Marchtime
Well-Known Member
I've had Jesper since he was 4yrs old. Aged 5yrs he was diagnosed with PSD in his left hind. Luckily after six months off he made a good recovery and became a lovely dressage horse. Heartbreakingly a few years later he was diagnosed with collateral ligament damage in both fronts following an MRI at Liphook. He had nine months off and returned to work sound as a light hack. This time last year, aged 10yrs, he fully retired. He was 1/10th lame when ridden but clearly not comfortable. The vet suspected he was also lame behind again.
He was paddock sound and so has spent the last year living the life of luxury. He goes out during the day and is stabled at night. He won't tolerate living out and won't tolerate sharing a field with other horses. Until December last year I thought we'd have him as a much loved pet for a long time.
Since the beginning of January he has been 3/10ths lame in the paddock. I trot him up once a week to keep an eye on his lameness. The vet came and had a look but didn't have any suggestions as we've no treatment options left. Previously he's had days when he's looked less sound but he's never had a period of lameness like this since being retired.
My problem is how do I make that heart breaking decision that enough is enough. My stunning boy is happy in himself, his coat is bright, he's alert and a good weight but he is clearly lame in hand. When he's been in pain previously he's been grumpy and withdrawn but with this lameness episode he hasn't been but I can't help but think he must be because of how lame he is. I've always had the mentally lameness = pain. Now I don't know.
I'm thinking the time has come when it might be time to call it a day. I always said when we couldn't keep him paddock sound I would but it's so hard when he looks so well. I just want to do what is right for him.
Sorry for a long, self indulgent post. It doesn't help Sammy, my previous horse, died seven years ago tomorrow. February has always been an unlucky month for me.
Hot chocolate if you made it this far.
He was paddock sound and so has spent the last year living the life of luxury. He goes out during the day and is stabled at night. He won't tolerate living out and won't tolerate sharing a field with other horses. Until December last year I thought we'd have him as a much loved pet for a long time.
Since the beginning of January he has been 3/10ths lame in the paddock. I trot him up once a week to keep an eye on his lameness. The vet came and had a look but didn't have any suggestions as we've no treatment options left. Previously he's had days when he's looked less sound but he's never had a period of lameness like this since being retired.
My problem is how do I make that heart breaking decision that enough is enough. My stunning boy is happy in himself, his coat is bright, he's alert and a good weight but he is clearly lame in hand. When he's been in pain previously he's been grumpy and withdrawn but with this lameness episode he hasn't been but I can't help but think he must be because of how lame he is. I've always had the mentally lameness = pain. Now I don't know.
I'm thinking the time has come when it might be time to call it a day. I always said when we couldn't keep him paddock sound I would but it's so hard when he looks so well. I just want to do what is right for him.
Sorry for a long, self indulgent post. It doesn't help Sammy, my previous horse, died seven years ago tomorrow. February has always been an unlucky month for me.
Hot chocolate if you made it this far.
