"If you are going to have livestock..."

"... then you should be prepared to have deadstock."

It is a sentiment that I have heard (too) many times, and one that I hate to hear. However, there is unfortunately an element of truth to it. Most horse owners are keenly aware of the fact that horses have a knack for finding ways to injure themselves, and that they are susceptible to a wide variety of ailments that have the possibility of ending the career or even the life of a horse.

The life of myself and my boyfriend has recently been consumed by tending the wounds that The Squirt received when he got caught in a fence. We desperately hoped that the stitches would hold in the largest of the wounds... but as is all too common in leg wounds in horses, the stitches are now giving way and the wound has been reopening. It is a terrible, large and deep wound (the bone was visible on the night of the injury), and I am very worried about the wee lad. The stitches did give the healing a head start (they held for a week), and new growth is visible... so now we just have to keep taking care of the wounds. We are also trying to be optimistic while we wait for time and nature to do what they can. We have a long haul ahead. Any good thoughts, well wishes and prayers for The Squirt are much appreciated. It is never easy when your beloved equine partner is felling less than 100%... and it is quite upsetting to think that my dressage partner's career is over before it even began. Right now I just want the wounds to heal well so that my boy can have a full and happy life, with no complications or pain or mobility issues.

The truth of the above quote was further hammered home (forcefully) this week when one of of our young alpacas died. His passing was quite an unexpected blow, and we are still reeling from the shock of it.... especially on top of the stress of The Squirt's injuries. Our poor little alpaca fought to live for a few days (with the help of the wonderful breeders who took amazing care of him), but in the end an ulcer won. :( It was sort of like going through a colic episode... but with a ruminant. RIP Spender, you will be missed little guy. ♥

It has not been an easy couple of weeks... it certainly has taught us to enjoy every moment with our critters.

I do hope that things improve soon.

Comment

You need to be a member of Barnmice Equestrian Social Community to add comments!

Join Barnmice Equestrian Social Community

Comment by Ferrous on June 17, 2010 at 12:15pm: Thanks, Barbara and Jackie! It has been a mind numbing week. Barbara, I will send your friend a note later in case she has some suggestions. I do wish that this was a wound over muscle, if it had to occur at all. Horses and leg wounds, aaargh!

Yes, it certainly is an all consuming task. We are racking up the miles going to and from the barn a few times a day to treat the wound and check on The Squirt. We had to bring the vet in last night as the big wound started bleeding heavily and the leg was swollen and the wee lad didn't want to put his foot down. :( The last of the stitches had given up up and so the vet removed what was left of them. There was also some infection so The Squirt is back on antibiotics. The vet said that this sort of situation is not uncommon. The bone is exposed and so now the biggest challenge is keeping the wound clean and waiting for the flesh to cover the bone. *shudder cringe* Even proudflesh is OK at this stage, as we just need some granulated tissue of any sort to get the opening closed. We can deal with any proudflesh later. We are now leaving the wound uncovered unless there are a lot of flies around so that it can drain and get exposed to the air, and we are cold hosing his leg at least twice a day. The waiting game continues.

Now, off for more caffeine. Three hours of sleep does leave one running on fumes!

... and we are thinking that The Squirt needs a new name...
something like "Is There a Doctor In The House", or "Vet's Truck Fund" perhaps! :P

Comment by Jackie Cochran on June 16, 2010 at 10:21am: I hope that things improve for you also. Nursing horses through life can be very hard work.
Sorry to hear about your losing your little guy.

Comment by Barbara F. on June 16, 2010 at 9:13am: Hi Ferrous,
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. My friend Janet Bone who is here on Barnmice, just went through nursing a very large wound on her horse's hip. She's a nurse and has all kinds of ideas for wound care, if you're feeling at all lost. Please keep us informed - and so sorry to hear about your little alpaca! :(