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Discussion on I think Dusty is going to die today
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Member:
quatro
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Posted on Friday, Mar 11, 2011 - 2:12 pm:
I am not sure where to post this, or even what to ask. Dusty is my skinny, 25+ buckskin gelding. He has done so well this winter, with new food, put on weight, no impaction colics like he has every winter.
2 days ago, I felt sorry for the horses being cooped up for days because of ice in the yard. It was warmer, and appeared to be not so icy, so I let them out. Everyone walked out, except Dusty who tore out, hit the ice and slid flat on his side, smacking his head. We tried for 1 1/2 hours to get him up, finally resorting to pushing his butt with a tractor to ground with more traction. I got out the whip, which he was tortured with before I got him, and he is terrified of. He finally got up. Put him away, gave him some oral banamine. He ate most of his dinner, and most of his breakfast the next day. Since then he has seemed fine. He did smack his head several times very hard on the hard ground.
This morning, I went out and he was down in his stall. He would not get up. I have no idea how many hours he was down on his side. We called the neighbors, and had 3 men and me try to push him up, but he could not get his back legs under him.
The vet came out, unfortunately, I would love to give some stats, but he did nothing, except give him some "Axiom" i think, he said he never gives it to horses, then some injectable bute, and then some energy shot. He would not get up. he finally told me to leave, and he would have to hit him with a hot shot, to see if they could get him up. I came back and he was still down, this did not work. Against my best judgment, but he nad been down for so long.
The finally tried to flip him over, to get his weight shifted, the vet said it is possible his legs were "asleep" and needed circulation.
It has been 6 hours since we found him. He tried to get up, ate some of his gruel, had a drink of water, and I gave him a banana, which he tried to get up to get. He just can not get his back legs up under him.
The vet left, with no real prognosis, I am sure he is expecting my call to put him down later today.
Is there anything I can do? We tried to get him up and he got onto his honches, but then went down, so he is now back on the side that we found him on this morning.
His eyes are so bright, but he didn't take his temp, listen to his heart nothing, so I don't know what is going on.
Any ideas please
suz
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Friday, Mar 11, 2011 - 4:29 pm:
I'm very sorry, Susan. The only thing I can think of is to rig some sort of belly sling over a beam (if there is one that will support his weight) to help hoist Dusty up and to help him stay on his feet, which may give him some more time to recover. That assumes that there is no major injury and that he is not suffering. Are there no other vets you can call for a more thorough exam? Or get your vet back and insist on at least some vitals so that you can make an informed decision as to a next step. I know you don't want your horse to suffer.
I hope someone has a better suggestion that will help him and you. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
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Member:
hpyhaulr
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Posted on Friday, Mar 11, 2011 - 5:58 pm:
hoping you have a more thorough exam with more answers and better news.
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Friday, Mar 11, 2011 - 5:59 pm:
Oh Susan, I am so sorry you have to go through this with Dusty. If it were me, I'd be on the phone with this vet and see what else he suggests, and also get names of other horse people who may have ideas. I've had perfect strangers give help when I needed some assistance with a horse being ill, or hurt.
As Fran suggested, a sling may be something to consider and I bet someone in your area has had to rig one up for a horse or perhaps a cow at some time.
Hopefully Dusty hangs on, and DrO has some suggestions.
((((Susan))))
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Member:
vickiann
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Posted on Friday, Mar 11, 2011 - 7:57 pm:
How very frightful.
Thinking of you and Dusty during this trying time.
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Member:
dustee
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Posted on Friday, Mar 11, 2011 - 8:13 pm:
Remember, all we can do is our best - and then it's out of our hands. Good luck!!
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Friday, Mar 11, 2011 - 8:27 pm:
I am sorry to hear about your horse Susan. Can you get another veterinarian out. The horse needs an exam and a diagnosis (even if tentative) based on that exam. Barring that I agree with those above who have suggested slinging the horse up to see if once standing, can he stand on his own. I have never seen a practical home made sling but someone good with ropes and tarps may be able to fashion such. The trick is to keep the horse from tipping forward and slumping backward in it. And barring that I would try to roll the horse over on the other side to see with the other back leg down if he might stand.
DrO
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Member:
vickiann
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Posted on Friday, Mar 11, 2011 - 8:47 pm:
A friend and I made a sling once for a cow that went down on us.
Used a come-along to crank her up and down.
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Member:
quatro
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Posted on Friday, Mar 11, 2011 - 11:37 pm:
Thanks so much for everyones support. I am so happy to have wonderful neighbors. I had to got to the doctors this afternoon, as I was sick. The doc thought I had influenza, gave me a face mask, and made me feel like a sars victim, Report came back negative for flu, i have bronchitis.
So when I got back home the neighborhood was off work. Brought their tractor, a homemade sling a friend had made for his west nile horse, and lots of help.
Here a pics of our sling
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Member:
quatro
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Posted on Friday, Mar 11, 2011 - 11:43 pm:
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Member:
quatro
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Posted on Friday, Mar 11, 2011 - 11:44 pm:
I cant get the size right, will keep working on it
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Member:
quatro
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Posted on Friday, Mar 11, 2011 - 11:54 pm:
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Member:
quatro
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Posted on Friday, Mar 11, 2011 - 11:59 pm:
the other clearer pics won't load. this one shows, he is attached to the tractor bucket. He can walk around, but can't got far. He has lost his footing, so I am leaving him in it overnight, and hoping for the best
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 12, 2011 - 12:45 am:
Oh poor Dusty and poor you! I hope he is doing better in the a.m. You do need a better diagnosis IMO. Thank goodness for your neighbor and his inventiveness.
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Member:
pattyb
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 12, 2011 - 12:45 am:
Way to go Susan...and good luck!!!
I'm so glad your neighbors came out to help, getting him standing gives him the best chance of pulling thru.
You mentioned that he is 25 and that you changed his feed....no impaction colics? Please tell, what are you feeding him? I have a 25 year old mare that colics once every year no matter what I do. I've been feeding her Triple Crown Senior and am thinking of switching her to Purina Senior, especially after reading a survey posted on the Internet done by the AAEP. I also add salt and flax seed..and have started bran mashing her twice a week. And, I throw her hay net in a bucket for 15 minutes prior to feeding.
PS: I've gotten one horse to the age of 35, lost him to cancer...and a Cushing's horse to the age of 33, losing her to something totally unrelated and unpreventable.
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 12, 2011 - 6:16 am:
Oh I was so glad to see the picture of Dusty in a sling this morning. I know that is only a temporarily fix but at least he is UP. Hopefully you can get more answers from a vet(s). If you have a vet who does chiropractor adjustments on horses, that may be another option. I would proceed with caution and not let just anyone adjust his back at this time but I wouldn't rule it out either. He needs his back end checked over thoroughly it sounds like; if you can't find someone who does chiro or massage work, maybe you can find something moving your fingers along his spine, hips, buttocks, etc. Of course be very careful!
He don't look miserable in his eyes from what I can see, that is good.
Good luck, keep us posted please! I hope you feel better too!
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 12, 2011 - 9:57 am:
There is no substitute for good neighbors! I am hoping you can figure out what is troubling Dusty and that he will recover. Good luck, Lilo
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Member:
mysi
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 12, 2011 - 10:20 am:
I am so happy you have have him up!!! Hope everything improves! I'll be thinking of you guys!
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 12, 2011 - 12:27 pm:
Susan, How's Dusty doing this afternoon? So glad you were able to get him standing with the sling, but am anxious to hear how he is...and how you are as I know you aren't feeling well.
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Member:
quatro
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 12, 2011 - 1:40 pm:
Well, now I need more advice. Dusty made it through the night. He is still in the sling. It is not holding him up, it hangs down about 4inches below his belly in case he looses his balance. I talked to the vet again today, he said without doing a lot of tests etc. His gut feeling is that he is old, arthritic, and wore himself out, especially after the fall on the ice.
He is supporting himself, stretched out to pee while I was there. He is eating, drinking moderately, He is not a big drinker.
We took the sling off and tried to get him to take a few steps, he was still wobbly, and I was worried he might go down again. I called an alternative medicine horse vet friends have used. He feels that he probably wore himself out, and suggested leaving him in the sling for a few days, amping up his grain and getting him some energy.
We do not have any other vets to come consult. My trusty horse vet is 2 hours away and He would not make that trip.
Up until he fell on the ice he has been the herd boss, running around and feeling great. He was walking stiffly on the back legs after the fall, but behaving normally otherwise.
Dr. O, is there anything I can physically do to check him? Would linimint on his joints be helpful/harmful?
Is there a down side to being in this sling too long?
Here are a few pics of his back end, etc. He is walking around in the sling, although the sound the chain rubbing on the tractors scares him a bit.
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 12, 2011 - 2:01 pm:
Susan,
I think you are doing all you can with what you've got. If you just keep monitoring him, in case he gets a burst of energy, hopefully he will keep getting better and come out of it, whatever is wrong.
I remember a few years ago my oldest mare, Willow, (22 the 6th of this month) was walking in slow circles, staggering a bit, head down. There was fresh snow cover which showed someone had slid into a covered T-post hard enough to crack the cover. I just left her be since the others horses seemed to sense something was wrong and weren't bothering her. Over the course of 3-4 days she slowly came out of it and soon was running around again just fine.
Hopefully that will be the case with Dusty too. 
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Member:
shirl
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 12, 2011 - 2:05 pm:
His Susan,
Is it the way he's standing or is the upper L. leg swollen. Looks like it in the photo. Is it sore or hot to the touch in that area?
Shirl
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Member:
quatro
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 12, 2011 - 7:16 pm:
Thanks Shirl, My horse friend and I went out and compared legs. He is mushy puffy on that upper muscle. He is such a wholly mammoth, it is hard to tell.
So now what do I do? I can not stress to everyone enough that we do not have horse vets around here. If I call them out they will say, yep he is a little swollen there, just let him rest it.
I can not transport him 2 hours, so I really need some support and ideas here.
Dr.O is DMSO a good idea for muscles? I found a bottle of 97% DSMO, but it is frozen from being in the barn, and probably a few years old. Is it still good?
I rubbed some linament on it. He seems to be getting annoyed and more antsy being in the sling. WE will try him out again tomorrow.
My friend wondered if I had any DSMO to rub on it. Would that be an idea. I don't have any, I have some blue ice or something.
It is not hard, it is more like a wind puff. He is still eating and peeing and pooping, Runny poops though. Not unusual for him, he got into some of the alfala.
It is not on a joint, but on a muscle.
Suggestions?
thank
sue
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 12, 2011 - 8:10 pm:
Hi Susan. Blue ice is great, imo, especially if you can't cold hose him. I've also used Arnica ointment to help with swelling and pain. A little bute might help with the inflammation also. It looks like it's kind of high up to put any kind of pressure wrap on it. Lower down, that seems to help. I think the messaging in itself helps. If it continues to swell, it would be good to know if it's just fluid and not blood seeping from somewhere. Can he bear weight on the leg? Does he seems "ouch" when you touch it? The fact that he's eating drinking, peeing and pooping are very good signs!
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Member:
zarr
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 12, 2011 - 8:14 pm:
Mineral ice or icy hot ??? I've used both .Esp mineral ice. My old guy is 24 and that is always in the back of my worried mind But he has to be tough to have gotten this far just like Dusty both are rescues! 
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 12, 2011 - 9:33 pm:
You should be monitoring his vital signs. Has anyone checked to see if this horse has a fever? For more on vital signs see, HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » First Aid » Taking Temperature, Pulse, and Respiration.
Personally I don't think topical medication will be helpful. Instead, assuming no infection and vital signs are normal, if the horse is dealing with some sort of inflammatory disease as suggested by the veterinarian NSAID's might be helpful. I would say flunixin injections or firoxcib if the horse will eat it. You will find more on these in the NSAID section.
DrO
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Member:
quatro
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Posted on Saturday, Mar 12, 2011 - 11:54 pm:
I will do that tomorrow. I should have known better. I gave him banamine orally, I don't do shots, i am a sissy. then the vet came and switched him to injection of bute, something called axiom (which he said he never uses in horses) and then some sugar energy type solution.
My neighbor brought me some vitamin & electrolytes concentrate. very concentrated, just a pinch for 5 gallons of water. Would that be helpful?
He is still up tonight, when I squeeze on the swelling he just looks back at me like whatcha doin? Not a pain response. He really seems to not be in pain. I am going to take him out of the sling again tomorrow, I think , I hope, I just wish I had some guidance.
Will say our prayers for our boy It sucks getting old. I am still feeling really crappy, the doctor said I now have bronchitis, I really don't think she knows, she was just happy it was not influenza, which tested negative YEAH.
I could not figure out why my shoulders hurt so bad, till I demonstated to someone tonight how we would lift Dusty's 200 lb head up to put a bale of hay under it. OUCH
He does have warmth on the swelling, but not painful.
Will check in tomorrow.
suz
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 13, 2011 - 8:53 am:
Suz, I don't agree with DrO that tropicals won't be helpful; I think something rubbed on will be helpful if only from the fact that you are massaging him, and it's keeping your touch informed as to what changes are taking place in the questionable areas! Something that increases circulation will be helpful, IMO. Of course NSAIDs might be more helpful since that would address more and you don't know what for sure is the problem.
Boy, Dusty sounds like he has a big heart and I bet he's going to be fine. They is just a test to see how YOU hold up, ha ha! (YA funny, huh?)
LOL, ya getting older sucks! I could hardly move yesterday from working outside and trimming hoofs the day before. And spring allergies have me sleep deprived from coughing and not breathing enough.
Have you ever tried making honey/garlic/lemon tea? Not for Dusty, for yourself! That, along with the fizzy vit C packets, and using a saline rinse (forget what it's called, a squeeze bottle you put a packet of something in and irrigate your nose) My son & I struggle every year with allergy & respiratory issues and we do the above which helps.
Hope you both feel better today! Too bad we can't do anything about the getting older part.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 13, 2011 - 10:03 am:
Anjie, rethink your statement " I don't agree with DrO that tropicals won't be helpful". If the leg is broken neither topicals nor massage will help indeed the massage would be contraindicated as it will hurt. If this is infection massage may spread it around. You have to careful considering all the possibilities when you don't know what is going on.
Susan, oral Banamine will be just as good as injectable assuming NSAID's will help at all. Have you checked those vital signs yet? With the horse up the veterinarian might be able to better determine what is going on, I would have him out to look at the horse in the sling.
DrO
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 13, 2011 - 10:12 am:
No advice, Susan, just my very best wishes for you and Dusty. Lilo
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Member:
pattyb
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 13, 2011 - 12:11 pm:
Just stopping in for an update, but want to echo Lilo's comment above. (Insert hugging smilie here)
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 13, 2011 - 12:49 pm:
DrO, that makes sense. I stand corrected.
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Member:
quatro
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 13, 2011 - 2:37 pm:
Ok, here is my amazing update! I have been sick all morning, so girls fed horses, said Dusty looked alert and ate.
I finally went out around 11:30, He had twisted himself round and round so many times that the sling was super tight.
I had tom take it off, and hand walked him in the center aisle. He was not anywhere near as wobbly, but not very sure footed. WE placed carpeting on the concrete and walked him out of the barn. The gravel is soft but not icy. we walked up and down the driveway, he started pulling me down the driveway. I am not sure what to do, if he goes down again in his stall, it is very difficult to get him up. I have a grassy fenced in training yard, that is mostly melted, but some snow and ice in the corners. I opted to put him in there to eat dead grass, and see how it went. He is still stiff gated on those back legs, but moving around. I was so worried he would want to lay down to roll and then what would I do?
Went to the house for a minute, came out and from a distance saw him DrOp down to roll. I ran for Tom, we grabbed lead rope and the whip. He was laying uphill on a snowbank (why are horse so dumb?) As we came racing towards him he took one grunting, snorting push and up he came. YEAH!!!
Now what do you all suggest? If I put him back in the sling at night he is bound to twist again, or should I leave him outside in the yard over night? I was wondering if we could find a heavy duty Swivel to hook to the chain, and perhaps leave him in the sling at least one more night? Or what do you all think?
His muscle is still swollen, but I can't imagine that he would have a break there if he was able to do this today, do you?
I will try the dmso rubdown later. Dr. O, what is your opinion on DMSO. I guess they started to sell it here by script only, because people were using it for their arthritis, and it is not supposed to be used by humans.
Cant find a thermometer for temp.
suz
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Member:
pattyb
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 13, 2011 - 2:49 pm:
Throwing both hands in the air shouting HOORAY for Dusty and Susan!
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Member:
astbury
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 13, 2011 - 4:11 pm:
Suz - have been watching your threads with bated breath. Can only reiterate PattyB's posting!! Love to you both. x
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Member:
shirl
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 13, 2011 - 4:48 pm:
Suz,
I'd be fearful of putting him anywhere during the night that doesn't allow him a lot of room to rise. Maybe a swivel on the sling like you mentioned for the night? Or, if it's not too cold and there is a place with no snow or ice, leave him out, but on second thought if he lays on that leg the muscle is bound to tighten worse if it gets cold, so I don't know as I'm far from an expert here. Just happy he was able to walk better and actually roll and get up. Yeah is right.
Good luck,
Shirl
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Member:
mysi
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 13, 2011 - 5:07 pm:
YAY!!!!!!!
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Member:
quatro
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 13, 2011 - 8:48 pm:
ONe more update. I had him out all day, and although he is stiff gated all over really, he still walked steadily.
My plan was to put him back in the sling, but when we came at him with the sling, tried to walk him toward the aparatus, he started going nutty. ears pinned, circling frantically. So I thought he would probably not do well strapped in with this much energy.
As of right now, I gave him another gm of bute, rubbed his shoulder hip, hock and knees with horse linement, and opened up his stall and the center aisle, so he has about a 20 x 20ft area to hang out in. Levi is in the center aisle behind him so he will probably hang out more in the center area, i hope.
He ate his evening gruel, and took a big drink of water, so I am going to check him before bed, and hope for the best. He generally is not a lay down sleeper.
thanks to all for you special prayers, keep 'em coming
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Member:
vickiann
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 13, 2011 - 9:05 pm:
Hope that Dusty will continue to improve.
Lying down can be a good thing for a horse when they are tired.
Of course, they have to be able to rise again.
Good luck and let us know how it is going.
Take care of yourself too.
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Member:
klowe
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 13, 2011 - 9:22 pm:
Glad to hear that things have improved so much, Susan! I am sure horses are not so much different than people, those knocks get much harder to take as we get older...I know that sometimes I aggravate back problems and don't even know exactly why, it can take some time for muscle issues to develop.
In terms of the NSAID thing, I have had good success using naproxen (aleve). Somewhere on this site is a formula for determining dosage. My horse with ringbone has done OK with it, once or twice a day. I grind it in a coffee grinder and put it on his feed.
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Member:
paul303
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Posted on Sunday, Mar 13, 2011 - 11:44 pm:
Ah, Susan...what a tough time you've been having, and what a big heart your Dusty has. The snow and ice this year has played havoc with so many.
Just wanted to comment that I've been a DMSO fan since the seventies. I will qualify that with a caution that you need to know if there is any underlying pathology. I'll also admit that I've used it more on myself than my horses - but you should read all the literature. Lordy, there were some days I wouldn't have been able to make it to the barn without it. You have to be careful not to use too much and not to rub it in briskly. It can get hot when it comes in contact with water. When you understand how to use it, it can be a valuable tool in your arsenal.
As for the NSAIDS, I have a 31 yr. old that was on bute daily for many, MANY years. We switched her to previcox (canine version of equioxx) in August of 2009 and felt we saw a definite improvement. Just something else to consider if you can get a prescription.
Your Dusty sure sounds like he is getting his sea legs back under him. Thank heaven for neighbors like your's. Sounds like keeping him stalled and open to the aisle is a great solution. I have a small indoor paddock that my 3 stalls open on to. When I keep the horses in, my old girl gets her stall open to the paddock so she can keep moving- the two younger ones get locked up.
Great job, Susan. I can't understand how you held up so well, especially with bronchitis. Get well soon, both you and Dusty.
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Member:
frances
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Posted on Monday, Mar 14, 2011 - 4:01 am:
VERY glad to hear of Dusty's improvement! Keeping fingers crossed.
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Monday, Mar 14, 2011 - 7:31 am:
Yay for Dusty!
DMSO, if I remember correctly, will carry other meds into the area it is applied to. I had an old timer vet give me that, along with something else, for a mare who had a stallion come down on her back hard and she was walking with a weird leg swing with a hind leg. I thought he told me the DMSO would help get the other stuff into her muscles.
DrO can you comment on that?
I've used it on myself for my Achilles tendons issues, and my hands when using the rasp to trim.
I keep ground up Aleve (generic brand) in the barn all the time. If I see a slight lameness (like the day after I trimmed) I give that for a day or 2. I reserve Bute use for times a bit more is needed short term.
I personally don't think anything should be given after about day 3 since the pain being masked may have him moving more than he should be at this time...it's a hard call though, IMO, when & how much pain relief to give.
Did you get a chance to get yourself healed yet?? We want you both healthy!!
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Member:
quatro
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Posted on Monday, Mar 14, 2011 - 4:07 pm:
Well, it is monday. The Z-pack I got on Friday is finally working. For the first days in forever I feel like a humanoid again.
Dusty did fine in his grand stall, still very stiff. I put him out just now to soak up some sun. All that work to put extra weight on him this winter seemed to melt away in 3 days, he is sunken in at the hips, just skin and bones.
I will try the DMSO on him later.
Of course we now have a new problem, his eye is swollen shut, and weeping. I am sure that from all the flipping and laying flat out, he got something in his eye. He has a white spot in the center. Because the vets are too busy, and really not sure how useful, I have flushed them out and got some opthamolic ointment from the vet to put in his eye for now. I know I should have it examined, but the one vets wife is ready to have a baby momentarily, the other "horse" vet's father was involved in a rollover accident. So they are really shortstafffed.
Anything I should look for in the eye?
thanks
suz
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Member:
astbury
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Posted on Monday, Mar 14, 2011 - 4:33 pm:
Hi Suz - Glad to hear you are feeling better and news on Dusty is great. Be careful you have the right ointment for Dusty's eye though. Guess you have told the vet he has a white spot in the center of the eye? Only mention because I remember the treatment differs between conjunctivitis and injury (at least as I recall. It was some years ago that I had the problem with Padraig.) Hope it all goes well. Your vet cover sounds a bit dodgy. Must be very difficult for you. Knowing how much you have gone through with Dusty their support sounds poor - despite their own problems. Your boy is fighting like mad to recover - would be good if the vets could put in the level of support that you clearly have. Good luck to both of you - you deserve it! Cheers Jenny
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Monday, Mar 14, 2011 - 5:05 pm:
I had a horse puncture his eye and it started out like you are describing. The vet put that green stuff in it and shined a light in it to look at it. He had a tiny sliver of something in his eye that we had to get out. It was about 18 years ago so I am not sure of the details but I hope someone can look at Dusty's eye so he don't loose his eye. We thought this horse would loose his eye but he healed with a small white spot that never went away. Didn't bother him at all.
Not saying Dusty has something in his eye but...
Are you flushing it with anything special? I keep saline solution on hand for that but DrO might have other suggestions of course.
Stay strong!
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Member:
quatro
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Posted on Monday, Mar 14, 2011 - 5:06 pm:
I feel the same way Jenny, I took my yorkie in for a check up, at the same vet clinic, saw that the docs (horse) were all in, I am sure busy, but i requested the eye ointment, no one stuck their head around the corner to see how he was, no one has called to see how he is.
He is a very difficult patient, very head shy, he was quite teh abused boy before he landed in my care. The guy use to hit him in the head with a bucket.
Maybe I should check with Dr. O, I know that some DrOps that have steriods in them can cause blindness if the eye is scratched.
I will find out whatthe ointment is first
Suz
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Member:
quatro
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Posted on Monday, Mar 14, 2011 - 5:11 pm:
Dr. O,
It is neomycin/polymixinB/Bacitracin
Could this be harmful?
suz
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Monday, Mar 14, 2011 - 5:12 pm:
Susan without a clue as to what is going on I am unable to give you any but the most general advice. Concerning the use of the ointment you should follow your veterinarians prescription.
If the horse remains unsteady I would not prematurely discontinue slinging when the horse cannot be watched closely. You should be able to get a thermometer from your vet. Or even a human thermometer with a piece of duct tape well attached to the end.
DrO
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Tuesday, Mar 15, 2011 - 7:14 am:
NeoPolyBac would be indicated for eye infections sensitive to it and for trauma to help prevent infection.
DrO
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Member:
quatro
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Posted on Tuesday, Mar 15, 2011 - 10:32 pm:
Well, Everyones prayers must be working. Dusty's eye is responding to the medicine. He is not squinting, and his eye is clearing up, not cloudy.
Knock on wood . . . he has been getting around, still very stiff. I have him on a gm of Bute in the AM, rubbing him down with liniment at night, and turning him out in the yard with the mini for a couple hours each day. Every morning i head to the barn, sneak my head around the corner, and breath a sigh of relief so far.
Keep those prayers and good wishes heading our way. I am slowly improving as well.
thanks
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 16, 2011 - 7:03 am:
I'm very glad that you and Dusty are both improving!
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 16, 2011 - 7:31 am:
I am breathing a sigh of relief too! Glad you're both doing better.
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 16, 2011 - 9:38 am:
Continued good wishes for you and for Dusty! Lilo
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Member:
vickiann
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Posted on Wednesday, Mar 16, 2011 - 7:39 pm:
Good news about this improvement.
Hope that Dusty continues to do better each day.
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Member:
quatro
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Posted on Monday, Apr 25, 2011 - 7:03 pm:
Thanks to all of you who have been so supportive in all the years with all of my horses, but especially with my Old Gelding Dusty.
I told him to just wait till Spring so we could give him a proper burial. He went down again today, and there just wasn't enough fight in him this time to get back up. But the Sun was shining for a while, we had his favorite bananas, and hopefully he is watching over Lacy's little baby now.
It has been a tough few weeks to be an animal companion.
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Member:
gramsey1
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Posted on Monday, Apr 25, 2011 - 7:22 pm:
God Bless You and Keep You.
What a beautiful thread. It is heart breaking because it is so real so honest.
Thank you
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New Member:
divamare
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Posted on Monday, Apr 25, 2011 - 7:31 pm:
So sorry to hear about Dusty Susan.
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Member:
shirl
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Posted on Monday, Apr 25, 2011 - 7:52 pm:
My Condolences Susan. You did a wonderful job right to the end. He is now out of pain and happy once again.
Hugs, Shirl
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Member:
mrose
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Posted on Monday, Apr 25, 2011 - 8:24 pm:
Ditto to all the above, Susan. You were a good friend to the very end, making tough choices along the way, and I think you made good choices.
I don't know why, but it always seems easier to me also when they have one last beautiful day. Many hugs. Dusty has much good company, just from our place alone; and I know there are many more. Remember all the good days and the bad days will fade in time.
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Member:
rtrotter
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Posted on Monday, Apr 25, 2011 - 9:05 pm:
Susan,
My condolences on the loss of Dusty, I followed this thread and hoped for a good outcome. You did all you could. He did wait for a beautiful day and I am glad you shared banana's with him. I think he realized his new job was going to be looking after Lacy's baby. He picked his time to go when the baby needs him as a companion. Now, they can both pal around together forever.
God speed Dusty, everyone on the other side of the Rainbow bridge is waiting for you.
Take care
Rachelle
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Member:
zarr
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Posted on Monday, Apr 25, 2011 - 9:27 pm:
Susan, am so sorry Dusty had to go.He went with your love and I know a large part of your heart. God Bless!
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Member:
kathleen
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Posted on Monday, Apr 25, 2011 - 11:27 pm:
Rest in Peace sweet Dusty.
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Member:
dres
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Posted on Monday, Apr 25, 2011 - 11:48 pm:
It is a good out come... Dusty is resting in peace, getting up and down at his leisure... munching on all the greens he wants...
He was a very lucky horse to have such a good human companion ...
RIP Dusty ..
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots..
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Member:
canter
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 - 7:00 am:
I'm very sorry, Susan. I know this has been so difficult for you, but I am so glad that you were able to say goodbye with sunshine on your backs and a last taste of his favorite treat. My thoughts are with you~
Fran
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 - 7:41 am:
My condolences Susan and it is good that Dusty is now resting in peace.
DrO
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Member:
klowe
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 - 8:34 am:
Susan, so sorry to hear about your Dusty, it is the hardest part of the animal equation. It sounds like you did a wonderful job with him.
Kathy
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Member:
vickiann
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 - 9:42 am:
Dusty will be missed. He was deeply loved and gave much in return.
There seems to be a grace and gentleness in his departure from this earth and much to be thankful for.
Thinking of you during this difficult time of loss, Susan.
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Member:
frances
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 - 12:33 pm:
What sad news. I am so sorry, Susan.
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Member:
theresab
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 - 1:21 pm:
I'm sorry for your loss, Susan.
Theresa
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Member:
lilo
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 - 5:06 pm:
My condolences, Susan. You did all you could and in the end the kindest act is to let them go.
Just today a tree was planted in memory of my daughter's beloved gelding, who died way to young.
Dusty is joining many a beloved horse.
Lilo
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Member:
quatro
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Posted on Tuesday, Apr 26, 2011 - 11:17 pm:
Thanks to all of you for your kinds words, and cyber hugs. The most difficult start to the day, is NOT being greeted by the demanding whinny of the herd boss when I entered the barn today. He was always got his gruel first.
I know that it was the right thing to do, it was harder to watch him suffer his loss of dignity, even more so than the loss of his physical stamina.
We too will plant a tree over his grave to be nourished by his spirit over the years to come.
I just hope all of this bad animal energy is over for now!
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Member:
paul303
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 - 1:03 am:
This is always the roughest part of horse ownership. It does not, of course, deter any of us from the wonder of sharing our lives with equines. Our horses open our lives to experiences we never imagined that we would have. How grateful we are to Dusty, and to all our equine companions that have expanded the horizons of our lives. How lucky we are, to have had the privilege to share our lives with horses.
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Member:
helenw
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Posted on Wednesday, Apr 27, 2011 - 11:54 am:
Hi Susan, I'm so sorry to hear about poor old Dusty. But you should be very proud of your efforts to help him. No one could have tried harder for their old friend and I think Dusty knew that and made the final decision for you. I love the idea of him living on as a beautiful tree. Perhaps you should make it a banana tree
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Member:
astbury
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 28, 2011 - 5:56 am:
Am so sorry to hear about Dusty, Susan - but how wonderful for him to have shared his life with you. Thinking of you.
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Member:
cometrdr
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Posted on Friday, Apr 29, 2011 - 6:11 pm:
Ohhh Suzi.... nooo... you poor dear.
Dusty is frolicking pain free now - its always a good thing eventually, its natures way.
big hug buddy big hug!!!!
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Member:
jowidner
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Posted on Wednesday, May 4, 2011 - 7:16 pm:
Aw, I'm so sorry Susan. I've been out of town and just now found your update. Dusty was one lucky guy to have you looking after him so faithfully. I know you must miss him terribly but I hope it helps knowing that you were there for him through his final journey. I'm glad you were able to say a peaceful goodbye. Happy trails to you Dusty!
(((Susan)))
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