what to do..?

[blood_magik]

so here's the background info:

Horse had a run-in with a wire fence and now has 6 staples in his left foreleg.
the vet has with-held painkillers and anti-inflamatories (sp) as they would mask any infection that could develop.

the dilema:
my horse is obviously in pain - he was visibly shaking when i was grooming him around his shoulder and chest and wouldn't even come to his door for a treat when he's usually in my pockets looking for food. he's very reluctant to move about and is dragging his leg when he has to move.

The reasoning behind no painkillers was that with painkillers he would be able to bear weight even if an infection developed. He's resting his hind leg comfortably so most of his weight is on the front legs.

Can i insist of my vet giving him something for the pain even if it means that an infection wouldn't be obvious?

feel really bad that he's in pain and we've deliberately not given him anything.

 

[Maesfen]

Don't worry, it's a ploy to make sure he doesn't do too much moving so that the staples aren't compromised. He'll manage without bute perfectly fine.
Thing is, why are you grooming him in the area he will be sore, possibly bruised too, (I believe he did it without anyone seeing how?) no wonder he was shaking poor boy, he was probably worried as well. The last thing a horse with his injury needs is a groom, it won't hurt him for a few days and you don't want particles of dust/bedding interfering with the wound.

 

[blood_magik]

good to know he's not suffering unnecessarily.
his wound is covered with a dressing and loads of gamgee so it's clean and padded in case he knocks it.

feel bad for grooming him now
ugh I should be slapped

 

[Maesfen]

No, don't feel bad, it's an easy thing to forget/not imagine/not know, take your pick until it's been pointed out by someone who did exactly the same as you many years ago, lol! As it's completely sealed in it's not so bad but remember he might be bruised anywhere so be very gentle with him if you brush him over. A lot like a bit of pampering when they're poorly then again, a lot don't like you doing anything with them at all, you just have to play it by ear, it's trial and error.
Hope he feels brighter soon.