lynds45
New User
hi, i know this is my first ever post and sorry not to have introduced myself first.
I am asking for advice that I am doing the right thing.
Sorry this is going to be long!
My horse is 23 and suffered his first laminitis attack, or so we thought, in early May this year.
Initially he was lame in one hind, vet thought it was an abscess, even nerve blocked him, but couldn't find any abscess.
Poulticed him for a couple of days but no sign of improvement. Next day he was shifting weight behind so called vet again and stabled him as looked like laminitis.
Vet confirmed laminitis but we thought we caught it quickly so stupidly didn't get xrays.
5 weeks on and he's still sore on that same hind, cushiings test negative.
Were going to have metabolic test but put it off due to pain and stress.
We were down to 1 bute every 3 days which seemed to keep him comfortable.
Suddenly he is absolutely hopping lame on the same foot, to the point of grunting when he moves. Vet discovers lots of bruising and also a seroma, which is still ongoing. Also thinks this isn't the first time he's had it, I am absolutely mortified that I wouldn't have noticed it, however mild. Soles are paper thin and soft and frogs are lifting up.
Xrays then taken. Both hinds show quite severe rotation and to my eye not far off the sole.
Vet thinks that we can manage it with bar shoes and hospital plates but it will take at least 6 months to a year before we can even consider turning him out for a short time.
He is 23, has been retired (from showjumping) for 8 years due to being blind in one eye and arthritic changes in his sacroiliac.
He is my horse of a lifetime and he means the world to me but I think its time to say goodbye. My vet seemed surprised at my decision but farrier agreed.
Hence this post, do I try a bit longer or am I doing the right thing? This is the hardest decision I've ever had to make.
I just need other perspectives. The vet is booked for Tuesday to do the deed
I am asking for advice that I am doing the right thing.
Sorry this is going to be long!
My horse is 23 and suffered his first laminitis attack, or so we thought, in early May this year.
Initially he was lame in one hind, vet thought it was an abscess, even nerve blocked him, but couldn't find any abscess.
Poulticed him for a couple of days but no sign of improvement. Next day he was shifting weight behind so called vet again and stabled him as looked like laminitis.
Vet confirmed laminitis but we thought we caught it quickly so stupidly didn't get xrays.
5 weeks on and he's still sore on that same hind, cushiings test negative.
Were going to have metabolic test but put it off due to pain and stress.
We were down to 1 bute every 3 days which seemed to keep him comfortable.
Suddenly he is absolutely hopping lame on the same foot, to the point of grunting when he moves. Vet discovers lots of bruising and also a seroma, which is still ongoing. Also thinks this isn't the first time he's had it, I am absolutely mortified that I wouldn't have noticed it, however mild. Soles are paper thin and soft and frogs are lifting up.
Xrays then taken. Both hinds show quite severe rotation and to my eye not far off the sole.
Vet thinks that we can manage it with bar shoes and hospital plates but it will take at least 6 months to a year before we can even consider turning him out for a short time.
He is 23, has been retired (from showjumping) for 8 years due to being blind in one eye and arthritic changes in his sacroiliac.
He is my horse of a lifetime and he means the world to me but I think its time to say goodbye. My vet seemed surprised at my decision but farrier agreed.
Hence this post, do I try a bit longer or am I doing the right thing? This is the hardest decision I've ever had to make.
I just need other perspectives. The vet is booked for Tuesday to do the deed
