What would you do now?

AutumnDays said:
@rabatsa @Kirstd33 this is my thinking. Vet always seems to want to try more, but at the end of the day if he needs that much to be comfortable as a field ornament, it's not in his interest or mine. A tough call to make coming up
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So sorry AutumnDays, he doesn’t sound very happy does he and it’s so tough on you trying to keep him happy.
 
AutumnDays said:
@rabatsa @Kirstd33 this is my thinking. Vet always seems to want to try more, but at the end of the day if he needs that much to be comfortable as a field ornament, it's not in his interest or mine. A tough call to make coming up
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You have my utmost sympathies, I cant think about it without wanting to cry but I know I must. My boy just loves people, especially my daughter and I but I just can't put him through another winter like this one, its heartbreaking.
 
Thank you. Did you get any further forward with yours @poiuytrewq? And sympathies to you @Kirstd33, it's not a nice place to be. I've just had a sob discussing it with the husband and logistics of what to do after. And the whole so we soldier on for a bit more so he can at least go after feeling some sun on his back. Watching him on the camera now he's sharing hay in the shelter happily with his mates, makes me feel awful thinking about it...
 
AutumnDays said:
Thank you. Did you get any further forward with yours @poiuytrewq? And sympathies to you @Kirstd33, it's not a nice place to be. I've just had a sob discussing it with the husband and logistics of what to do after. And the whole so we soldier on for a bit more so he can at least go after feeling some sun on his back. Watching him on the camera now he's sharing hay in the shelter happily with his mates, makes me feel awful thinking about it...
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I think the relief that you don't have to worry about it anymore comes later, but i've always felt that making the decision is by far the worst bit. You are considering it, because it's best for him and the potential of seeing him miserable is worse for you than him not being here. You could put off the inevitable for a while longer, but what would be the point? Whenever you do it, you will be heartbroken so do it on your terms, while he only knows life without suffering. Putting it off isn't going to make it better for you.
 
meleeka said:
I think the relief that you don't have to worry about it anymore comes later, but i've always felt that making the decision is by far the worst bit. You are considering it, because it's best for him and the potential of seeing him miserable is worse for you than him not being here. You could put off the inevitable for a while longer, but what would be the point? Whenever you do it, you will be heartbroken so do it on your terms, while he only knows life without suffering. Putting it off isn't going to make it better for you.
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Tbh, I decided in May that my old pony would not be doing another winter, but it was an awful summer (for me) and I couldn't think of anything else.
Now as soon as I start thinking that way about a pony I make the decision and do the deed straight away.
 
tda said:
Tbh, I decided in May that my old pony would not be doing another winter, but it was an awful summer (for me) and I couldn't think of anything else.
Now as soon as I start thinking that way about a pony I make the decision and do the deed straight away.
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Same. Once the decision is made I can’t prolong it.

Mine, he’s having another week or two to get the meds into his system properly then he’s going out.
I’ll see what happens from there. Either he can handle turnout every day all day or he can’t and I can’t keep a retired horse stabled long term.
He’s currently being really quite good on the yard, I think the initial excitement has worn off so he potters in and out happily. Eating hay and watching people go past on the road.
I’ve stopped messing with his feet. I pick them out but that’s about it for now. Thought process being f he’s just had enough or remembering pain then he will improve about having them handled.
🤞 he’s his usual happy wombat self anyway so we are ok for now but taking it day by day. I’ll switch plan if anything changes.
 
Well I’ve done it. He’s out and having a wonderful time. It’s been so lovely having them both out grazing. Today they were still out at 6pm which is amazing after the winter I’ve had so far!
He’s got no pulses and no heat, he doesn’t mind having them handled and picked out but I don’t think he is sound behind still 🤦‍♀️
Not bad and hard to tell really as he is either grazing or trashing my field so skidding and galloping rather than trotting in a straight line which would be far more convenient!
I do suspect still as I’ve said all along that he has an issue and the abcess thing was an easy blame but we will see. I need it to dry up! 🤞🤞
 
He’s been looking a little duff again, this time in front but that’s to be expected I think without shoes (knowing him) so I have been to get some Cavallo boots to try for size and maybe buy some for the walk to and from the field, think it’s plenty soft enough out there.
So this evening I got him in and I’m not really a leg washer regularly but have given his feet and lower legs a really good hose and scrubbed his feet with a cider vinegar solution.
Partly to try the boots on but partly to check holes and see his feet properly.
This high lighted the fact he’s still not happy behind to stand on either side for long, fine to pick out as I do regularly but anything longer is still a bit of a struggle which is a bit soul destroying at this point.
My field is really quite trashed but, compared to most horse fields I am seeing quite dry. I can poo pick the majority of it in trainers so he’s not stood in squelchy mud.
The Prascend really should have well kicked in by now.
I’ve noticed a weight increase very recently so have actually switched feeds again, I’ve gone back to not great but lower sugar/startch DE levels because that’s what keeps him slimmest and eating reliably (thus getting the meds into him) He’s having soaked hay.

The new farrier is back this week to give another trim, it’s been 4 weeks and I think small/ more often probably best.
My vet is also out for vaccinations but will get her to check him as well if she has time, will give her a call tomorrow.
I can’t go back to box rest again, although he was incredibly good they are so much happier out together caked in mud and munching side by side that it’s not fair on either.
With boots I hope to be able to get him over to the other field which will be drier still and hope that will help.
Bit down beat about it all again now.
 
I also took photos. Just thinking it would be good to have and to compare pre and post trim and in a few months time.
He had a pretty decent event line under the mud.
How long ago would this be? And why is one foot higher than the other?!
 

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I’m going to try and find another last photo to see if that’s another abcess burst because that looks bigger to me than it was but he did have one there anyway
 
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