Yesterday, in the pasture, I did notice that Cowboy was doing a little of the involuntary head bobbing and his ears were down in a look I identify with discomfort. Now that the days are getting longer and there's more sunshine, I have to be proactive in my plan from last fall. I'm going to call my vet tomorrow and discuss medication, and I'm going to order his darkening mask. I've already separated him out into a stall during the day. I'm going to go out in a few minutes and release him for the night. I want him out as much as possible, so I'll start there and see how he does.
I love this horse so much, I've decided as long as he's happy I'll do whatever it takes to keep him going. He's an important part of my life, and he has such a great personality--a real entertainer and sweetheart. I have to do anything and everything I can to keep him from getting much worse; basically, I need to keep him from becoming a danger to himself and others.
Oddly, I'm starting to dread the end of winter and beginning of spring.
Cowboy's lucky to have you there for him. It seems like you're both a huge part of the other's life, in so many ways.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you have each other. I'm hoping that the vet's recommendations plus the mask will make a big difference to him this year.
ReplyDeleteJoanne--I hope he's lucky to have me. I'm trying everything within my means--hoping some, if not all, of it works. The TTouch has got him standing on his front feet again...that has to be a good start.
ReplyDeleteKate--thanks. I'm hoping it will make a big difference, too. I just ordered the mask...funny looking thing!
I know exactly how you feel about Cowboy. I hope you are able to keep him comfortable this summer. It sounds like you have a good plan of action.
ReplyDeleteCowboy is lucky to have you in his life and I'm sure your plan will help him be comfortable. I know how you feel, it's so hard to want to help but equally hard to know what's exactly right for their particular situations. Hope your practitioner can help him a little too.
ReplyDeleteI was wishing I could come to your TTouch thing, but I couldn't make it that day. If you ever do it again and have it open to others, I'd love to know about it. I'm in the same boat you are, but of course with a different disorder, and I want to learn more about all kinds of body work to help Tonka continue to be my riding horse.
ReplyDeleteAnnette, I'm going to try. As you know, sometimes it's discouraging.
ReplyDeleteGHM--Not knowing is definitely the worst part. I wish there were more understanding of how to treat head shaking, but we'll see if the medication helps.
Andrea--I want to organize a clinic if I can get enough people to definitely commit for it. I'm thinking 3 people would be all she'd need. My daughter and I would be two of those...Laura...and you...and whoever else wants to join. I wouldn't want it to be too big--no more than 6.
Linda, I'd love to come to a clinic. In terms of scheduling, I definitely can't do Thursdays and I'm working Apr. 4, but other than that I could probably make any time work. Just have to arrange child care and make sure my daughter can make it to softball... Spring sure is busy, but I really, really would love to do this.
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