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Discussion on 3 Year Old Quarter Horse - Acute weight loss after acute gum loss
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New Member:
youngism
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 9, 2009 - 1:29 am:
Ah where to begin...We discovered a boarding 3 yr old was having difficulty eating. Upon examination, we discovered that his top and bottom incisor gums had eroded away. 3 days previous he has been fine. I have uploaded a picture. We discovered what looked to be bite marks on the inside of his bottom lip. We treated him by 2 x daily irrigation of the effected area with a betadine solution and putting him on a 10 day antibiotic run and 3 days of Banamine. The horses general condition at this point was about a 4. The blood taken showed mild anemia, decreased Glucose, elevated potassium, decreased AST, White cell count elevated. The horses owner, not happy with the vets prognosis, called another vet. This vet floated his teeth, cleaned his sheath?? and vaccinated him?? During this time, his gums healed up, and although he was hungry, could or would not eat hay only mash (beet pulp, cob, profeed x 3 daily) and even then he had difficulty keeping it in his mouth. Another trip to the vet,another run of Sulphatrim 5 tab BID 10 days. Xrays of the mouth was normal, belly tap was normal. Blood test the same...again.
All test results are consistant with abscess...but where???? He seemed to be doing ok although he would still eat no hay only grain and pro-feed. This was all in May. As of today, he will still not eat hay, and only seems to mouth the grain and other feed we give him. Throughout this time he has continued to drink, urinate, defficate without incident. He is hungry and excited to see us when we come to the barn. I'd have to say honestly that his condition is now a 2. His vertebrae are prominant and there is obvious muscle loss. We are feeding him a high fat feed 3 x daily as well as COB and a ProFeed. He has free access to hay cubes and chaf. He has been on a regular worming program as well as vaccinations. Up until this episode he has been a happy, healthy 3 year old. Now I realize I may have posted this in the wrong place, but we cannot seem to put weight back on this horse and cannot seem to find any reason why.
We're getting down to the wire with this guy as we start looking at fall and winter around the corner. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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New Member:
youngism
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 9, 2009 - 1:43 am:
  
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 9, 2009 - 8:46 am:
Welcome Elaine,
When you say the blood work you have is consistent with an abscess, an elevated WBC count and the other abnormalities you list are too nonspecfic to really "rule in" an abscess though you are right they don't rule it out. Elevated fibrinogen is perhaps our best indicator of internal abscesses but other chronic inflammatory conditions will elevate it. Is there other lab work and I would love to see the differential on the WBC count.
I think all the symptoms you list could be related back to the gum disease alone. The loss of appetite for hay because of pain, the elevated WBC count from the infection on the eroded gum margins, the loss of weight do to the decreased appetite and chronic low grade infection....etc
So the question is why the gum disease? Certainly most horses with gums like above are suffering from foxtail irritation (see Diseases of Horses » Colic, Diarrhea, GI Tract » Mouth, Esophagus, and Liver » Disorders of the Mouth and Teeth). The only other condition that comes to mind is vitamin and nutritional deficiencies, something rarely seen today in the modern well managed horse. When I am in my office tomorrow I will do a little more research.
I think it is important at this time you manage the weight loss aggressively as a separate problem at least until you get the cause turned around. For more on managing chronic weight loss see, Diseases of Horses » Colic, Diarrhea, GI Tract » Weight Loss in Horses » Overview of Chronic Weight Loss.
DrO
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New Member:
youngism
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 9, 2009 - 4:40 pm:
Hello Dr O. Thank you for your response. There was some question as to whether he night have been bitten inside the mouth (2 marks in picture)but this cannot be verified.
Here are the results from the WF1 Fluid Cytology BELLY TAP Results:
50uL pale straw/slightly cloudy fluid
TP<10g/L, SG=1.009, WBC=1.37 10e9/L, RBC= 0.001 10e12/L
86% Neutrophils/ul
4% Lymphocytes/ul
10% Phagocytes/ul
The sample submitted os of very low cellularity and is predominated by mononuclear cells on a clear background with a low number of red blood cells. The neutrophils are not degenerate. The lymphocytes are small and well-differentiated. The phagocytes are generally not reactive. There is no evidence of neoplasia or an infectious agent. Tomorrow, I will scan the test results as well as the second vets 1st & 2nd report and post them for you to see.
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New Member:
youngism
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 9, 2009 - 5:24 pm:
Since the beginning of July, he has been on the following:
2lbs of High Fat 20% feed x3 daily
1.5 lbs COB x3 daily
100 gr Dr Dave Reed Supplement x3 daily
free access to alfalfa/hay cubes and alfalfa/hay chaff.
 
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New Member:
youngism
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 9, 2009 - 7:55 pm:
More pictures of the gum issue. Before and after irrigation treatment. The left side of the lower jaw actually had bone exposed. The June photo shows the tissue re-growth over the exposed bone. This is why we had 5 views taken of his jaw. We thought there may be a possibility of Mastitis or the like. At present the gums have all healed, not totally re-grown to cover what was originally there, but healed. I will submit a new picture for reference. 
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Member:
leslie1
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 9, 2009 - 9:02 pm:
Poor guy!
Is it possible he was bitten by a snake or spider ?
L
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Member:
youngism
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 9, 2009 - 9:32 pm:
Hello Leslie,
Yes that is a possibility, but we cannot confirm this. Although the mouth issue has cleared up, the weight loss issue has not. Whatever started this has lead to something systemic...or at least we think it has. That's the problem, are we dealing with the aftermath of the gum issue or two separate issues? We have had the little guy here for 2 years, he has been such a sweetie and soooo well tempered. Sometimes I wonder about that as well. Was his good temper a result of being ill? The owner trained him herself and he was absolutely remarkable with his willingness and progress. He has a sweet soul and I am trying desperately to make him better. I am at a loss as to what to do. I have dealt with horses for over 20 years and I have never had anything like this. My 2 horses are so healthy...probably a bit over weight. Same pasture, same food, the little guy doesn;t even get pushed off his feed. I don't know, all I know is that I have to get some results before the cold weather comes or he is going to be in trouble. None of the vets here know what is wrong with him and basically most advocate for euthanizing him. Thank you for taking a look. Sorry to go on, but any suggestion or comment is appreciated.
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Member:
leslie1
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Posted on Monday, Aug 10, 2009 - 3:38 pm:
Big Hugs to you both'
I saw your profile says California...dont know if its an option($$) but dont forget...UC Davis.
Also, maybe his mouth still hurts to eat? Is he on Bute or Banamine or maybe naproxen? I believe if he was bitten by a snake or whatever it can make you numb at the bite site. maybe he cant eat because of that?
Bestr Wishes
Leslie
soaked alfalfa cubes with some vegetable oil. I like equine calf manna too. Senior feed
I dont know...just throwing stuff out there.
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Member:
vickiann
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Posted on Monday, Aug 10, 2009 - 6:01 pm:
A friend of mine who boards horses as well as keeping several of her own had one that she boarded who would not hold weight no matter what they did.
It was the encysted strongyls, I think.
First they wormed with QUEST, then did one of those power packs that is composed of several doses.
After that, the horse recovered.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 - 5:58 am:
Hello Elaine,
I am a little confused by the abdominal tap results. Though the information seems to indicate a normal tap though the macrophage number a bit elevated. You report the sample is predominated by mononuclears yet 86% of the cells in the differential are polymorph neutrophils. Is this a misprint and if not what is the nature of these predominant mononuclears?
Certainly the diet would seem to be adequate but the effect on condition is the real test. Since you started this diet since last month has the condition stabilized?
Looking forward to those other reports.
DrO
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Member:
youngism
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009 - 8:31 pm:
I would really like to scan the results and send them to you. I'm curious, as these are written results right off the lab report. Levi (the horse) has had 3 blood tests and I would be interested in your take on what the results mean and of the lab/vets conclusions. On a positive note, over the last few days, we have noticed some improvement. I started giving him a pound of beet pulp x3 daily in addition to what he is already getting. It was a difficult decision to give it to him dry as I have had one choke on it, but Levi doesn't bolt his food. He is actually chewing better as opposed to "mouthing" his feed.
At his age, could this simply be a combination of several different conditions? 1.) At 3 he is shedding caps, which usually puts them off their food. 2.)the obvious gum issues whether Foxtail or a bite. 3.)Being vaccinated while in a compromised state.(everything I have ever read or heard from my vet is that you never vaccinate a sick horse, especially when you have no idea what is wrong with him) 4.) 2 runs of Sulphatrim. I don't know. Gut feeling today was that for the first tim this season I actually thought that the owner may ride him again someday.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 12, 2009 - 5:34 am:
Certainly a combination of conditions that would cause him going off feed, increasing his metabolic need for energy, and decreasing digestive efficiency would be a possible explanation.
I have not had any more problem with beet pulp than say pelleted feed with respect to choke and I use a lot of it. Delighted to hear some positive results. All the lab results in the world are not as informative as improving body score condition.
DrO
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Member:
youngism
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 12, 2009 - 1:12 pm:
I have placed more pictures of Levi's gums and all his lab reports (pdf) on the website below.
https://cid-19359f0f9d8a0f1e.profile.live.com/
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Member:
leslie1
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 12, 2009 - 5:10 pm:
Der...CANADA..not Cal...sorry bout that
Im glad he is starting to put on weight. That mouth looks soooo painful. I cant even imagine.
Careful handleing his mouth without gloves especially with hands with open sores.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Friday, Aug 14, 2009 - 2:16 am:
Hello Elaine,
would it be possible to post the information here?
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Member:
cgby1
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Posted on Friday, Aug 14, 2009 - 1:54 pm:
Hi Elaine,
I would like to suggest that you try senior feed, it is for horses who have trouble digesting food as well as often bad teeth. The horse rescue people use senior feeds for putting weight on horses brought in starving. I used it on my 33 yr old mare the last few years of her life when her teeth were almost gone and she looked great. The last year we added a cup of corn oil to it when she started to loose some weight and she put it right back on. I also fed her bran mash every night and that will put weight on a horse as well.
Cynthia
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Member:
youngism
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 15, 2009 - 11:11 am:
I'd love to be able to post the results here, but I can't seem to get the file small enough to post. If I reduce the resolution, it becomes il-ledgible. I will see what I can do.
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Member:
youngism
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 15, 2009 - 2:40 pm:
UPDATE:
We've now discovered what looks to be an abscess on the top of his jawline. (Condyle of Mandible) My first instincts in July was that he had issues in this area due to his reluctance to open his mouth and chew properly. During the last vet visit, (where I was rudely dismissed (by the attending vet)as I was not the owner, but only the caretaker) x-rays were taken, but not of that area. Soooo, the area in question is very sensitive to the touch and at this time doesn't look close to rupturing (no soft spots) It is rather warm, but I wouldn't say hot. My question...and maybe I should post this in another section, what else could it be other than abscess?  
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Member:
youngism
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 15, 2009 - 2:42 pm:
oh yeah, I have shaved & bathed the area. There seems to be no external reasons for the "Lump"
Poor little guy...he is finally gaining some weight and now something else crops up.
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 15, 2009 - 3:40 pm:
Hi Elaine. Where is the owner in all of this? I'm so glad you at least care enough to try and find out what is wrong with this young fellow. Did you say his gums have healed up? I don't know about in horses, but in humans, gum desease is often a sign of blood infection or other serious systemic infection. Now this new bump popping up; I wonder about some kind of lymph problem. Does he have any fever or any other signs of illness other than the gums, swelling and not eating? Are there any swellings anywhere else, like around his testicles, along his neck, his "arm pits?" Poor guy. He looks like a nice boy. I hope you are able to get to the bottom of this.
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Member:
youngism
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 15, 2009 - 6:25 pm:
Hi Sara,
The owner has been a part of this from the beginning. She loves this little guy and has done all that she can as well. She is new to horse ownership and the issues that can arise. It's due to her close attention to him that these conditions came to light. She spends as much time here as she can (she lives an hour away). I do rely on her to pay close attention to him and let me know what, if anything, appears questionable. She would like to get to the bottom of this as much as I do. As for his gums, they have completely healed, but he may never regain the lost tissue. His teeth are set well and not in any way loose. We have noticed on occasion a "bagging" up of his sheath on occasion, but never with any heat. I will have to change my observation on the heat of the "swollen" area. It is hot and very sensitive.
His appetite is great, he wants to eat, but is having difficulty with hay. His weight loss is what started this string. Strangles??? I've only had them present under the throat and behind the chin, never in this area, and as of yet there is no "point" I have to admit I have batted around the idea of something systemic, as you mentioned. It seems like we take a step forward and and then 2 back, like I'm chasing something around his body. Frustrating. I will post a few pictures of what his gum look like now.
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 15, 2009 - 7:56 pm:
I'm glad she's involved. How frustrating and heart breaking, esp. since she's a new horse owner. As for the weight gain, I've had really good luck with hard cases feeding Eq. Senior with corn oil added along with a good vitamin supplement. If he's having trouble chewing and swallowing, I'd try soaking it and feeding in small amounts through out the day. You can make the senior almost soupy and they'll usually slurp it down.
Would sure like to know more about his neck lump, as I'm certain you would,too. It would have been helpful if the vet had taken an x-ray of the area imo. Good luck!
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Member:
youngism
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 15, 2009 - 8:06 pm:
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Member:
youngism
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 15, 2009 - 8:07 pm:
Dr.O.,
I hope you can see these.
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Member:
youngism
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 15, 2009 - 8:13 pm:
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Member:
paul303
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Posted on Saturday, Aug 15, 2009 - 8:50 pm:
I'll be very interested in those pictures. I spent nearly 40 years of my life in the dental profession as a hygienist, with gums, and gum disease my major area of concern. I've been watching this discussion and waiting for some solid diagnosis. The gum problems, to me, appear to be from some major mechanical irritant, like the foxtail Dr.O mentioned, or the possible bite marks cited on his bottom lip. Although, if a bite, it wouldn't migrate to the upper jaw, unless, of course, there was another bite there.
In comparison to what I've seen in the human mouth, I would compare it to an extremely severe burn - high heat, or chemical - resulting in rapid tissue death. A toxin from some kind of bite could cause the tissue death also. But it does not look like "gum disease" from natural causes at all. He's too young. Also, the sloughing of that much tissue points to some direct irritant causing rapid tissue necrosis. In human gum disease, a process of consistent, long standing, low-grade bacterial infection causes the gradual resorption of gum tissue and bone.
Does this guy have a salt lick that he could have become obsessive-compulsive with? Maybe a mineral one?
I can't imagine the pain just from exposed dentin and cementum ( which SHOULD be covered by gum tissue - but due to the trauma is not )this poor little guy was going through. I would have advocated warmish water in his bucket, and warm water on his feed. I like the idea of vegetable oil on his feed ( small amount ) for the extra calories. I'm not surprised that the gums healed rapidly and well. After a sudden insult, the mouth, due to the heavy vascularity of it's tissues, is a great and rapid healing area.
I would wonder if the new problem ( the swollen....ummm...lymph node?? ), might have developed due to an opportunistic infection while the delicate tissues underlying the gingiva were exposed? Hope you managed to get all the tests posted for Dr.O. I'm very interested to hear a translated and synopsized version of the results.
Wishing you only the very best of results. You are representing your boarder so very well. Hope she knows how lucky she is to have you in her corner.
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Member:
youngism
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 16, 2009 - 8:03 pm:
UPDATE:
Levi is now running a fever:104. It's been a cool day here today. The swelling is larger today and extremely sensitive. I have been heat packing it hoping it is an abscess and have applied a urea cream in hopes of softening it up a bit. He appetite is very good. He is very hungry but still cannot(or will not) eat hay and now the cubes are out as they seem to be to difficult for him to manage with the swelling. He has no nasal discharge and there is no breathing difficulty. Cap return is good and he is hydrated. I wet him down earlier to bring his temp down, but it is back up this evening. I am hoping that this is what has been brewing and once this swelling come to a point and ruptures or is lanced, we can heal him up and he can get back to the normal little guy that he was.
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Member:
corriene
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 16, 2009 - 10:20 pm:
Hi Elaine. I hope that his fever breaks and the lump reduces for you. What a horrible thing to have to go through. I would however be a bit upset if the vet tried to dismiss me. i would almost dismiss the vet. i am a brat about that though. As a owner and having horses boarded at my barn, I attend all the vet happenings, so that I also know the problems that go on in the barn so that I can properly help in fixing them. After all the horse is in your care and you care for them every day. You have every right to be there. After all it is kinda your butt on the line as well. Good luck and keep us updated on his progress and happy recovery.
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Member:
corriene
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Posted on Sunday, Aug 16, 2009 - 10:32 pm:
I sounded kinda pushy and craby in my post, which i am not trying to be. My boarders would rather me be there as well so that I can stay informed so their horses get the best care they can get. You would think the vet would think the same. We have the animals best interest in mind.
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Member:
vickiann
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Posted on Monday, Aug 17, 2009 - 4:32 am:
What an ordeal, Elaine.
Good luck with having a good resolution to this problem soon.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Monday, Aug 17, 2009 - 5:03 am:
Hello Elaine,
Quite frankly my eyes are not what they use to be but this morning I was in my office with a magnifying glass and was able to get through the reports above. Concerning the earlier question about mononuclears vs the differential the only thing I can come up with is the mesothelial cells are not counted in the differential. However I have read that activated macrophages can be confused with mesothelials so I don't know. I would not this is qualified by the sampling problems the lab notes. At this time I have to concur with the findings of chronic inflammatory disease of unknown origin seems to be the diagnosis of choice.
This brings us to the changes over the weekend with what appears to be a pharyngeal abscess. Swellings in this area are a bit complicated as salivary gland, lymphatics and the guttural pouch all lie under this area. The swelling is not quite right for the pouch and the recent changes certainly suggest an abscessing lymph node. And this is almost for sure related to the recent difficulty chewing. Is this the cause of the past disease and lab changes seems a bit more iffy. The challenge now is to figure out where this came from and if this is potentially contagious like Strangles. Do none of the skull radiographs show the L temporomandibular joint which is just dorsal and deep to this swelling? How about a tap with identification of the organism before it ruptures? You should consider isolation until this is known.
DrO
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Member:
leslie1
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Posted on Monday, Aug 17, 2009 - 6:04 am:
Gotta love ya DrO!
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Member:
youngism
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Posted on Monday, Aug 17, 2009 - 7:45 am:
Dr.O,
Can you show me where to look for more information on Chronic Inflammatory Disease please ?
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Member:
youngism
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Posted on Monday, Aug 17, 2009 - 12:35 pm:
We have the vet coming out tomorrow am. Same vet clinic, different vet (I will not allow the other vet on my property). I am going ask them to tap the swelling and culture it. Other than that...his temp is down to normal today 100 and he is as hungry as ever. I have given him some bute to help him with his discomfort. We'll see what comes of this visit. (fingers crossed)
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Monday, Aug 17, 2009 - 3:07 pm:
I sure hope you're able to get to the bottom of this; poor little guy.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Monday, Aug 17, 2009 - 6:42 pm:
Elaine, you should let them do a thorough examination and let it drive the following tests. But if they determine it is an infectious process I would want to know where did it come from and what organism is causing it. And if it is a mature abscess that is filled with puss early good drainage is best.
As to information on "chronic inflammatory disease" there is no specific article as this is not a specific diagnosis so much as a pathological description of several different disease processes. These would be characterized by stimulating inflammation but not getting well quickly. Examples of chronic inflammatory diseases would be cancer, abscesses and some other types of infection, autoimmune diseases, and injuries that do not heal well.
DrO
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Member:
youngism
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 18, 2009 - 9:24 am:
I began this thread with not knowing where to begin, sadly we now know where it has ended. Levi was euthanized this morning to save him from further suffering and pain. The attending vets prognosis was also chronic inflammatory disease caused more than likely from an internal abscess. What we saw externally were more than likely the manifestations of the infection moving through his body. On examination, his hocks & stifle joints were slightly swollen, to which the vet said happens frequently with a systemic infection. We could go on treating him symtomatically, but to what end? What quality of life would he have. His slight recovery was but a brief shining moment in an otherwise dreary future. As for the cause...who knows. Without an autopsy, we'll never truly know where the abscess or infection was. I will miss the little guy...he was special.
I joined this site to see if I could get a bit of insight into Levi's condition. I did so . I thank you all for giving your suggestions and I plan to stay on as a member as what better company can one have than others with the same passion and concern for their animals.
Thank you all.
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Member:
kathleen
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 18, 2009 - 9:49 am:
Elaine,
There aren't words to express the sorrow I feel for you and poor Levi and of course his owner.
Kathleen
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Member:
leslie1
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 18, 2009 - 10:54 am:
(((HUGs)))))
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 18, 2009 - 11:04 am:
Elaine, I'm so sorry to hear about Levi. It would be interesting to know what the cause and primary site of infection were. Poor guy. Also, very rough on his new owner. You did what you could, and although that sometimes isn't enough, it's all that can be asked. Hugs to you all.
Welcome as a new member; hopefully future experiences here will be of more help to you. There are a great bunch of horse owners here. I've met several of them in person and you couldn't ask for better friends or more knowledgeable and caring horse owners.
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Member:
erika
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 18, 2009 - 11:12 am:
How sad, I was following this thread with great interest and hope for a better solution. Poor Levi. Thank you for all you did for him, lucky boarders to have you for the BO.
My condolences to you and Levi's owner.
Erika
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 18, 2009 - 11:34 am:
Elaine, my condolences to you and the owner. It's always devastating to lose a beloved animal, particularly one that is so young.
My thoughts are with you.
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Member:
dres
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 18, 2009 - 12:04 pm:
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots..
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Member:
vickiann
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 18, 2009 - 12:05 pm:
Poor Levi.
I am very sorry for all concerned that you have had this sad outcome but humane euthanasia is much better than suffering for no good reason.
I commend you for your efforts to make Levi well again and am sorry this was not to be forthcoming.
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 18, 2009 - 2:56 pm:
My sincere condolences! I was so sorry to hear about the sad outcome, but you certainly did everything you could. My condolences to the owner, also.
Lilo
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Member:
paul303
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 18, 2009 - 6:48 pm:
What a wonderful advocate you were for this horse. Condolences to the owner and yourself....how comforting for her to have you with her throughout this ordeal.
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Member:
jowidner
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 18, 2009 - 7:12 pm:
I'm so sorry. Hugs to you and Levi's owner. Rest in peace Levi.
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Member:
frances
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 18, 2009 - 10:39 pm:
That's very sad news, Elaine, but at least Levi is pain-free now. My condolences.
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 19, 2009 - 3:12 am:
So Sorry you lost this struggle Elaine. My condolences to you and the owner.
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Member:
sodmonst
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 19, 2009 - 6:59 am:
Elaine, I am sorry that Levi couldn't get better and hope he had safe passage to the Rainbow Bridge. It sounds like Levi was on a destiny road, and the difficult decision to euthanize him was both painful and kind. Thank you for sharing his story here, and welcome to this group.
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Member:
paardex
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 19, 2009 - 8:33 am:
What a sad outcome! Euthanasation is often the only thing you can do for them but never easy..
Hope your next post will be with a happy story.
Jos
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Member:
youngism
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 19, 2009 - 6:39 pm:
This is Michelle... Levi's mom... and I wanted to express my thanks to all of you for your heartwarming thoughts. Elaine has been just amazing through this whole long ordeal... she kept us, Levi and me, both going.. there were many times I didn't know what to do and Elaine was incredible. We tried so hard. I will forever be honored to have been loved by Levi and will never forget Elaine's kindness, willingness, and wholehearted desire to fix him. Thank you Elaine. Thank you Levi. and Thank you Dr. O for your diagnosis. It helps to know that we have had opinions from 4 different vets ... there was nothing more we could do. We couldn't have done anything else for him. I miss him..so much already... and probably will forever. But I know I am a better person having ventured into horsedom.. if only for a short while.
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Member:
erika
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Posted on Wednesday, Aug 19, 2009 - 6:51 pm:
Elaine, as you can read, so many of us have broken hearts to go along with yours. It is so sad nothing could be done for Levi. Hard to have to make that decision any time--but especially in a young horse that had your hopes and dreams tied in with him.
I hope your next horse brings you more lasting joy.
Erika
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Member:
vickiann
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 20, 2009 - 10:12 am:
Michelle, You were indeed very fortunate to have Elaine's assistance through this difficult time as it is obvious she did absolutely everything that she could do to help Levi. And you did your best too. I am happy that you were able to support each other during this ordeal, and the HA family is always a big source of support.
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Member:
erika
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Posted on Thursday, Aug 20, 2009 - 5:36 pm:
OOps, I meant Michelle.
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Member:
youngism
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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 30, 2009 - 12:51 pm:
Hi Everyone,
Just a little update. Even though Michelle was truly devastated by the loss of Levi (her first horse), she has decided that all the lessons Levi taught her should not be lost. She has decided to give it a go with another little one 
and this time Ann, she took your advice
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots..
Cielo is a yearling (a very large one) and apparently has a very similar disposition to Levi.
Thank you all again for your warm support.
Elaine
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 30, 2009 - 1:08 pm:
Elaine, please pass on my best wishes to Michelle and Cielo. May they have many wonderful years together!
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Member:
erika
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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 30, 2009 - 3:30 pm:
Wow! That is some yearling! Best of luck to him and Michelle. And may little Levi rest in peace.
Erika
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 30, 2009 - 4:09 pm:
He's huge! and looks lovely. Best wishes for the future partnership.
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Member:
paul303
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Posted on Thursday, Oct 1, 2009 - 1:10 am:
Oh my! Quite the boy, isn't he? Warm wishes for a long and enjoyable relationship!
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Member:
paardex
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Posted on Thursday, Oct 1, 2009 - 11:22 am:
Beautiful! What a yearling, hope they have loads of fun together.
Jos
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Member:
pattyb
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Posted on Thursday, Oct 1, 2009 - 5:56 pm:
Congrats to Michelle. Cielo and Elaine. I'm so glad to read that Michelle has hung in there and is able to move forward.
And to Michelle and Elaine...... I lost my first horse at an early age as well, when I was only 16. Having added many years to my life since then, I can say that I think God brings these special cases to those he knows will do their best....and grieve for them when they are gone. The alternative would have been to give them to someone who didn't care at all....I think he made the right choice even though it's hard on us when we are chosen to the the caretaker. If he had to go, he went surrounded by those who cared for him........
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Member:
dres
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Posted on Friday, Oct 2, 2009 - 9:21 am:
now that looks like a sport horse!! NICE
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots..
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