Sunday, December 13, 2009

Horse Issues




Thought I would put in an update on Nick after our trip to the vet yesterday.  We loaded him up about 11 a.m. in one of the worst windstorms we have had here in ages.  I sat a couple of flakes of hay on the ground while I closed up the back of the trailer and when I turned around they had been blown clear across the road!  So much for them!  We got some more and put it in for him plus he was all cozy in his nice new belly band type blanket.  I don't know where I have been as I didn't know they had this kind of blanket and thought it was something new.  Wrong.  Guess they have been around for a long time and I just had never seen them.  The belly band will really add to the warmth of the blanket by keeping his tummy warm.


We arrived at the vet's office and they were ready for us.  We unloaded him and took him inside and he was a good boy even when the big overhead door came down.  His spine was still very tender to the touch.  They took x-rays of it and the places showed up that are tender.  You could see the white around the bones that are affected.  My vet went into lots of detail as to what the shots to the spine would involve and it sure didn't sound like a picnic.  Huge syringes are used as lots of 'stuff' has to go in to each spot.  There were to be six shots.  Infection can be an issue so it has to be done at the vet's office, not the barn.


Before he did the shots he wanted to check one more thing.  He said sometimes the hocks can have some problems that will cause back troubles and asked if I minded that he shoot some more films.  Obviously I didn't mind as I wanted to cover all of the bases.  When he came back he was smiling and chuckled as he asked us if he could pat himself on the back as there is indeed a hock issue!  He has a chip off one of the hock bones and it is floating around in there causing lots of trouble.  In taking weight off that hock it's putting pressure on the wrong places in his back which in turn has made his back sore.


So we will be going to New England Equine Clinic in New Hampshire which is a top notch facility sometime in the next few weeks for his surgery.  We will be there two or three days.  Don't like to travel with my horses in the winter time here in Maine but it has to be done and that is the best place to go.  It's about four hours from here and we will be watching the weather so that we don't get caught up somewhere due to a storm.  Nick will be all bundled up for the trip with an extra blanket on if need be and we will have plenty of food and water with us.


So that's where that stands.  Will let you all know when we go so that you can keep us in your thoughts and prayers.  Thanks!!

15 comments:

Needled Mom said...

I knew when I read the title of your post that it was NOT going to be good news. I am so sorry to read that Nick will need surgery. It is nice to know that it will be the end of the problem when all is said and done, but what a horrid time of the year to have to be transpoting him four hours away. Will you guys stay there with him as well?

I will be keeping all of you in my prayers. Safe travels, my friend. Hugs.

Mrs. Mom said...

You are a great horse mom MM. You really really are.

Prayers going out for Nick and your journey to be a safe one!!!

BIG hugs and love from the Southland!
~MM

Train Wreck said...

Well It is good that it isn't a back issue! Sounds like a surgery that will be succesful. Good luck and travel safe. Winter driving is scary. Let us know how he is doing.

Donna. W said...

Wow. Sounds incredibly expensive!

Carroll Farm said...

I agree with Donna, since we are still paying the vet on a horse that we had to put down. AND, just put stitches in another one yesterday - along with my Expedition deciding to take a dump...

Good luck with your trip, and make sure you update us on how it goes.

hippo chick said...

I guess the surgery isn't pleasant either, but I think it sounds better than the horrible shots. I know this will be tough, on you , as well as Nick, but you guys are good, strong horse folks.

Is it okay to pray for our animals? I do, so I will pray for Nick and for you.

Take care, and have a good week.

~hippo hugs~

Callie said...

Oh, good grief! And I thought I had problems! Good luck and hope he gets through all of this ok! "Jingles" being sent your way!

Train Wreck said...

I should have made that point! I really don't mind if they get dirty, as long as they keep it outside, and outta my truck! lol

palmtreefanatic said...

poor Nick and you guys for that matter! What a time...
We had that wind last week I know what you are talking about!
I will continue to pray that things go well!

KC said...

OH NO!!!! Poor Nick.. I'm sorry

sue said...

you know that we only live about 30 minutes from Dover.... I would LOVE TO HAVE you come here if you need a break or get caught down this way and need a comfty place to stay, we have a spare room and I am really, really sincere with this offer!!!!!! OR, if you just want a little company while you wait, let me know when you are coming and I will pop over.. my email is SWTGRSS@aol.com

Pony Girl said...

Aw, poor sweet Nick. I do hope that it will help relieve some of his pain. Keep us posted and drive safe on that long trip!
Looks like you got the snow day I really wanted! :)

sue said...

I do believe there is a motel just down a bit from the clinic but for the life of me, can't think "what" it is, course I am sure they can tell you there.. again, I would love to catch up with you, even if it's just for a visit over a cup of coffee to help fill the hours, please let me know when you are heading down......

Anita said...

I sense how much you love Nick and your other animals. I pray that things will go well with all the decisions you have to make, for stress management, and that you all will have safe and easy travels.

Stop by if you can and tell me what your passion(s) is(are) on my post titled "Passion." :)

Dawn said...

Wow, that's a lot of "dealing" with those big horses. I am glad the vet found the problem with what is causing the soreness. It reminds me a bit of what happened to me during the concert one day. My foot was killing me, so I took off that shoe. It was only a flat, but must have thrown me off by that inch or less, because the other side of my back was killing me by the end of the concert. Still sore.

Kev got out there in March, so experienced the 90 days of rain, but not winter. We equipped him quite well, but his feet are freezing. So I ordered some Bean boots to be sent to him this week - extra unexpected Christmas gift. But I've really been worrying about him and his poor feet.

I'm so so so behind because Kristen's had strep throat this week (during her finals) and I've had all the kids all week (well, the big girls after school and all night). Therefore, nothing is getting done. Nothing!! I am going to have to bite the bullet and do some shopping with the littles along today - and I must get to the PO so Kev gets his gifts. I made some cookies for all the guys and need to get them on their way before they get stale!

Have a good rest of the week!