I have been so sick – I’m very sorry for my absence. But, I think I’m officially on the upswing now. Getting better. Still no sense of smell or taste (which is interesting), but definitely out of bed and moving around much more normally!
THE VET CAME OUT TO SEE NORMA JEAN TODAY
Norma, favoring her left front. Oh NO! No more founder – EVER.
To say that I’m sensitive about feet and hooves and laminits and founder… is an understatement. Living with Mama Tess for her 3 years of founder is not something I would want any owner to have to face – and I sure don’t want anyone here to founder, ever.
So… when we returned back from Hubby’s Wyoming birthday trip, Norma was moving stiffly and her left front looked lame. I tried to remain calm but kinda panicked inside. Was it because I left for a few day? Was it because it rained while we were gone? I know she wasn’t overfed…
First things first, I told myself… CALM DOWN. Now, pick her feet and feel the temps. Make sure it isn’t a stone bruise or thrush…
I did that. Her feet didn’t feel unusually hot. She did have some rocks in there from the recent rain turned to mud – and there was some minor thrush – the mud gets packed in there and then turns to stone. I treated the thrush and picked them the next day, too.
But, she was still sore.
I yelled to myself inside, “NO!!!!!”
Whatever this was, I needed to call the vet.
(The thought of anything happening to Norma Jean was almost beyond what I could take right now.)
THE VET CAME
Our new vet here in Paso Robles is always on time (or early), always has a pressed shirt, always talks to the horses and always does only what is necessary. I trust him.
I love our new vet here. He is always on time or early, often he can be there the same day, and even though he is young, he’s oldtymey. If there is an easy cure, he’ll say it. If he doesn’t need to come out, he’ll say it. He never charges more than he has to. I really respect him.
OK, so the vet arrived 15 minutes BEFORE our appointment. Yay!
He talked to Norma in a very sweet tone, which she appreciated. Dr. tested her hooves and looked for bruising. He asked when her next farrier appointment was scheduled. I said, “Thursday”. He said, “Good. That is what she needs. She probably had a stone bruise plus some thrush… but it is all dry in there now. A good trim will fix it all up. I will give her some IV Bute and you watch her. But, she should be A-OK very soon.”
I asked him to take a Geriatric Panel since he was here. I wanted to know all about Norma’s blood. I should find out tomorrow.
Easy Peasy… but we took a Geriatric panel as well.
MEANWHILE…
Meanwhile, impatient Gwen (who was locked up in the dogleg of the paddock), kept banging on the panel. “What about ME?!”
Meanwhile, Miss Gwendolyn spent the entire time, banging on the panel keeping her from the vet and Norma Jean.
I’m sure she didn’t want a shot nor her blood taken, but I couldn’t convince her to STOP!
BANG BANG BANG…
PHEW.
I don’t know what I will do when it is actually Norma Jean’s or Dodger’s time to go. I’ve had them both for 23 years. I could not imagine life without them, although I know it will happen.
Thank you, HorseGods, for helping Norma today! (And thank you for helping me get better to take care of them all!)
Norma was not interesting in any more prodding and poking, thank you very much.
