonderful news!

Oh, I had Adelphia once, almost crawled thru the phone lines to try and throttle the entire company. What a bleeping disaster!!! You have my deepest sympathy!!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[AAJumper]

Great news Elizabeth! Buster will be much more comfortable, I'm sure.

[elizabeth]

Thanks, everyone!! I will keep you posted.

And AAJumper, Cypress liked the saltines. With the first cracker, she kind of tilted her head sideways, parallel to the ground, as if concerned with the stickiness of the crackers. (I could hear her thinking "This thstuff thicks to my mouff.")

Then she decided she really liked them, and, as I was exiting the barn, she queried whether she could have a few more.

[AAJumper]

LOL, yes, Cypress is quite the treat monster...a condition not created by me! Fortunately, she is at least polite in her begging, not nippy! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Merry]

Aha! So both feet get done, eh? My sister: editor by day, equine veterinary consultant by night... /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

By the way, elizabeth, not to open old wounds, but I may be interviewing William Shatner in a couple of weeks at a Saddlebred show. Any questions you'd, uhm, like me to ask him on your behalf? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

"Charter Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America"

[wtywmn4]

Hey Merry, ask him if he's still showing reining horses???

[Coreene]

I think we should go back to QVC and sell the accessories as "Curb Chains With Magical Healing Powers." /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Merry]

Oh wty, now THAT'S a vision of athletic loveliness, ain't it? /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

"Charter Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America"

[Beezer]

Go Buster! Go Buster!!

****Bulletin Board Goddess****

[dublin]

Uh, Merry, you could always ask him if he's as cheesy a rider as he is an actor....on second thought, maybe not! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

"Of course, that's just my opinion. I could be wrong." - Dennis Miller

[Coreene]

Who did that scary eye job?

[Merry]

Oh yeah, keep those questions coming in. Gee, I wonder if I'll be escorted off the showgrounds? /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

You know, his wife--- named Elizabeth!--- is the show's announcer! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif So, do I say, "By the way, I understand your equestrian wife is a professional announcer. Now, is she your third or fourth wife? And what does she think of your scary eye job? Or does she not care, what with the TV residuals and such?" /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

"Charter Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America"

[SoEasy]

ummm I thought his wife Elizabeth drowned in the pool last year?

[Beezer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by SoEasy:
ummm I thought his wife Elizabeth drowned in the pool last year?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

An understandable confusion, SoEasy. That was Nerine ... his third wife. Elizabeth is his fourth; they got hitched not long ago, about a year and half after Nerine drowned. (And, yes, I do know waaaaaaay too much about his personal life. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif )

****Bulletin Board Goddess****

[wtywmn4]

His wife is the announcer??? And where did we meet #4? Hmmmm, wty is imaging Merry being escorted off the show grounds for upsetting the esteemed Captain Kirk. Well, is he showing his horses there? That could be very entertaining /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[Merry]

No, no, no... he married Elizabeth way less than a year and a half after Nerine drowned!

You should see the Saddlebred show schedule: Nothing starts before 11:00 am, and on Sunday it starts at 1:00 pm and is referred to as the "matinee". It just gives the impression that these folks have way too much fun at their shows!

"Charter Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America"

[wtywmn4]

And why you ask, don't we have schedules like this?? Doesn't the H/J crowd want to stay in bed? /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

Have to admit, Saddlebred Shows have some of the nicest parties going.

[MO]

Question for William Shatner..." Why when you were at Devon standing in line for the Tea sandwich's non the less, did you refuse to sign your name to a program (in which class you won) stating to the sweet young blonde that (and I quote) 'I don't do that sort of thing at horse shows' totally crushing the young ladies heart?"

That was back in 1986, I stopped watching Star Trek that year.

[Merry]

Oh geez, MO, now I guess before my photographer and I acost him at the show we should get what, clearance from his agent? /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Hey, who does he think he is? A Grand Prix jumper rider? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

"Charter Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America"

[Coreene]

Though who has more original hair is questionable.

Hey, think of it this way - we could have DENNIS RODMAN getting into horses and at all our shows!

[AAJumper]

Hmmm, Coreene you may be on to something. If Dennis Rodman participated at shows, then maybe people wouldn't be so concerned about something as minor as flying ponytails! Instead of braids, the horses will be wearing nose rings! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Heidi]

There's a tv hostess here in Canada, who interviews celebrities about their pets, named Marlen Cowpland. Featured in every episode is her fuschia-dyed dog, a Maltese, I believe...Leading me to wonder whether The Rodman would dye his horse, were he to grace the H/J world with his presence.

Among my claims to 'fame', I bought Hans Bill's vest from "TekWar" at a company wardrobe sale for $5. I wore it when 8 months preggo with Sumo. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Coreene]

entering the horse world. Can't even have dinner at Josh Slocums in Newport now with him in town / as an owner of that restaurant.

[AAJumper]

Awwww, come on Coreene, we need some good entertainment at the shows!!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[wtywmn4]

Yeah, come on Coreene. He would certainly liven it up a bit don't ya think?? /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif Nose rings on horses, all that lovely dye in their coats. Sweat in streams of different colors flowing. Hey, what more could a bored H/J crowd want???? Plus you always have the effect of his presence!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[Coreene]

Noooooooooo, you don't understand, he's SO scary that all the horses would run off.

[Merry]

Oh man, Josh Slocums! One of my great girlfriends was a waitress the first year it opened. That is still probably my fave Newport restaurant... well, it was. It's getting a tad too trendy, or I'm getting older and becoming a fuddy-dud. /infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

Why Heidi, are you alluding to the fact that our esteemed Capt. is a tad portly? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Here are my other possible celebs to nab: Patrick Swayze (Arabians) and George Strait (Quarter horses). The fact that I'm a fan of neither might make for interesting interviews... /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

"Oh no!" Merry exclaims. "I just realized the BB Police will be here soon, since we've strayed oh-so-far from poor elizabeth's thread topic!" /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

"Charter Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America"

[Coreene]

There, back on topic.

Elizabeth, have you set a date yet? Let us know so we can get extra curb chains ready.

[AAJumper]

Well, I finally got to ride yesterday (I've been on vacation for a week) and I saw Buster...he seems to be happy! Little does he know he'll be much happier in a few weeks! Cypress, on the other hand was, well, a tad bit excited about jumping since we haven't jumped much (once maybe) since The Oaks in mid-July! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif I was way out of shape, huffing and puffing after trying to control Miss Fire-Breathing-Dragon and negotiate some 3'3" fences. I felt like I had just done a half hour on the rowing machine when I was done!!!

I heard that Buster will be going to the clinic the day we leave for LAEC (Jumping Festival), which is September 19th. I'll be jingling my curb chain! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[wtywmn4]

YES,how is Buster???

[Bumpkin]

AA were you all the way up in Washington?
You should have come out to Donida to the horse show.
It was just North of Tacoma in the Enumclaw area. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[AAJumper]

Bumpkin, yes, I was in Olympia! I was thinking about you when I was up there. But I was trapped in The Family Zone, with no car!!! But darn, I should have emailed you...maybe I could have gotten my sister to take me to the show. As it was, we didn't really do anything on Sunday anyway, except go to the Harbor Days festival. At least I got a cute horsey bracelet out of it!

[brilyntrip]

and cannot tell you anything informative about the two clinics you mentioned.Elizabeth I am very cautious about nerving.The two most recent instnces I know of both grew neuromas and one horse was humanely destroyed the other is now a very very expensive lawn ornament! Can anyone tell me more about neuromas why they happen and if there is anything that can be done for them?

[wtywmn4]

The two horses I had done, never had any problems with neuromas brilyntrip. One was done standing, and the other laid down. I was told however, that there was a possibility that the nerve endings could grow back. Have no idea why neuromas happen......???

[elizabeth]

<<Insert same rant from prior post about cable modem service provider and lack of service until now. Though when I called the Corporate Division Manager and suggested maybe I would get a better response from the FCC, it was remarkable how quickly they came to my apartment.>>

I digresss. . . .

As to nerves growing back, I was told between 18 months to 7 years or never.

As to neuromas, my understanding is that 5-10% of neurectomy candidates get them. Dr. Cook at Cornell said that nerve blocks prior to nerving (and the associated inflammation?) have been associated with neuromas. Dr. Sullivan said he has seen no studies showing such, but, given the inflammation associated with a nerve block, that makes sense.

I'm taking that to mean also that general inflammation can be bad, so I'm keeping Buster on Bute 'til the surgery day to keep the inflammation down.

You know, Wty, I'm not sure if they are going to do him sitting or standing. . . . I mean laying down or standing. (whoops!!). I'm going to shoot a fax off to the surgeon on Monday, and I will let you all know what he says.

[AAJumper]

As far as I know, he's scheduled to be dropped off for surgery tomorrow morning. My thoughts will be with Buster tomorrow morning!!! I hope all goes well - he is in good hands! Elizabeth, please let us know how he does!

Wtywmn, out of curiosity I asked my trainer how they were going to do the surgery, and it was her understanding that he would be laid down. Is that right, Elizabeth?

[elizabeth]

AAJumper, you are psychic!!

I was JUST thinking about posting, b/c "Buster the Wonder Horse" is indeed going in for surgery tomorrow (the surgery will be on Thursday). I wasn't sure, though, that it was appropriate to post about a less-than-critical topic, given the recent events in the US.

I guess, though, given Mayor Rudy Giuliani's emphatic command that we resume life as normal, I will post. . . .

As to HOW Buster will be positioned, Buster will be strung upside down. Yes, you heard me correctly. Dr. Giacopuzzi himself discussed with me how they do it. They want to minimize bleeding (to rduce the risk of neuromas), so they want to get his legs up in the air, so that the blood will run DOWNWARD. So they hang him in the air with his legs hanging UPWARD, footsies pointing toward the ceiling. How neat-o!

As Dr. Giacopuzzi explained it to me, they put him (Buster, not Dr. Giacopuzzi) in a pulley-type-hammock thing suspended from the ceiling(he obviously used a more accurate phrase), and then they put/string Buster's legs up in the air.

Oh, dear, I just had a funny thought. I thought to myself "I hope he has clean underwear on, since he is going to the hospital." /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[wtywmn4]

We will be jangling our curb chains for Buster tomorrow.... /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Bumpkin]

Do you get to be there and watch?
It seems like it would be an interesting thing to watch, but on the other hand....I don't know if I could watch them doing surgery on MY horse.

What are you going to do?

[elizabeth]

Uh, no Bumpkin. /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif You are talking to the woman who, when she heard that her horse's neck popped during a chiropractic session (not that I HEARD the pop - I was just told that it popped), she got dizzy and her ears rang and she had to sit down!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Matter of fact, I have not even entertained the notion of watching it.

Each time the surgeon explains it (both Dr. Giacopuzzi and Dr. Sullivan told me EXACTLY what they do), I think "ewwwwwww."

"We make two incisions (sp?), pull out the nerve, pull it taught, and cut it in the guillotine method."

[AAJumper]

Ugh...I don't think I could handle watching either. Although strangely, I love the show Trauma, Life in the ER. I guess it's okay when it's on TV...just not live.

I'll be jingling my curb chain on Thursday!

[TuxWink]

Good luck!

[In The Gate]

Good luck! AAJumper- I'm with you. I don't mind the ER type shows, emergency vets ect, but I was actually in the O.R once watching sugery on a dog, and elizabeth, I think I outdid you /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif I actually fainted. That was really embarrassing. When I looked up, I saw three or four veterinarians standing over me...

Now that, I will never forget.

But I still want to be a veterinarian, I'm going to have to get over it sometime...

Valerie
~VWiles02@yahoo.com~
Valerie's home page (http://www.geocities.com/vwiles02)

[elizabeth]

Thank you all for the good wishes for Buster. I will let you know how it goes.

In the In Gate, you did out-do me. A horse-person after my own heart. . . .

[Bumpkin]

I don't mind watching surgeries as long as it is not my horse.
I watched my dog get a C-Section a few weeks ago with no problem.
I think it was sleep deprivation though that allowed me to watch, as I normally would have been a bit overwhelmed and on the floor myself.

Of course after I got the huge 4 figure bill and saw that I was being charged by the min for a Vet who helped us rub the only surviving puppy and the two techs, on top of not only xrays but use of the xray facility, I was glad I got to watch it /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Merry]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>"They make two incisions...pull it taught, and cut it in the guillotine method." <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Are we back to discussing our spouse's vasectomies? /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif


Good luck to the Buster Man!

"Charter Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America"

[Coreene]

In Buster's honor, I am jangling all the curb chains I own and, in a show of Foot Support, am wearing closed shoes for the first time since my toenail ripped out.

You know, the one that two doctors said would never grow back, which is already growing back.

Elizabeth, please give us regular updates!!!

[Beezer]

Go Buster! Go Buster!! Tomorrow's your big day!

Channeling good thoughts to you and your mom, Elizabeth. Try not to be nervous or worried. You will feel better. This is a good thing. Just make sure you behave yourself and follow doctor's orders. No racing around that paddock for a while, young man!!

Jangle, jingle, jangle, jingle, jangle, jingle....

****Bulletin Board Goddess****

[JustaLurker]

I add my jingles and jangles of the gold curb chain. I'll be thinking of Buster tomorrow and will be waiting to hear how he withstands the surgery. How long will it be before he's back to light work? And, how long before you can tell if he's sound again? You've probably told us all of this, but I'm losing track of what's going on in the world.

Cheers, Maggi

[dublin]

I KNOW this is going to be much harder on you, elizabeth, than it is on him..... I had to chuckle though, picturing him suspended upside down with his best underwear on. (thanks for the smile at this particular point in time) /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Amazing how much I have learned about this topic reading everyone's posts!!

[Bumpkin]

How did it go??? /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

[AAJumper]

Bumpkin, he got dropped off today, but actually has his surgery tomorrow. When I posted about him going, I thought the surgery was today, since that was when he was being dropped off, but Elizabeth corrected me and said the surgery actually takes place tomorrow.

Elizabeth, let us know how it goes as soon as you find out! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[elizabeth]

I will ABSOLUTELY let you know how it goes.

(In addition to curb jingling, I respectfully ask that you offer prayers, to the extent that you pray, that the surgeon has a steady hand and all goes well.) /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[elizabeth]

Oh, and Maggi, sorry that I forgot to answer your questions:

The Bustmeister-General will be hand walked for two weeks. Then he can be turned out. After a month (total), I can get on his back.

My understanding is that 100% soundness is what we are looking for. Either they 100% got the offensive nerve or they did not.

Bumpkin, a c-section for a dog? How did they know she needed it?? Or is that normal?

[Bumpkin]

Stuck dead puppy, xrays showed three left, and one was HUGE. Also a pretty good prospect that all were dead due to seperated placentas.
It was awful.
Thank God for small miracles, there was one live one left to save. He is cute and fat as a tick and much loved by his mother, Sketcher, and us.
He is going on three weeks of age and very healthy.
Sketcher will be spayed asap.
/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[elizabeth]

Ahhh, yes. Very sad about the lost puppies, yet very nice about the saved puppy!!

Congratulations on the new baby. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[MO]

This little "tick", Sketcher's Son, will be loved by Mo, Dr. Mo and especially mini Mo as well!!

We can't wait! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[beameup]

that Buster has a successful surgery and a quick recovery. Will be jangling curb chains in NY.

[elizabeth]

Thank you, everyone, for your prayers. Dr. Sullivan left me a message yesterday afternoon saying the surgery went fine, and Buster was getting up at about 4 p.m. I'm going to call this afternoon to see how he is doing. (David, the wonder-boyfriend, is heading up there this morning to distribute apples to the furry horse! )

<<elizabeth lowers her voice to a whisper so that Erin and the moderators can't hear her getting "off topic". . . >>

I'm going to Santa Barbara for Friday night and Saturday. Can anyone suggest what to do up there? A winery, maybe, (does Chanda's do tastings?) or something else? Or should I see Slovang? Please advise. (But keep it DOWN, so that Erin doesn't hear us getting off topic!!)

[Erin]

Too late. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Why don't you start a new topic asking about SB? You'll probably get more responses that way anyway.

[elizabeth]

Drat, foiled again!! You are like a freakin' mother, with eyes in the back of your head!

Do I have your permission to start a SB thread? I can tie it to Chanda and her horse, since they are on a vineyard in Santa Barbara.

Oh, but please don't shut this one down. I will continue to use it to post Buster-the-wonderhorse news!

[Erin]

Sure, a SB topic is fine... it's only mildly off-topic. No one will notice. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[elizabeth]

Excellent. Thanks.

Oh, hey, how 'bout doin' an article on Buster, who has just been nerved? Maybe "The Chronicle of a Nerving"? Or "Experiencing a Nerving First-Hand"?

You can chronicle the recovery process, since PH's recent article has stirred up some. . . "discussion" about nerving ("A Necessary Evil or Manna From Heaven?").

[wtywmn4]

Yeah!!! Thanks for letting us know elizabeth. Glad to hear he's doing so well!! Seeeeee, just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water, LOL...... /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Merry]

Well, elizabeth, I can't say much for Slovang, but the fresh Danish pastries in Solvang are to die for! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[Bumpkin]

Good to hear he is doing well.
You will let us know on Monday how he was won't you?

[Coreene]

I am sure that by now he has all the nurses wrapped around his little finger-hoof. Keep us posted!

[elizabeth]

As I noted, David went to see Buster this morning. I just got the report. He said Buster was fine, and he was walking around his stall just fine.

David also said he spoke with the surgeon while he was there (David waited'til halfway through the conversation to mention that little point. Uh,hello??) The surgeon said everything went well, and he spontaneously said that he thinks it is going to turn out really well for Buster. Yay!!

David also said one of the techs came up to him to say that she loved Buster. She said he's so friendly and sweet! Oh, if I had a nickle for every vet tech, groomer, mucker, vet, and barn manager who liked my horse. .. .

Anyway, I personally will see Buster-the-Wonderhorse on Sunday, so I'll let you know. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[Beezer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by elizabeth:
<<elizabeth lowers her voice to a whisper so that Erin and the moderators can't hear her getting "off topic". . . >>

I'm going to Santa Barbara for Friday night and Saturday. Can anyone suggest what to do up there? A winery, maybe, (does Chanda's do tastings?) or something else? Or should I see Slovang? Please advise. (But keep it DOWN, so that Erin doesn't hear us getting off topic!!) _<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Erin:

Too late. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif
Why don't you start a new topic asking about SB? You'll probably get more responses that way anyway.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Dang, Girl, you're GOOOOOOD!! That little exchange had me laughing out loud. /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif What, you don't have enough to do protecting our profession and your own hinney from the counterattacks on the President's speech thread?!?!? /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Or are you just suspicious of *everything* the California clique might be up to? /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

And as for the Bustermeister: HIP HIP HOORAY!!

****Bulletin Board Goddess****

[Coreene]

They always do. And when he gets home, he will want to travel with the tv and also get a little icebox in his stall for carrot juice and Cactus Cooler (always a favorite of Willem's - I am sure it is a conspiracy!).

[JustaLurker]

What wonderful news, Elizabeth! I was sort of surprised to hear that the rehab will play out so fast -- 2 weeks of hand walk, then turn out, and riding after a month. But, thinking about it, it doesn't sound outlandish. The external signs of the surgery should be pretty healed over by then.

Won't it be wonderful to ride without worrying every second that he has taken an "off" step? I'm just so very pleased for you, and of course, Buster.

Cheers, Maggi

[AAJumper]

Yay for Buster! I am so happy to hear that all is well with him, Elizabeth! I told our trainer today, and she was happy as well. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[wtywmn4]

Television pooh, he will want one of those flat screened, 37 inch puppies that hangs on his stall wall coreene. Then all the girls can come and visit doncha know... /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

Ahhh Beezer, its that Calif. mystic, everyone is sure we are up to something. What is the thing they can't figure out...
/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[elizabeth]

Don't get me started - If I get him a t.v., one of two things will happen: (1) He'll invite Cypress over to watch and then both of them will be reluctant to work because they'll get so into "Who wants to be a Millionaire" or (2) he'll get the big idea that he should be in television and the next thing I know he'll be trotting (soundly) down the 101 freeway to Burbank.

As to Erin finding us out, <<sigh>> she watches us like a HAWK.

[AAJumper]

I think you're on to something, Elizabeth. Now that he'll be feeling good, he'll for sure convince you that you MUST show at LAEC, in Burbank. In the middle of the night, right after the nightwatch person does a check, he'll bust out of his stall. Don't let Cypress fool you looking all sweet and innocenct...she'll be giving him tips that she learned last May, when she broke out of her stall there. She ventured off to visit some of the hot boys in Susie Hutchinson's barn, but was caught before she could get into trouble.

Once he's out...forget it...he'll be at the Disney studios in no time...it's RIGHT down the street!!!

[wtywmn4]

But you forget A/A, he has that big screen TV. And if'n the girls, Cypress for sure, come to his pad, he's going to be at home waiting for these lovelies.....No trotting down the 101 to Burbank for him..He'll need his Nike's on for that /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[AAJumper]

I see what you mean, Wtywmn. But if he thinks we're gonna load that huge TV in the trailer and haul it all the way to LAEC for a show, he's really gone overboard! I mean, a small get together at his pad is one thing (I mean, with that huge stall AND outdoor run, he's got the space for sure), but hosting a midnight bash at the show is another!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Hmmmm...now I'm getting really suspicious about those guys working on the electrical lines right near Cypress's stall yesterday at the show. I wonder what she was whispering to them. Perhaps she was arranging for the proper outlets to be set up at the next show, to accomodate the big screen TV!!!

I can see it all now...headline...Burbank police called to break up after hours rave party at LAEC....no humans involved, 2 horses thought to be organizers taken into custody.... /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

[elizabeth]

No, no, no, no.

I'll pay for that horse's fancy alunminum shoes ($200 every FOUR weeks, thank-you-very-much), I'll pay for that horse's injections, I'll pay for that horse's fancy blankets (all RAMBO since he plays like an idiot), and I'll even pay for ungodly amounts of carrots for the fat boy.

BUT if Buster-the-wonderhorse thinks I am paying a bail bondsman when he and Cypress get arrested, he is SORELY mistaken.

UPDATE: David and I went to see Buster yesterday on the way home from Santa Barbara. The vet techs said the vet hadn't come out yet that day (Sunday), but the surgeon had been out the prior morning to change the bandages, and he said the surgery site looks wonderful. I think I told you that he told David on Friday that he thinks Buster will turn out well.

And again, one nice woman on the staff came up to me as we were grazing Buster to say that he is the sweetest, most well trained horse. She loved working with him. (He was groomed to SPOTLESS by this woman! The care at Giacopuzzi's appears to be great. His stall is TOTALLY clean, he is, as I said, spotless, and he is well fed.)

One worrisome thing: He was less animated yesterday than he usually is. Meaning, when he is lame, I can usually tell the minute I arrive at his door. He comes to me in a very quiet way, as opposed to coming at me and nudging me hard to get carrots. So yesterday, he did the quiet, pensive approach to me. . . CRAP!!

I am hoping he is just sore from the surgery (e.g. being knocked out and hung upside down). (He walked fine though, other than being stiff. And, for the first time ever, he wasn't pointing with his right front foot.)

Beezer, Merry, Wty, can you guys speak to the soreness issue? Maybe that's why he was less animated??

[Merry]

Maybe he isn't sore, but just sick of the whole hospital routine. I know I get depressed in any sort of medical environment. Are they feeding him macaroni and cheese? The hospital variety is totally gross. /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

"Friends don't let friends eat fish tacos."

[Coreene]

Then again, maybe he just woke up on the wrong side of the stall. Buster's OC Partner in Crime (apparently they DO have laptops and email each other) Willem doest this about once a month. You know, like you'd swear he has PMS or something.

Or maybe he didn't sleep very well?

But the most important thing is that it went well - hurray! - and he can audition for movie parts where he'll have to do scenes At Speed.

[rusty]

Hi, I finally found every one. I am glad to here that Buster is settling in after the surgery. I hope I am on topic, I didn't read the rest of the posts after page one about a week ago. Buster needs a blender in his stall to entertain the girls that come over to watch the TV.

Alittle off topic, I will have my computer at home, yes I have a home now, next week some time. Then I will be able to share what has happened to me this summer. Three months ago if any one would have told where I would be now I would have said more than likely not. But things turned out better than I thought they could at the beginning of the summer.
/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Beezer]

I wouldn't worry too much, elizabeth. I'm sure he's feeling the aftereffects of his surgery. /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif It's bound to have taken some of the wind outta him. I figure if people always feel worse the few days after a surgery than they do the right after, can our animals be much different?

Ask if they're giving him any pain medication ... or maybe they've already told you. While it's always seemed borderline inhumane to me even though I understand the reasoning, many vets (equine and small animal) believe that *some* pain is necessary to help keep the animal quiet; after all, you don't want them feeling so good that they upscrew the surgical work.

Then, too, he may just be pining ... I know when we "visited" the original Beezer, he heard my voice clear on the other side of the hospital and started neighing and neighing and neighing. So Buster may indeed be ready to bust outta there. That, or he wants you to feel soooooo sorry for him that you'll bring Cypress and that big-screen TV over right away. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

****Bulletin Board Goddess****

[AAJumper]

But could Buster be feeling a little tenderness because of the incision itself? Or does the cutting of the nerve dull ALL sensation, even at the exterior site of the incision?

[JustaLurker]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by rusty:

A little off topic, I will have my computer at home, yes I have a home now, next week some time. Then I will be able to share what has happened to me this summer. Three months ago if any one would have told where I would be now I would have said more than likely not. But things turned out better than I thought they could at the beginning of the summer.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Don't leave us hanging too long. You probably need to start a topic titled something like "Rusty's Eventful Summer" so we can home in on it. I'm loving the fact that things are turning out so well for you. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Cheers, Maggi

[elizabeth]

YAY for Rusty. Please keep us posted. We are looking forward to the story.

Thanks, all, for your thoughts on what Buster's problem might be. As to the boredom or depression, you may be right. I mean, he has been moved a LOT over these three years (from NY to Vt. to Md. to N.J. to N.Y. to CA) and he never pouted. Maybe this was just a bit too much.

. . .awwww, now that I am thinking of it, he put his head over the door as we were leaving, as if to say "Wait. . . Momma. . . Where are you going??? And the door/gate was VERY high, because it was a hospital, so he could barely get his head over it. . .

Oh, now I'm sad. . . .

Luckily, my trainer was supposed to have picked him up today. Hey, AAJumper, can you give him some saltines or animal crackers, please? Both are in the top shelf of my trunk. . . . Thank you.

[AAJumper]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by elizabeth:

Luckily, my trainer was supposed to have picked him up today. Hey, AAJumper, can you give him some saltines or animal crackers, please? Both are in the top shelf of my trunk. . . . Thank you.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

No problem! I will see him tomorrow, and will give him a treat when I give Cypress her apres-ride treat.

He was probably annoyed not to have access to his patio while at the clinic. I mean, it's been so nice in the evenings, he was probably missing his evenings out on the veranda, gazing at the stars. /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[elizabeth]

Thanks AAJumper.

I'll send Buster some vibes. . . Momma's coming this weekend, honey. . . .

(Twenty bucks says he is on the veranda as we speak. He LOVES it out there.)

[wtywmn4]

Twenty bucks says he's on the veranda with a margarita!! He knows his momma's coming!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Remember the old adage, 3 days out from surgery is the hardest? Well it's that way for horses too.. Plus let me tell you, you do not want him bouncing off the walls. He needs to heal. So a little ouch is a good thing! Slows him down. He's literally been thru alot, slung upside down, cut etc...He needs one of rusty's margaritas thats for sure!!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Welcome home rusty...

Now momma, he will be ready to play in no time. And I bet he can't wait to get home.

[AAJumper]

Just saw Buster this evening, out for his afternoon stroll!!! He looked content, being handwalked around the property. Cypress was of course distracted as he walked by the arena. Already looking at men, and she's not even a teenager yet!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif Next thing you know I'll be having to sit her down for "the talk" and then haul her to the clinic for birth control pills!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

I gave him a few carrots after I gave some to Cypress. She wasn't very happy about sharing, though...she looked at me like "why are you giving away MY carrots???" Pre-teen girls...sheesh. /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[elizabeth]

Thank you for giving Buster some munchies. You are so good to him. (Remind Cypress that it is nice to share. (Pre-teen girls ARE hard!))

My trainer (AAJumper's trainer, too) called to say that he is doing well. YAY! And I'm glad to hear that he looked merry on his hand walk. I will see him this weekend. My furry fat boy. . . .

[Coreene]

Just wanted to send good wishes to The Bustermeister when you go see him this weekend. Please give us a full report!

[AAJumper]

Hee hee....I think Buster is feeling pretty good. I heard he was wild, and was getting pretty excited during his hand walks. Looks like the surgery was a success!!! /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif /infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[elizabeth]

Oh no. I am so embarassed!

I will go out and see him tomorrow (at some early morning hour), so I can see first-hand.

At least he feels better. . . .

Thanks for the update AAJumper. I have wanted to go out late after work this week, but I have had meetings EVERY night. EEEEEEK!!