How about that… MT has a new roommate.
Here I am, in Tess’s stall, looking at the other horse over there…
Here I am in Tess’ stall… Lookey over there! A horse!
Why, it’s Gwen, Tess’ own daughter. Gwen is now 18 and is the most athletic, gorgeous and healthy horse on the place.
Gwen has never been sick a day in her life.
Why it’s Gwen, Tess’ own daughter who hasn’t been sick a day in her life…
Oopsie, that doesn’t look good…
Oopsie. This doesn’t look good.
Nope. It isn’t.
I know everyone wanted MT to have a barn buddy but this is NOT what I had in mind.
I was not there when it happened. Nobody was here.
Luckily for me (not for her…), my friend Leslie arrived to train Wrigley and came upon Gwen whose leg was dangling oddly. Frantic, Leslie called the vet (very good). Leslie’s vet came and said that Gwen has a tear or tore (not sure) her superficial digital flexor tendon.
He wrapped it up and gave Gwen some pain meds.
(I’m going to call out another vet for a second opinion and to also teach me how to wrap her leg correctly.)
Great. I’m going to get a 2nd opinion and an ultrasound so I know what is going on here… it was wrapped when I got home. She seems to be walking on it well, but it is at a slightly off angle. Yikes.
When I came home, Gwen was still where they had left her in her paddock. When she saw me, she made her way up to the paddock gate. Gwen was able to follow me into the barn, putting weight on that leg. Somewhat comforting… I put her in the one stall that was empty. She hated that. She bangs on the gate constantly.
So, now I have two equine patients.
Gwen is allowed to walk a very little bit around the aisle at night and MT walks around all day.
Sigh. It coulda been worse.
Gwen wants O-U-T. She has never been in a stall except during very bad weather. She hates it. MT wants to know if Gwen has food in there.
HORSE AND MAN is a blog in growth… if you like this, please pass it around!
Obviously I haven’t seen the youngster, but is it possible to get a good bodywork person out and make sure her hock is “in” after superficial flexor damage? It could explain the funky angle :) Just a thought, and warm wishes for speedy recoveries!
Please keep us informed as to the progress and treatment. Sounds like you have your hands full!
Horses! What they do to themselves! Hope Gwen’s recovery is swift and smooth. Perhaps having MT there will help her relax a little about being stalled.
My gelding, Sugar, had a large tear in his SDF, and was just slightly off. I would definitely get a second opinion.