It is of course to good to be true that everything would go just amazingly and perfectly smooth. I think that would defy some unwritten rule of horse ownership. If things are going great, just wait a minute and something will happen. So after many positive posts there has to be a down side right? Well training is still amazing and wonderful and all those other mushy adjectives. The Dude is building up his fitness. Our canter circles are getting smaller and he is able to not flip flop his leads. He is completely sound. The suspension that horse has is outstanding. He just floats. We are ready for a lesson and the next step in our training. I just need to decide who and when that will be. Okay, now on to the not so good part.
My horse won't eat! I have no idea what his deal is. It started about a week ago he started loosing interest in his grain and I started to wonder if he was eating very much hay. Then it got obviously worse after his vet visit. Which I figured was pretty normal with vaccinations and such but we are 4 days out and it hasn't improved dramatically. I decided to seperate him in the other pasture so I could be more accurate about how much exactly he was eating. He picks at his grain and over an hour or two he will finish what normally takes him 20-30 minutes. And he really just picks at his hay. He will wander out and eat grass here and there but not really a constant grazing. He acts otherwise perfectly fine.
So the list starts running through my head. Ulcers? Worms? Other mystery illness? I am not sure what his deal is but I am not one to go running to the Dr. every time my children get a fever or a cough or even an ear ache. A good example is I broke at least one rib last week and have yet to seek medical help, my body will heal itself as long as I am careful to take care of it. I have alot of faith in God's creation to heal itself in alot of cases. So if I am that way with my kids you can probably guess I am that way with my animals. So we won't be rushing off to spend hundreds on ulcer treatments or vet bills. We will watch and see. I will continue to worry about him and keep an eagle eye on his every move to make sure he improves. I do think he will be just fine and it is all going to work itself out. Though I don't rush to seek medical attention I have no issue in giving something to help with pain, tylenol for kids for example and I may try a little bute for the big Dude. My biggest frustration with all of it is...his weight...boo hoo...I am so worried at this rate all that we have worked for and made such massive improvements is going to disappear in a matter of a few days. Ugh..like I said it was bound to happen. I mean things were go to well.
Not your average OTTB given another chance at a new life and a mostly average busy Mom who never gave up on her dream to ride again. An unlikely pair at an unlikely time, learning to event and loving life!
Pick up a gallon of Aloe Vera juice at the grocery store. Should run you about $8. Work up to a cup or so at each feeding. If he does have ulcers, it helps many horses feel better quickly. If not, hey, you're only out $8. ;)
ReplyDeleteDid the vet do his teeth when he was out? If not, have a look in his mouth. I've heard of horses getting sharp seeds from hay jammed in their gums or cheeks. It could be something like that too.
I hope he decides to eat again soon! Poor guy!
Steady why must you drive your mom crazy!! My first thought would be ulcers too. Especially since he is the "type" for it. Hope he gets his appetite back soon!
ReplyDeleteIs he out on pasture? Could it be all the spring grass. I know at our barn when the spring grass first comes in they drag into the barn at night and aren't all that eager to eat their dinner because they are so full.
ReplyDeleteI am glad to say it appears he is eating normally again. Finished his breakfast ate some hay and is now grazing. YAY!
ReplyDeleteI was going to suggest Benamine. I always use Benamine for stomach issues because it is so much gentler than Bute. I'm glad he's doing better though!
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