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  Discussion on Blind and going deaf 32 year old mare
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New Member:
Nmrk

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 8, 2005 - 12:05 pm:

I have never posted before but I can't find any answers to my problems and I don't think I'm the only person with this problem that needs help.

I have had Lady (32 year old App. mare) for 24 years. She went blind at the age of 25 and we adjusted things accordingly. Unfortunately she is now going deaf and I'm at a loss of what to do.
Since she lost her sight she and I worked together to use voice commands to let her know when to step over something or put her head down so I can reach the top of her head, etc. Now that she is almost deaf she has become very skittish and almost impossible to handle.

I just can't bare the thought of putting her down as my vet suggests. I need help!
Member:
Caroltd

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 8, 2005 - 12:40 pm:

Nonna, I don't have any suggestions but my heart aches for you. I too have an older Appy mare and so your problems and questions struck close to home for me. You and Lady are in my prayers.

Carol
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 9, 2005 - 8:12 am:

Welcome Nonna,
You could try making her environment small enough so that memory and touch alone allow her to know where she is. Perhaps a small secure paddock with a shed. This and time to adjust to the new situation may do it. However if you cannot find a situation where your mare is not continuously frightened because she cannot easily sense her world, I want you to think of what is best for her.
DrO
New Member:
Nmrk

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 9, 2005 - 8:46 am:

Carol,

Thank you for the kind words. Your prayers are greatly appreciated.

Nonna
New Member:
Nmrk

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 9, 2005 - 9:13 am:

DrO,
Lady has been in the same 1 acre field for the past 18 years and she knows it extremely well. She walks the fence line until she gets to the shed and then uses her nose against the wall to find the water tub. She also has a paint mini and a halflinger to keep her company and they tend to watch over her.
The problem comes when I come to take her to the barn for her feedings twice a day. I take the other two out first and then come back for her. Most of the time she is sleeping. I can't get her attention by talking and the minute I touch her she jumps, turns and runs. After a few minutes she seems to realize the other guys are gone and its time to come in to eat so she comes down to the gate and I am able to get her halter on and take her to the barn. Unfortunately twice now she has knocked me down when she jumps and turns. I know she isn't trying to hurt me.
I am wondering if I could use some sort of smell on myself to let her know its me. Is this possible and is so what sort of scent?
Thanks,
Nonna
Member:
Mrose

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 9, 2005 - 9:32 am:

I think using scent is a great idea! Get an atomizer or spray can with an apple scent maybe, don't those home scenters - ie. candles, sprays,etc. - come in an apple cinnamon scent? What horse wouldn't equate that with something good? Be careful you don't get hurt! I'm glad you are trying. At least if you do have to put your mare down, you will know you did all that you could first. This touches my heart also, as my favorite mare is in her mid twenties, and time goes so fast....
Member:
Jgordo03

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 9, 2005 - 1:56 pm:

Nonna, I suggest lavender because it's one of the most relaxing essential oils, it's all natural, and is highly scented. I have used this to get a cow who lost her baby to take another orphan calve. Some people use peppermint for this purpose. Best of luck, I lost my oldest guy a couple of years ago and I understand how you would want to keep going as long as possible.
Member:
Myharley

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 9, 2005 - 2:23 pm:

Nonna, First off my prayers are with you, I too have been advised by three vets to put My Harley down. I am working with a totally blind and partially deaf 19 year old walker named Harley that I purchased four years ago from an abusive situation. He has been my life for the last four years and went totally blind in August due to ERU, the deafness has just accured and I am quite familiar with the jumping, turning and running when he realizes you are there and I am even more familiar with being knocked down.:o(. What works well for me with feeding Harley is to take his feed busket to whereever he is in the barnyard at the time of feeding, allowing him to smell his grain and feel my touch (standing back away from him of course)and once he realizes what is going on I more less coax him to his stall door and that is where I hang his bucket. This I do everyday exactally the same. I am hoping in time that with his adjustments when he feels me or smells the grain bucket he will automatically go to the stahl door. I have to exaust every possible angle and I'm sure you will too before I take the vets advice.
Best Of Luck,
Sandy
Member:
Myharley

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 9, 2005 - 2:24 pm:

Judith, I am going to try your suggestion to Nonna of Lavender for my guy, thanks.
Sandy
Member:
Hwood

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 9, 2005 - 2:55 pm:

The scent strategy really does sound like a great idea. For those of you who try it, please let us know the results.
New Member:
Nmrk

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 9, 2005 - 4:04 pm:

First of all thank you all for your kind thoughts and good suggestions.
I got so excited about the scent thing that I decided to use it this afternoon. Good part is that it seems to work ... bad part is that peppermint is not the best thing to use.
I didn't have any lavender handy so I put some peppermint extract on the sleeve of my sweatshirt. It really got Lady's attention! She thought my arm was a piece of candy!
I will go to town tomorrow and buy some lavender. I'll let you know how it turns out.
Again, thank you all.
Nonna
Member:
Annes

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 9, 2005 - 5:07 pm:

Nonna, I am excited for you and Lady! I will be looking forward to your update.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 - 7:05 am:

Yes I think the scent could help and a great idea. Why not daily spray her shed with one scent and the gait with another. Though she already finds these things it may help give her a feeling of "placement" in the world. I don't think it matters what scent you carry just as long as you are consistent...and upwind.
DrO
Member:
Jgordo03

Posted on Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 - 11:12 am:

Nonna and Sandy,
I'm excited about it also. Please let us know how it goes. Sorry about the peppermint suggestion, I forget how much more hummy it would be to horses.
Member:
Corinne

Posted on Thursday, Nov 10, 2005 - 3:51 pm:

Nonna,
I teach Yoga and have always enjoyed different scents as part of my Yoga and relaxation practice.....If you would like I could send you some of my favorite Yoga web sites that often have very nice and probably barn safe ways to deliver scent via diffusers.
Let me know if you would like the information.

v/r
Corinne
New Member:
Nmrk

Posted on Monday, Nov 14, 2005 - 10:30 am:

To all that are interested,

I was able to buy some lavender oil from the local health food store and have been using it on myself and spraying a small amount diluted with water in Lady's stall. She seems more relaxed when she comes in and I believe she is starting to associate me with the same scent.

The only other problem was when she was sleeping and I needed to get her. I think I have solved this problem also. I carry a tamping bar (really heavy) into the field with me. When I get about 5 feet away from her I start to pound it on the ground in 3 to 5 second intervals. I guess the vibrations wake her up and usually by the time I'm 3 feet away from her she knows it's me and there is no problem just walking up and haltering her.

Thank you all again and I hope these tips may help others with similar problems.

Nonna
Member:
Caroltd

Posted on Monday, Nov 14, 2005 - 11:11 am:

Thank you so much for letting us know that the scent solution is working for you. And the "tamping" makes very good sense. I'm filing all of this for future reference as my horses grow older. I'm so glad to know that you are working out ways to alleviate Lady's fear.

Carol
Member:
Brandi

Posted on Monday, Nov 14, 2005 - 10:37 pm:

This site is such a goldmine. I love learning these things, and even though I have no immediate application thank goodness, I will always remember how much help came to Nonna. And now she's taken it to the next level and returned valuable information back to everyone else. This is just so cool!
Member:
Corinne

Posted on Monday, Nov 14, 2005 - 11:14 pm:

Nonna,
Lavender is my favorite "calming" scent. I use it with my students in Yoga class.
I just think it's perfect for Lady!
So happy to hear it has good use in the horse world. Have a great night...sending Lady hopes for many lavender scented days!
Namaste!

Corinne
Member:
Jgordo03

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 15, 2005 - 12:16 pm:

Nonna,
I'm so glad to hear that Lady is responding to the Lavender scent. I use lavender for a lot of things including tossing a weighted bunch of it in the bottom of the water tank the horses drink from. It has antibacterial properties, so it keeps the green slime from growing so quickly.
Member:
Hwood

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 15, 2005 - 12:49 pm:

I just wanted to echo Brandi's comments . . . I had been thinking the same thing . . . that these hints about helping blind/deaf horses deal with life are so common sensical, yet quite innovative, and I wonder if there have been any studies on such creative attempts . . . If not, maybe HA members can contribute to a ground-breaking scientific study . . . After all, until recent years, folks didn't keep blind/deaf, 32-year old horses around . . . but we are learning how to keep our equine friends alive and healthy even in their aged conditions, so it follows that many of us may be dealing with similar handicaps in our horses in the not so distant future. Great job . . . I know this isn't posted in the "Tips and Tricks" section, but I think it's one of the best tips we've had so far.
Member:
Twhgait

Posted on Friday, Nov 18, 2005 - 11:47 pm:

Just wanted to DrOp in the thread and say "Good Job"!! I admire your persistence with your horse. Amazing story and please keep us posted!
Member:
Redalert

Posted on Saturday, Nov 19, 2005 - 9:52 am:

... been following your posts, and am impressed with this idea. I think I'll try some lavender with a show horse of mine that is on vacation at my place for the Winter. Maybe he could learn to associate my scent (lavender sounds good) with his happy times on the farm(and me)and not get so wound up at the horse show! I know of all the herbal remedies for calmness sold in additives and tubes, but am not a big believer in those. However, the association thing is something worth exploring.
And, cudos to you, Nona, for taking such excellent care of your treasured mare!
Nancy
Member:
Corinne

Posted on Saturday, Nov 19, 2005 - 10:46 am:

Nancy,
There was a study on 20/20 back when I was in in undergrad in the late 90's on the scent of vanilla...it seems that if you study while smelling the scent, then smell it again while you are testing, your recall improves by 50%.
I think it have something to do with associating the testing situation with the routine of studying.
We all used it in the dorms...(only mistake was we used incense and candles during the the studying) and then vanilla extract under our noses during the test. Who knew the stuff dried brown so we walked around with mustaches for a few hours...and of course no one told us! LOL
Anyway, we all got A's. Maybe it's a placebo effect but maybe it has something to do with the olafactory centers in our brains....don't know. Was just happy with my improved memory.
Mom used it during her law school exams and during the bar....
So you just might on to something with the scent and showing. Association is powerful for humans...perhaps it's the same with animals.
I wonder if they would associate that pleasent smell of home and be calm or be even more unruly because they want to be home.
If it works let me know. I just might use it with my spooky "I don't want to be at any show because it's scary" arab.
Ditto on Nona and her wonderful care of her beloved Mare.


Good Luck!

Corinne
Member:
Redalert

Posted on Saturday, Nov 19, 2005 - 11:13 am:

VERY interesting Corinne ... thanks for posting that, AND I got so tickled, picturing y'all walking around with your "learning mustaches." I will let you know how things go with my "Pavlov's dog";my horse. It will be Spring before he goes back to the training barn, so I have a while to "condition" him! Maybe I can psyche myself out with the scent, calming myself, therefore calming him ... whatever works! I'll post again after we go to the show in April! Sorry for getting away from your original post, Nonna.
Nancy
Member:
Corinne

Posted on Saturday, Nov 19, 2005 - 10:13 pm:

Nancy....definately keep us updated...

I just think Nonna's idea for scent was brilliant...Nonna..you have really inspired something! And I echo Brandi's comment that in the end, while you originally posted to find some help for Lady it is you who is helping the rest of us....

If it works to calm my horse I am going to nickname it Nonnatherapy, instead of aroma therapy...
New Member:
Purplecr

Posted on Saturday, Dec 24, 2005 - 4:56 pm:

Part of my work is with retired racehorses. I work with inmates at a prison in South Carolina in a mutually beneficial program in which the TRF-South Carolina furnished materials for the facility and the inmates built it. TRF-SC pays maintenance on the 18 retired Thoroughbreds currently in residence. There were 20 in residence, two of which were long aged (one was 27), in poor condition (Body Score 1.5 of 9)and barely able to walk in from the paddock. Major points of my discussion with the inmates were:

1. A horse's instinct is to survive. Regardless of their poor condition or soreness their body does what is necessary to survive.
2. Surviving means they will live with pain. The fact that they don't "complain" about the pain does not mean they are not "in pain".
3. We like to use "the wild experience" as reasons we leave horses barefooted, use body language to control their movement and make sure they have continuous source of forage. What would a "wild herd" do with these mares? If predators approached, the herd would leave them to face their fate.
4. We improve on the "wild experience" by providing improved shelter, better nutrition and health management. It is therefore, our responsibility to be aware of conditions that arise because of our "interference" with what would happen naturally.
5. When making a decision as to the horse's well being ask the question, "Am I doing this because it is best for the horse, or am I doing this because it is best for me?" (In other words, "Is my impending sadness (and/or guilt)at an inevitable ending my primary motivation for making a decision to keep this horse living regardless of the horse's pain, fear or other debilitating condition?")

I respect the compassion shown in this thread. I know of retired Thoroughbreds that were given chances to live through life threatening situation by care such as given by those here. They are living healthy lives in harmony with their human "herdmates", providing pleasure and, in some cases much needed therapy.

I also know of three personal cases in which retired (young) racehorses were allowed to "silently" suffer what must have been severe pain as their legs swelled and they quit eating in an attempt to starve themselves. The reason given in all three cases, "I just can't bear to put him down. I will be so sad".

Continue to provide loving care, and remember to daily weigh which "animal's" well-being (or feeling) is the primary reason for the actions taken.
Member:
Angel77

Posted on Thursday, Jan 5, 2006 - 4:05 am:

Dear C. McLellan,

I think this may need to be in another discussion?

What happened to the horses? Are they still suffering? Did I somehow read your post incorrectly?

You work for a mutually beneficial company funded by TRF-SC who provided materials for barns or shelters and pay to maintain 18 retired horses.

In regard to the 2 horses who are in poor condition. Do we know why they are in such bad shape? If they are that old does that mean they have been there the longest?

It sounds to me like they do not know how to care for seniors.

What is going on? Your advice to them is right on. Are they following your advice?

Just curious as to how a funded program or the state of SC would allow this to occur.

I feel for the horses. I hope the people/inmates/powers that be take your advice.

Sincerely,

WTG
New Member:
Purplecr

Posted on Friday, Jan 6, 2006 - 1:09 am:

WTG wrote:
What happened to the horses? Are they still suffering? Did I somehow read your post incorrectly? In regard to the 2 horses who are in poor condition. Do we know why they are in such bad shape? If they are that old does that mean they have been there the longest?

Horses arrived at the prison in July and came from a "retirement farm". They were in very poor condition. The inmates have done an excellent job with them. The two older horses were at a point where there bodies were worn out. They came to the prison in very poor condition and in a lot of pain. They were removed to a "senior care" facility

It sounds to me like they do not know how to care for seniors.
Seniors do require special care. That was one of reasons those two were removed. My point, however, is that it is not always in the horse's best interest to keep that horse alive - living and suffering, body constantly in panic mode because of pain or other infirmity. I know mine is not always a popular position, but I think some horses are kept alive because it is what is "best" for the person owning (or caring for) that horse and not necessarily what is best for that horse.

What is going on? Your advice to them is right on. Are they following your advice? Just curious as to how a funded program or the state of SC would allow this to occur.

Yes they follow my advice. The horses were brought to this facility from an overcrowded farm. They get great care now and are teaching the inmates while at the same time learning how to live in harmony with human animals. Both the inmates and the retired racehorses are getting "second chances".
Member:
Nmrk

Posted on Friday, Jan 6, 2006 - 10:48 am:

Hi everyone,
Dr O suggested I let everyone know how Lady is progressing with our "aroma and vibration therapy". She has taken to it like a pro. She is no longer skittish, she lets me lead her anywhere, stands quietly for the farrier and vet and is once more enjoying the daily grooming.
I must confess that Lady is a very young 32 year old. She still has most of her teeth (well worn) and will not eat any mushy stuff. She gets three feedings per day consisting of 4 lbs equine senior and 2 flakes of hay per feeding. She doesn't always finish the feed, leaves about 1/2 lb occasionally. Her weight is back up to normal and she seems very happy in the paddock or when stalled. On Christmas day my 7 year old grandchild sat on her as I brought her to the barn for lunch. No problem. I do believe the lavender is a calming scent that she now associates with me. Both my vet and farrier have said that she looks wonderful and they would never guess she was that old just by looking at her. I don't know about that...you guys know what an old horses winter coat looks like...ugly! Sorry to ramble on but I do love her so much. I honestly believe she has another couple of years left in her. Her only medication is bute for arthritis on very cold damp days when she is a little sore.
So guys thank you all again for all the useful advice and comments.
I'll post again on her 33 birthday, April 12!
Nonna
Member:
Jgordo03

Posted on Friday, Jan 6, 2006 - 11:47 am:

Nonna,
I'm so happy to hear that Lady is doing so well. I have been wondering how she made out with the suggestions made here. Looking forward to the Birthday report.
Member:
Miamoo

Posted on Friday, Jan 6, 2006 - 1:59 pm:

My cousin has a 35 year old mare. It was her own personal mount until the mare was in her 20's. At that point she started giving lessons and the mare became a lesson horse. She tried to retire her in her late 20's and the mare became depressed. She liked the attention she got from the kids. She is currently still using her for her most beginning students who are just learning to walk and steer. She uses a halter and leadlines so they don't pull on her mouth. The mare looks as good as she did 10 years ago. They are amazing animals - old or young.

Congratulations Nonna for finding a way for your Lady!! I am sure she is happy with your love and attention!

Ella :-)
Member:
Redalert

Posted on Friday, Jan 6, 2006 - 2:52 pm:

Nonna
That is wonderful news ... here's hoping my
"Pavlov's Horse" experiment goes as well as yours. I have to admit I haven't even started yet with the lavender. BUT, I got some lavender just the other day, so I will start immediately. Really great to hear about Lady. I bet that it just makes your new year, starting out with Lady still happy and healthy! Good Job!
Nancy
Member:
Jgordo03

Posted on Friday, Jan 6, 2006 - 4:48 pm:

This kind of response warms my heart when the quality of life can be maintained using the sense of smell and touch. Please keep us updated!! I love aromatherapy and use it on myself and my horses for minor things all the time.
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