First off, I love love love how my Blackberry camera took this photo at Dusk. Doesn't it remind you of a painting with the golden glows...seems like I can see the paint strokes! Just love it!
Well, last Monday we were supposed to have our 3rd round of xrays, but the Vet decided better to wait until this coming Tuesday (Nov 10th). Instead he pulled some blood work, which showed signs of improvement since Oct 20th's last draw, which is great news! Still not where he should be, but hey, Laz is healing and showing signs of improvement.
That being said, today, it seemed that he did hurt a bit. We change out his funky Styrofoam shoes/duct tape/padded heel bulb with maxi pads combo daily. We do this in the cross ties for a couple of reasons. One, it allows us to clean, re-fluff, re-bed his stall without him having to breathe that dust. Two, it allows Lazarus time out of the stall for about an hour, while we unwrap, groom and re tape/wrap, etc. While he was standing without his padded 'shoes' he seemed to me, today, a little more shifty. He shifted his weight a little more than normal. Now, he did pop through his padded 'shoes' from the night before so maybe that had something to do with it. It just makes my heart sink to know we are not out of the woods with this awful ride of Laminitis. I hate laminitis. I hate that my boy is in any pain. I just pray, pray, hope, wish, and beg and plead that his xrays on Tuesday show signs of improvement, or stability...and not that he is continuing to rotate in his back legs.
The good news is Lazarus attitude remains upbeat, and spunky. He was a cuddle monkey today, burrowing his head into my chest allowing me to rub his ears, eyes and cheeks. He also attempted to 'groom' me while I was rubbing his withers and back. Do you allow that? It's so damn cute but I don't like to have his teeth grinding into my back so I shoved him off continuing to rub and scratch and he just licked his sweet little lips and stood there and enjoyed. He is so precious to me, I wish I could guarantee him a good pain free life for his future. I guess I can, day by day, for now.
Happy to have him eating, drinking almost like normal...very close to it. He lost about 100 lbs in 1-1/2 weeks, so he is slowly gaining it back. You can see his funky duct tape/Styrofoam shoes in this photo, along with his quilt wraps/bandage wraps, which I must say I'm becoming quite good at! Like usual, I just love him in lime green!
I mean, can you stand the sweet camel lip trying to analyze if my camera/phone was a carrot? Love you Laz!
Just keep focussed on providing the best care you can for him each day - which is what you are doing - that's the best way to cope - he is very cute! My old gelding Noble gently grooms my shoulder when I curry his withers on one side - I let him do this so long as he doesn't use too much teeth, and he's also the only one I let rub his face on me - he's very gentle and always stops as soon as I ask. Keeping fingers crossed for your guy!
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog and I am really touched at everything you are doing for your horse, I can see how much you love him. I hope all your efforts pay off and I am sure Lazarus really appreciates having a mom as dedicated as you are! And yes, that first picture is just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks girls
ReplyDeleteI love the comments, advice and encouragement! I do love love my little bay man, I've had him now officially 1 year. Not long, I'm fighting for more (as long as he's not in any inhumane pain).
Marissa, I'll be 'trotting' over to your blog to check it out shortly! :)
All the wraps make him look like a space horse or something.
ReplyDeleteWhich doesn't help, but is pretty cool.
I love that first photo, too, in the soft warm light. I hope Laz is improving. He surely knows that you are doing all you can for him. That has to be comforting. He is a brave boy and you are brave (and dedicated) too. I will continue to think good thoughts for you guys!
ReplyDeleteHi Kristen,
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog through Kate's blog (A year with Horses.)
I've read through some of your posts, it looks like you are going to great lengths to keep him happy and help him recover. He sure is lucky to have you!
I saw the comment you left on Kate's blog about clicker training--I wondered if you might have any questions? I know it sometimes can look complicated and confusing!
I use it with rescue horses and they love it! I've found that it's a fast and effective way to create high quality behavior.
cheers,
Mary H.
http://stalecheerios.com/blog