So anyway it was tough pulling him away from the hay feeder and he would hardly move, kind of parked out rocked back on his heels. It seemed like it was both fronts bothering him. His right front is stocked up but even after cleaning out his hooves and getting him in the arena footing he was favoring both feet. (still willing to roll of course)
His front hooves are warm compared to the backs. Not hot and I can't feel a pulse but they are definitely different than the back ones. So I'm thinking he's foundering or has laminitis or something like that. Last time this happened was the first time I had him shod and he was fixed right away but we had just shoes on him this fall and he still wasn't quite right so it might take some meds for inflammation and maybe special shoeing (usually they put pads on and the shoes on backwards sometimes) and maybe some diet changes.
So we'll see what the vet says. Hopefully he calls back soon and can come out this week still.
I put on his old hoof boots on with the old pastern wraps and I found a scissors and cut down the gel pads and put those in the boots as well. He was walking better with the boots on but still a little gun shy I think.
Boy does he look low backed in this photo, someone needs to do some sit ups.
And they are definitely getting the hang of the hay net. The barn owners picked up one of those big round bale nets to try and slow the pigs down and save on waste and it seems to be doing the trick. I'm secretly hoping the slow in feeding will make Axel's swelling go away, but it's only been two weeks and he's still my big pregnant gelding.
Pardon Axel's *ahem*
2 comments:
Here I am at the end of the ventral edema posts. Geez Louise you've been through the wringer with this, and for such a long time. I haven't figured out where you live yet...the North Pole? Your winters are unbelieveably harsh. Anyway, Axel's and Hank's swellings sure do have alot in common. Hank's ventral edema has all but disappeared in the last few days, even before I started the antibiotics, but now his left chest area is swollen. I'd be a wreck if he was acting sick and am so glad he's not. Thanks again for telling me about these posts - misery loves company!
Heh, yeah I call Axel the million dollar horse. He has high ringbone in his left rear (which I think finally fused), arthritis (or something) in his right front knee, he gets scratches/mud fever if you look at him wrong, the ventral edema every winter, and he's just kind of a big oaf. I think some where in there he had a swollen jaw one spring, he's had hives randomly. I have a flickr set called "Axel's Ailments." The good thing is that he's patient and will stand for days while being stuck with needles or what have you. Sadly he's my favorite riding horse so it really sucks having to retire him :(
We're just south of Minneapolis/St. Paul in Minnesota. This week we're looking at a high of -4F with a wind chill of -28F. Good times!
Post a Comment