Update on Gwennie: she's gone

[AW]

DW, check your PMs.

[albigears]

Awww, hugs to both of you. It is so hard to let them go and my heart goes out to you... having a horse slowly decline must be agonizing. The two I've had to put down were catastrophic situations and there was no choice and even that was hard. You know, I believe that animals are not afraid to die. I think that when we make the ultimate sacrifice to release them of their pain and suffering they are so grateful and their souls are happy to leave their broken bodies behind. But even when I know this in my heart, losing the physical connection of being able to give them a scratch or a cookie is heart wrenching.

[Fence2Fence]

I'm so sorry.

[fooler]

Major jingles from Effie (my grand old Chesnut TB mare) and me! Effie also had a round with the d**n'd EPM tho not as bad a case as Gwennie.
Another one hoping it is a case of her over-doing it in the large paddock. Good thoughts and prayers coming your way. Please give her a big hug from Effie & I.

Jean

[Bensmom]

Oh, Lynn. I, too, am sitting here in tears. I feel like I've "known" you for so long -- I still think of Gwennie as your "new" horse. And marvel at Bonnie, since I remember you very first planning for her.

I'll be thinking of you and sending virtual hugs your way. It isn't easy, but I know that you really will know. Of all the horse people I know, I would trust you to be able to make that decision and to do the right thing.

To some degree I believe it is easier when the decision is taken from us -- I had no choice with my Monster -- they don't come back from a shattered hip. But, on the other hand, there is a lot of comfort in knowing that you had a long and fantastic time together and that you are able to do what is best for them, even in the end.

I do believe that is the kindest gift we give these animals that give so much to us. We have the power to provide them with relief from pain. It is also, however, our greatest responsibility, and I can think of no one that I would choose that would bear the mantle of that responsibility more wisely and well than you will, when it is time.

Please give her a special hug from me and I'll be jingling down here that some Marquis will make a difference and she will rally and continue to have a happy retirement!

Hugs,

Libby

[AKB]

Jingles to you and to Gwen.

I would try to not panic yet. Our Herbie has been down this road many times. Just when I decide I can't manage his navicular and his heaves any longer, and the time has come, we figure out something that makes him comfortable again. I know he suffers on some days, but he has a lot of good days, too. Sometimes I think he is ready to go. Other times, I am sure he is not ready to go.

In contrast, when my 12 year old horse had his mysterious fever, followed by laminitis, it was obvious that it was time. My vet encouraged me to wait until I was sure. The day he was thirsty but could not walk across the stall to get to his water bucket, it was time.

Try not to worry too much. It is probably not Gwen's time, yet. Give her a chance. See if the vet thinks it could be an EPM relapse. Maybe a little Banamine or other medication would keep her comfortable until you and the vet can sort things out. Banamine was our good friend when my horse was ill.

[PhoenixFarm]

Aww Lynn. As you know we just went through it. I wouldn't wish it on anyone, so I will hold out everything I have that it isn't Gwen's time yet.

But, I will say this. The day after we lost Merlin, a friend came over, and insisted we "sit shivah" (sp?) (she's Jewish) and we watched every competition video we have of Merlin. And in doing so I found even more peace with our decision--because in watching them we realized how much he had sort of deteriorated and we hadn't realized it before, because it was slow. This was seperate to some degree from the condition which caused us to put him down, we just realized how differently he moved and carried himself.

It hasn't been a week for us, and it still hurts like he!!. But I know we did the right thing, for him. Whether it was easy to admit or not, he was on an inevitable downward spiral, and we let him go when he was still relatively comfortable and untraumatized. It would have been "easier" to wait for the crisis. But easier on us, not him.

Sorry, I'm rambling, because I still haven't worked through all my feelings and emotions yet, but just know that I'm thinking of you, and sending every positive vibe I have that it's not her time yet. If you need to talk, my PMs are always open, and my email and phone are on my website.

And if it is her time, there's a big handsome bay boy newly arrived who ALWAYS had a thing for feisty chestnut mares.

[EventingDreams]

I'm so sorry

I wish there were more that we could do for our partners when things are bad. I understand your concern about something happening to her while you are gone. I had a very big reality/fear check when the BO called me to tell me Dean went down in his stall and couldn't get up. They had rubber mats and his weaker leg from the EPM couldn't get traction. Problem was, I was at Rolex, as was pretty much everyone else I knew. I was absolutely terrified that I was going to lose him and I wouldn't be there for him. MME's breeder saved the day and rushed down to help them and managed to get him up. I made the decision that day that if he wasn't doing any better by fall then I would have to put him down. Winter's are too rough on them in Michigan, and I hated watching my athlete not be able to do the things that used to come easily to him. In his case, he didn't make it to fall, but I was grateful that he made it "home" to a friend's house in Traverse City, where he is now buried next to his brother.
See what the chiro/accu person says, and perhaps decide if you are willing to treat her with another round of Marquis if they think it's a relapse. Keep her as low stress as you can, and cherish every day you have together. She's a very special one, and we all know you only want what's best for her. Hugs and jingles to the both of you!

[shea'smom]

If you think it is an acute situation, ask the vet about a course of steroids.
I was looking at putting my guy down after he reached the point of standing in his stall with his head about 6 inches off the ground, unable to pick it up. The vet thought it was a very dire prognosis, I'll skip all that.
However after talking to some other vets, we started him on steroids. The first three days, nothing much, the fourth day he turned the corner! I could NOT believe it as I was already prepareing to let him go.
I hope there is a chance for your girl.

[Catalina]

Oh man, DW, loads of jingles that Gwen pulls through this.

[FoxChaser]

Ouch.... I missed your post yesterday. Major hugs and jingles to you both! We had something similar happen to my husband's horse last year. The vet diagnosed it as a bit of calcification from a vertebra that had chipped off and was impinging upon the spinal cord. We were given some options for treatment, but decided to have him put down because he already had some underlying liver problems. Whatever your decision, know that all of us are pulling for you both. I hope that this morning brings better news!

[Auburn]

Jingles for better news this morning.

[Thomas_1]

Here's hoping it's nothing too serious and you'll both be o.k.

Keep us up to date.

[Tazzie]

I'm so so sorry DW, hugs to you and Gwennie.

I, along with many other regular posters AND those of us that don't post all that often, are crying right there along with you.

[equinelaundry]

Nothing more to add except that you will know - you just will. Another round of Marquis is sounding good. Thinking good thoughts for you & Gwen. You'll do right by her no matter what and that's what makes you a true horsewoman.

[sidepasser]

I'm so sorry, I've followed Gwennie and you on the board for the longest time - feel like I know you both.

Jingles sent for both of you and hoping for a better report after the vet and chiro come out.

[shea'smom]

Foxchaser, I just sent you a PM. You are the first person I have heard of with the same diagnosis of my horse. thanks.

[ddashaq]

Jingles and hugs to both of you. Having followed your posts for a long time, I know that you will make the right decision, whatever it may be.

Please keep us updated.

[tarheelmd07]

My boys and I are jingling for Gwen from down here in Maryland. As one who's also been lucky enough to have one of those fabulous older schoolmasters come into their lives, I can't imagine how hard it will be when the time comes to let my old boy go (let's hope it's not for years and years!). Try to take some comfort from the fact that you've got Gwen's best interests at heart, and, when the time comes to decide what to do, you will do what's best for her (hard as it may be for you).

Here's hoping for a turnaround!

[circusponydreams]

Lots of jingles for you and your super mare - how's she doing today?

I also ride an opinionated, dressage-hating chestnut who never fails to get me to the other side of anything I point him at, and I always love reading about Gwen. I hope she's doing better.