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| Look Ma! No ribs! |
Friday, January 7, 2011
Ophie!
I don't know what Ophie's mom is talking about...wait, I guess I don't know what the woman who said that she was ribby was talking about. I guess if you catch it in the right light you can sort of see her ribs? I wish we had a "before" picture of Fifi.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Ugh.
It's raining in Seattle. Shocker, I know.
I went with Ophie's mom to visit Ophie at their new barn. I haven't been there since October when they moved. Ophie looks amazing and was a very good girl for her momma.(I took a picture, but forgot to ask if I can put it on the interwebz for the world to see. Can I?)
When we first got there Ophie's mom pointed out a horse and whispered that he was being put down tomorrow. Reason: EPM. I felt HORRIBLE. All I could think about was that EPM is treatable, that there are people out there that have been through EPM and that the horses have made it. It reminded me of what I went through with Denali in November and those feelings leading up to putting her down.
It sucks. Many of you know those feelings (some of you all too recently.) I am grateful that I didn't need to go through the grieving process.
After watching Ophie's mom ride we went to put her away. I walked up to the boy and said hi. The poor boy. He was so neurological, his hind end went everywhere. I would do the same thing. OM said he can't lay down anymore because he can't get back up.
Worst part:? (Not that it can get much worse.)
He's a little girls horse. She was there when we first got there and I just felt so bad for her. It makes me want to hug my girl extra tight and count all my lucky stars. I got lucky, I got so VERY, VERY lucky.
In other news, tomorrow night I'm doing another crazy secret thing. You can save the laughing up, because I'm not sure what I thing of what I'm doing and at times I giggle too.
I went with Ophie's mom to visit Ophie at their new barn. I haven't been there since October when they moved. Ophie looks amazing and was a very good girl for her momma.(I took a picture, but forgot to ask if I can put it on the interwebz for the world to see. Can I?)
When we first got there Ophie's mom pointed out a horse and whispered that he was being put down tomorrow. Reason: EPM. I felt HORRIBLE. All I could think about was that EPM is treatable, that there are people out there that have been through EPM and that the horses have made it. It reminded me of what I went through with Denali in November and those feelings leading up to putting her down.
It sucks. Many of you know those feelings (some of you all too recently.) I am grateful that I didn't need to go through the grieving process.
After watching Ophie's mom ride we went to put her away. I walked up to the boy and said hi. The poor boy. He was so neurological, his hind end went everywhere. I would do the same thing. OM said he can't lay down anymore because he can't get back up.
Worst part:? (Not that it can get much worse.)
He's a little girls horse. She was there when we first got there and I just felt so bad for her. It makes me want to hug my girl extra tight and count all my lucky stars. I got lucky, I got so VERY, VERY lucky.
In other news, tomorrow night I'm doing another crazy secret thing. You can save the laughing up, because I'm not sure what I thing of what I'm doing and at times I giggle too.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Little Black Breeches
and my goal is to fit into them.
Yesterday's Tack of the day gave me the inspiration for my "new" blog since I honestly could give a damn about fitting into a little black dress, but breeches...that's another story.
I bought a pair of breeches, 2 sizes too small because they were the color I've wanted, full seat, the kind that act like a seat belt in case of an unexpected spook. I wanted them. Thanks to the $$ from x-mas (that I put into Denali's fund, just to turn around and pull out the $58.00 for the breeches.)
Who buys breeches that they know they won't fit into? Me.
I'm excited that several of you want to do this journey with me! Although, Pia's mom....really? I've had the pleasure of meeting Pia's mom in real life. She looks like a model, and is such a nice person. (Hell, I was smeared throughout her trailer and she still talks to me.) The extra weight you need to lose is probably from that rock on your finger ;0). Okay, kidding. Also, Pia's Mom!! Hope you feel better! Naughty Pia, NAUGHTY.
For those of you who said "yes." Send me your google e-mail to rehabdenali @ yahoo.com and I'll get you set up on the blog as an author.
In other pony related news I went out to the barn yesterday (instead of my normal Wednesday trip) because it was sunny and beautiful! (Side Note: I made it before it was dark!! Yay for longer days!)
I got to the barn and noticed Denali walking the fence like as I drove up. I stopped my car and she stopped. I started driving again and she started walking towards the gate again. I laughed. She knows what my car looks like, and I'd like to pretend that she was walking to meet me.
I walked up and gave her some carrots, loved on her and then walked down to the barn.
There were a bunch of cars at the barn, which surprised me because usually I am the only one there. Turns out the vet has two students working with her (and I hope they know how lucky they are) and they were planning on doing some work with Denali.
Oh great.
The vet went to get Denali and I followed behind (because I'm still a huge chicken, and although my head says, "she's not going to hurt you" I'm having a hard time convincing the rest of me.) We brought Denali down and groomed her. I held Denali and the vet tacked her up minus the bridle and took her to the round pen. Denali was FULL of it! She was being super naughty, and the vet continued to amaze me.
Vet by day, Rodeo Cowboy by night...
There were some noises in the woods and Denali decided to have a cow over it. Eventually she got her focused and listening again and then she got on. I told her that after that behavior I'm not sure I'd even want to continue working with her, but she bridled her up for the ride.
She rode her in the arena for the first time, and although head as high as she could get it and her tail swished the entire time she did good. No freak outs and she eventually relaxed into the bit. I was proud of her. She did try to do her stopping at the group of people that she does. She loves attention and has a bad habit of stopping to get it.
We think that he extra swishing is from her butt rubbing together and the hair bothering her (more on that in a second.) After the ride the vet asked me to groom her. I felt better about handling her, and I appreciate the "Just do it" attitude that she has. She knows I'm afraid, but won't let me use it as an excuse.
I groomed her off and put her in her stall. While doing this the vet started to work the ex-stallion rescue that is at the barn. He is so cute! He looks like he is a Morab, or maybe even a Morgan. Adorable and little. I think he'd be a perfect gamer with his starts and stops. He has one problem.
Rearing.
The vet was riding him for a little bit at the walk when she asked for the trot. Up he went. I've NEVER seen a horse rear like this! Up, Up, Up. This vet amazes me. She stayed on and got him back down each time. I wish I had it on video. It was crazy.
After watching the rearing I remembered that Gogo's mom had asked me for some tail hair. I didn't have scissors, but thougth I should get the Bob Marley dred locks out of her hair. I haven't brushed it since before the accident. While grooming her I started to scratch the back of her legs, there were large clumps of hair hanging off and I knew they were making her itchy. I did it very slowly and she was fine. Apparently though at one point I either scared her, or pissed her off.
For the first time ever, my mare did not kick out! That is her normal response when working with her butt. She turned it away from me, had a hissy fit, and then went back to eating. I was proud of her, but went back to touching her legs. I didn't want her to think hissy fits get her out of it. She did fine. Still proud that she didn't try to kill me. I wonder if she remembers kicking me the last time and that's why she made the extra effort to not kick this time? Who knows. I'll take it!
Yesterday's Tack of the day gave me the inspiration for my "new" blog since I honestly could give a damn about fitting into a little black dress, but breeches...that's another story.
I bought a pair of breeches, 2 sizes too small because they were the color I've wanted, full seat, the kind that act like a seat belt in case of an unexpected spook. I wanted them. Thanks to the $$ from x-mas (that I put into Denali's fund, just to turn around and pull out the $58.00 for the breeches.)
Who buys breeches that they know they won't fit into? Me.
I'm excited that several of you want to do this journey with me! Although, Pia's mom....really? I've had the pleasure of meeting Pia's mom in real life. She looks like a model, and is such a nice person. (Hell, I was smeared throughout her trailer and she still talks to me.) The extra weight you need to lose is probably from that rock on your finger ;0). Okay, kidding. Also, Pia's Mom!! Hope you feel better! Naughty Pia, NAUGHTY.
For those of you who said "yes." Send me your google e-mail to rehabdenali @ yahoo.com and I'll get you set up on the blog as an author.
In other pony related news I went out to the barn yesterday (instead of my normal Wednesday trip) because it was sunny and beautiful! (Side Note: I made it before it was dark!! Yay for longer days!)
I got to the barn and noticed Denali walking the fence like as I drove up. I stopped my car and she stopped. I started driving again and she started walking towards the gate again. I laughed. She knows what my car looks like, and I'd like to pretend that she was walking to meet me.
I walked up and gave her some carrots, loved on her and then walked down to the barn.
There were a bunch of cars at the barn, which surprised me because usually I am the only one there. Turns out the vet has two students working with her (and I hope they know how lucky they are) and they were planning on doing some work with Denali.
Oh great.
The vet went to get Denali and I followed behind (because I'm still a huge chicken, and although my head says, "she's not going to hurt you" I'm having a hard time convincing the rest of me.) We brought Denali down and groomed her. I held Denali and the vet tacked her up minus the bridle and took her to the round pen. Denali was FULL of it! She was being super naughty, and the vet continued to amaze me.
Vet by day, Rodeo Cowboy by night...
There were some noises in the woods and Denali decided to have a cow over it. Eventually she got her focused and listening again and then she got on. I told her that after that behavior I'm not sure I'd even want to continue working with her, but she bridled her up for the ride.
She rode her in the arena for the first time, and although head as high as she could get it and her tail swished the entire time she did good. No freak outs and she eventually relaxed into the bit. I was proud of her. She did try to do her stopping at the group of people that she does. She loves attention and has a bad habit of stopping to get it.
We think that he extra swishing is from her butt rubbing together and the hair bothering her (more on that in a second.) After the ride the vet asked me to groom her. I felt better about handling her, and I appreciate the "Just do it" attitude that she has. She knows I'm afraid, but won't let me use it as an excuse.
I groomed her off and put her in her stall. While doing this the vet started to work the ex-stallion rescue that is at the barn. He is so cute! He looks like he is a Morab, or maybe even a Morgan. Adorable and little. I think he'd be a perfect gamer with his starts and stops. He has one problem.
Rearing.
The vet was riding him for a little bit at the walk when she asked for the trot. Up he went. I've NEVER seen a horse rear like this! Up, Up, Up. This vet amazes me. She stayed on and got him back down each time. I wish I had it on video. It was crazy.
After watching the rearing I remembered that Gogo's mom had asked me for some tail hair. I didn't have scissors, but thougth I should get the Bob Marley dred locks out of her hair. I haven't brushed it since before the accident. While grooming her I started to scratch the back of her legs, there were large clumps of hair hanging off and I knew they were making her itchy. I did it very slowly and she was fine. Apparently though at one point I either scared her, or pissed her off.
For the first time ever, my mare did not kick out! That is her normal response when working with her butt. She turned it away from me, had a hissy fit, and then went back to eating. I was proud of her, but went back to touching her legs. I didn't want her to think hissy fits get her out of it. She did fine. Still proud that she didn't try to kill me. I wonder if she remembers kicking me the last time and that's why she made the extra effort to not kick this time? Who knows. I'll take it!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Space Needle & Losing Weight
I am taking my students on a field trip to the Space Needle in a few weeks.
Today I told them where we were going and one of my students announced that the Space Needle came from aliens 600 years ago, and that they still live there.
He won't go.
They are so funny, and so cute sometimes.
In other notes, I decided to make goals even thought I said I wouldn't. The only difference is that the goals are for me.
How many of you made New Years resolutions? I suck at them, but I have also decided that I am REALLY overweight and it needs to go. I figured that if I write about my goals, it makes it public then I have to try. No giving up.
So what did I do? I made another blog (yes, yes, I know. I think I have 3 of them now....) Has anyone else made the same goal for this year? I don't like talking about myself, so I figured I could find some other authors who have the same goal as me and they can babble about themselves too.
I'll make the blog public once I'm not the only one putting myself out there.
Anyone want to co-author? Anyone?
Today I told them where we were going and one of my students announced that the Space Needle came from aliens 600 years ago, and that they still live there.
He won't go.
They are so funny, and so cute sometimes.
In other notes, I decided to make goals even thought I said I wouldn't. The only difference is that the goals are for me.
How many of you made New Years resolutions? I suck at them, but I have also decided that I am REALLY overweight and it needs to go. I figured that if I write about my goals, it makes it public then I have to try. No giving up.
So what did I do? I made another blog (yes, yes, I know. I think I have 3 of them now....) Has anyone else made the same goal for this year? I don't like talking about myself, so I figured I could find some other authors who have the same goal as me and they can babble about themselves too.
I'll make the blog public once I'm not the only one putting myself out there.
Anyone want to co-author? Anyone?
Monday, January 3, 2011
Year of the Horse
Yes, yes, I realize that according to the Chinese Zodiac this is going to be the year of the Rabbit, but according to MY calender it's going to be the year of the horse. Not just the horse, the sound horse.
I can think of at least three other bloggers' horses, Gogo, Lilly, and Laz who had a really rough 2010. Then there's SolitaireMare who lost her beloved Rugby and her Monty in 2009. I'm sure there are more that had a horrible year.
2010 sucked for so many people, which can only mean that 2011 has to be great right?
So, welcome to 2011, Year of the Sound Horse!
In other horse related news, I finally have a new computer after having to start mine in Safe Mode for almost 5 months to even get it to turn on, it finally died during the flood. RIP dear Sony Viao, you served me well. We ran to Best Buy and the had a really nice computer with loads of memory and a fast processor for $399.00 The lady didn't know why it was so cheap, all she knew was they got 7 of them in, there was 1 left and it was only 11am. SO, I bought it. Gulp. (Note: Dear Denali please remain uninjured for at least two months-thanks, mom.) This means I no longer need to borrow my husbands to blog, or do work on (see which one I see as more important and mention first ;0)
Yesterday I had to work at the Giant Warmblood Barn. I don't know how you guys keep horses at your house. Especially if you keep horses in the Northern states. Brr. It's cold out!
I had the fun task of breaking the ice off of 46 buckets. No, I'm serious. It was fun. Crow bar in had I went from horse to horse visiting and breaking off the ice if they had any and throwing it into my giant bucket. It was repetitive and soothing. Warm horse breath on my neck and bashing things. Two of my favorite things!
When I got to one of the new horses, I knew right away that something was wrong. Her owner or someone hadn't put the straps through her stable blanket and it fell off and looked like a giant bib. It had somehow got wrapped around her leg and she couldn't stand up or move.
I always get nervous around horses I don't know. Especially horses who are wrapped up in blankets and have a distressed look on their face. I knew I couldn't leave her like that so I grabbed her halter and put it on and told her to stand still. She let out a huge sigh, and it made me feel a little better, like she wasn't planning on killing me when she was free. I took the blankets off and bundled her back up in a different blanket and left her to her grain. She seemed happy to be free.
How do you stay warm in this weather?? I wore kitchen gloves (the kind you use when you wash dishes) when I did the buckets and my hands stayed pretty warm. I'm glad I had them.
I can think of at least three other bloggers' horses, Gogo, Lilly, and Laz who had a really rough 2010. Then there's SolitaireMare who lost her beloved Rugby and her Monty in 2009. I'm sure there are more that had a horrible year.
2010 sucked for so many people, which can only mean that 2011 has to be great right?
So, welcome to 2011, Year of the Sound Horse!
In other horse related news, I finally have a new computer after having to start mine in Safe Mode for almost 5 months to even get it to turn on, it finally died during the flood. RIP dear Sony Viao, you served me well. We ran to Best Buy and the had a really nice computer with loads of memory and a fast processor for $399.00 The lady didn't know why it was so cheap, all she knew was they got 7 of them in, there was 1 left and it was only 11am. SO, I bought it. Gulp. (Note: Dear Denali please remain uninjured for at least two months-thanks, mom.) This means I no longer need to borrow my husbands to blog, or do work on (see which one I see as more important and mention first ;0)
Yesterday I had to work at the Giant Warmblood Barn. I don't know how you guys keep horses at your house. Especially if you keep horses in the Northern states. Brr. It's cold out!
I had the fun task of breaking the ice off of 46 buckets. No, I'm serious. It was fun. Crow bar in had I went from horse to horse visiting and breaking off the ice if they had any and throwing it into my giant bucket. It was repetitive and soothing. Warm horse breath on my neck and bashing things. Two of my favorite things!
When I got to one of the new horses, I knew right away that something was wrong. Her owner or someone hadn't put the straps through her stable blanket and it fell off and looked like a giant bib. It had somehow got wrapped around her leg and she couldn't stand up or move.
I always get nervous around horses I don't know. Especially horses who are wrapped up in blankets and have a distressed look on their face. I knew I couldn't leave her like that so I grabbed her halter and put it on and told her to stand still. She let out a huge sigh, and it made me feel a little better, like she wasn't planning on killing me when she was free. I took the blankets off and bundled her back up in a different blanket and left her to her grain. She seemed happy to be free.
How do you stay warm in this weather?? I wore kitchen gloves (the kind you use when you wash dishes) when I did the buckets and my hands stayed pretty warm. I'm glad I had them.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year!
Today was the first day in I can't remember how many weeks that I had nothing planned. Nada. My husband left early to go climb some icy peak, leaving me in a warm bed to sleep in until the neighbor's dog (who lives part time in our house per her choice) woke me up. Did she want out? Nope. She wanted a treat. So I gave her the second treat of the day (because I can guarantee that my husband gave her one too,) checked to make sure my husband's life insurance was up to date (okay, kidding on that one) and left to go find a new pair of jeans.
A moment of silence for my favorite Limited Jeans, I had them for 4 years.
I can't remember the last time I bought jeans. I keep saying I'm going to lose weight so I keep refusing to buy anything (that and one Ms. Slew keeps the bank account a bit slim.) Off I went with every intention of going to buy another pair at the Limited. I justified it because I haven't bought jeans in at least 4 years, and I can't remember that last time I bought any article of clothing that I don't wear to the barn. On my way there I had visions of my small children with markers, and scissors, and the fact that I am often covered in some sort of bodily fluid.
Cancel my trip to the Limited.
That and I have a fear of the mall. It's insane. I could spend HOURS at a tack store, but I can't handle the mall. Too many smelly, sweaty teens running amok and then I have to dodge the mall walkers. I think I'd rather unload Denali from a trailer.
I did stop at Old Navy and although I can hardly ever find a pair I like and that fit me, I decided to try on a pair, just in case. The first pair that I grabbed fit like a glove and I loved them!
2011-0
Me-1
The year was off to a great start and I decided to push my luck and go visit the beast. Today was a cloudless day in Seattle and you could see every mountain in every direction. It was beautiful. I figured it would be easy for the search and rescue team to locate my husband and our neighbor and that made me feel better. I realized that this entry is going in seven different directions, but I will quickly say that my fear of my husband's climbing involves a shattered leg, 3 broken vertebrae, a few broken ribs, a broken finger (he only ever complained about the broken finger) and over a year of rehab. He never once complained though and that's what made me fall in love with him.
When I pulled up to the barn the caretaker was there with her daughter. I really like her. Denali saw my car pull in and for the first time in a long time kept her eyes glued on me while I walked around the barn bundling up.
I finally made it up to the pasture and Ms. Slew came up to see me. She hasn't done this since we came to the vet's barn. I was excited. She seemed so calm and happy. I loved on her for a while and I finally felt some sense of peace. A sense of "okay, I get to keep you and I'm not loosing you anytime soon." I didn't realize how guarded I had become in regards to my feelings about her. It felt good to let that go, and for the first time since the beginning of November I felt happy at the barn rather than frustrated or upset. It was a great feeling to have a surge of love for my mare. I haven' had that since November. Don't get me wrong, I love her more than anything, but I defiantly built a wall. I think it's starting to come down.
After loving on Denali I walked down to talk to the caretaker. I really like her (did I say that already?) she talked to me about my fears. I have lots of them in regards to Denali. The whole trailering, almost dying incident didn't help. She made me feel a lot better and gave me a lot to think about.
She said that Denali needed to be turned in and that she would go and get her. I offered to go and get her myself and walked up to the pasture. There is a corral that the horses go into so you can separate them out of the herd. I yelled to Denali and she walked to the gate near the corral and came in with me. She was such a good girl. I know that sounds so dumb, being excited about leading your horse, but it's the first time I've handled her since my accident (I did once when we thought we were putting her down, but she was Aced.) She followed me like she always does and spooked once towards me so I hit her with the end of the lead rope and she backed off and continued to walk like a good girl.
It was a great day at the barn. The kind of day that you leave feeling like the weight of the world is lifted.
2011-0
Me-2
On my way home I had to run a few more errands at the mall again (and survived, 1 more point) and then went home to make dinner for my husband who returned from the icy peaks of the Cascades (yet another point, hell we'll say 2 for the spouse surviving.)
Welcome 2011. You've been very good to me so far. Let's keep it up for the next 364 days.
Final score:
2011-0
Me-5
A moment of silence for my favorite Limited Jeans, I had them for 4 years.
I can't remember the last time I bought jeans. I keep saying I'm going to lose weight so I keep refusing to buy anything (that and one Ms. Slew keeps the bank account a bit slim.) Off I went with every intention of going to buy another pair at the Limited. I justified it because I haven't bought jeans in at least 4 years, and I can't remember that last time I bought any article of clothing that I don't wear to the barn. On my way there I had visions of my small children with markers, and scissors, and the fact that I am often covered in some sort of bodily fluid.
Cancel my trip to the Limited.
That and I have a fear of the mall. It's insane. I could spend HOURS at a tack store, but I can't handle the mall. Too many smelly, sweaty teens running amok and then I have to dodge the mall walkers. I think I'd rather unload Denali from a trailer.
I did stop at Old Navy and although I can hardly ever find a pair I like and that fit me, I decided to try on a pair, just in case. The first pair that I grabbed fit like a glove and I loved them!
2011-0
Me-1
The year was off to a great start and I decided to push my luck and go visit the beast. Today was a cloudless day in Seattle and you could see every mountain in every direction. It was beautiful. I figured it would be easy for the search and rescue team to locate my husband and our neighbor and that made me feel better. I realized that this entry is going in seven different directions, but I will quickly say that my fear of my husband's climbing involves a shattered leg, 3 broken vertebrae, a few broken ribs, a broken finger (he only ever complained about the broken finger) and over a year of rehab. He never once complained though and that's what made me fall in love with him.
When I pulled up to the barn the caretaker was there with her daughter. I really like her. Denali saw my car pull in and for the first time in a long time kept her eyes glued on me while I walked around the barn bundling up.
I finally made it up to the pasture and Ms. Slew came up to see me. She hasn't done this since we came to the vet's barn. I was excited. She seemed so calm and happy. I loved on her for a while and I finally felt some sense of peace. A sense of "okay, I get to keep you and I'm not loosing you anytime soon." I didn't realize how guarded I had become in regards to my feelings about her. It felt good to let that go, and for the first time since the beginning of November I felt happy at the barn rather than frustrated or upset. It was a great feeling to have a surge of love for my mare. I haven' had that since November. Don't get me wrong, I love her more than anything, but I defiantly built a wall. I think it's starting to come down.
After loving on Denali I walked down to talk to the caretaker. I really like her (did I say that already?) she talked to me about my fears. I have lots of them in regards to Denali. The whole trailering, almost dying incident didn't help. She made me feel a lot better and gave me a lot to think about.
She said that Denali needed to be turned in and that she would go and get her. I offered to go and get her myself and walked up to the pasture. There is a corral that the horses go into so you can separate them out of the herd. I yelled to Denali and she walked to the gate near the corral and came in with me. She was such a good girl. I know that sounds so dumb, being excited about leading your horse, but it's the first time I've handled her since my accident (I did once when we thought we were putting her down, but she was Aced.) She followed me like she always does and spooked once towards me so I hit her with the end of the lead rope and she backed off and continued to walk like a good girl.
It was a great day at the barn. The kind of day that you leave feeling like the weight of the world is lifted.
2011-0
Me-2
On my way home I had to run a few more errands at the mall again (and survived, 1 more point) and then went home to make dinner for my husband who returned from the icy peaks of the Cascades (yet another point, hell we'll say 2 for the spouse surviving.)
Welcome 2011. You've been very good to me so far. Let's keep it up for the next 364 days.
Final score:
2011-0
Me-5
Friday, December 31, 2010
End of Year Review
Instead of breaking down all of my goals and analyzing them I think I will just sum up 2010 as Major Fail. That will save us all time.
Yesterday I was cleaning out my e-mail account when I got back to November I got sick. Ugh. I want to pretend that November never happened, let alone 2010.
In other news, (sit down) I have a diagnosis!!!
Yes, you read that correct. After going to hell and back we finally have a working diagnosis!
Arthritis.
On our 4th set of x-rays the Radiologist finally saw it! Between the C4 and C5 (or C5 and C6, I was so excited that I couldn't quite listen) there is arthritis forming. There are small bony protrusions, and the vet said that would explain her pain and neurological problems. I wonder if it got worse because she was in a stall for 8 months (Don't you love all my theory's?) There could still be something else going on, but for now...arthritis! We'll re-do the EMP bloodwork in another month or two to be sure.
What next?
Do nothing for now. We are going to watch her, do neck stretches, acupuncture and massage to see if there is any change. The next step is to start her on Adequan to see if that helps. The final option to keep her comfortable is to inject the joint. That will require a visit to the Spa, a little nap, and they would need to ultrasound the area while they inject it. AKA-$$$. So, I am starting a little savings account for just the horse. At least I know that this is coming down the road and can start saving for it. At this point Denali will have more money in her savings account than I do in mine (Thanks Denali.)
Last night I went out to see the beast. I haven't seen her in over two weeks. She's was in the arena with the rest of the herd. She actually came up to see me which surprised me since the past few times I didn't exist. We shared an apple until her boyfriend came up and moved her. She walked to a corner and pouted while the vet got the lunge whip.
The round pen is in the arena, and the vet wanted to show me what she has been working on with Denali. Denali didn't want to show us anything and tried to hide in the corner again. She walked reluctantly to the arena and the vet took off her blanket.
Yesterday I was cleaning out my e-mail account when I got back to November I got sick. Ugh. I want to pretend that November never happened, let alone 2010.
In other news, (sit down) I have a diagnosis!!!
Yes, you read that correct. After going to hell and back we finally have a working diagnosis!
Arthritis.
On our 4th set of x-rays the Radiologist finally saw it! Between the C4 and C5 (or C5 and C6, I was so excited that I couldn't quite listen) there is arthritis forming. There are small bony protrusions, and the vet said that would explain her pain and neurological problems. I wonder if it got worse because she was in a stall for 8 months (Don't you love all my theory's?) There could still be something else going on, but for now...arthritis! We'll re-do the EMP bloodwork in another month or two to be sure.
What next?
Do nothing for now. We are going to watch her, do neck stretches, acupuncture and massage to see if there is any change. The next step is to start her on Adequan to see if that helps. The final option to keep her comfortable is to inject the joint. That will require a visit to the Spa, a little nap, and they would need to ultrasound the area while they inject it. AKA-$$$. So, I am starting a little savings account for just the horse. At least I know that this is coming down the road and can start saving for it. At this point Denali will have more money in her savings account than I do in mine (Thanks Denali.)
Last night I went out to see the beast. I haven't seen her in over two weeks. She's was in the arena with the rest of the herd. She actually came up to see me which surprised me since the past few times I didn't exist. We shared an apple until her boyfriend came up and moved her. She walked to a corner and pouted while the vet got the lunge whip.
The round pen is in the arena, and the vet wanted to show me what she has been working on with Denali. Denali didn't want to show us anything and tried to hide in the corner again. She walked reluctantly to the arena and the vet took off her blanket.
Holy shit, she looks good! Dare I say, you can't see my TB's ribs (at all) and she is getting muscles back. She is also getting a very nice white stripe on her butt where she was bit by the herd leader. They told me a few weeks ago that she got bit, I just didn't realize that it was that bad. She's also scaring on her front right where she had cellulitus.
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| Denali's leg, post cellulitus. She also has a lot of scaring on the back of her leg. |
The vet lunged Denali and she looked so good! Well, you have to understand that "good" for Denali is looking somewhat horselike and NOT falling. I don't require much to make me happy. At first she did her normal, "I don't see you or hear you and will look everywhere BUT at you." After a few minutes she stopped looking everywhere and focused on the vet. She is definitely stiff in her neck, but as she warmed up she started to use it more.
Then the vet got the saddle and my heart stopped.
1. Denali had been in her stall all morning (still recovering from pulled tendon and they didn't want her to be running around like crazy in the mud.)
2. The herd was in the arena.
She tacked her up and Denali just stood there like, "Yeah, this is what I do. Iz a riddin horse." She made a squeal at her boyfriend and the vet had to remind her the difference between acting like a horse with a horse and how to act around a person.
She hopped up and Denali walked off, so she did it again and Denali stood still. They did some walking and trotting until her suspensory started to act up and she started to limp. The vet (both of them at this point) said that it's not going to finish healing unless it's used.
During the ride, out of the scary, scary woods came the most horrible noise I have ever heard. It sounded like a bobcat killing something followed by an owl hooting. I jumped. Denali looked at the woods and stopped, but that was it. I think the best way to describe Denali would be confident. I think that she is developing confidence being out in the herd.
One problem Denali is having is treating horses like horses and then treating people like horses too. She is trying everything she is learning in the herd with people. It's sort of funny, she does things and looks at you like, "Is this okay?" No Denali, no it's not okay.
Thank you so much for following our blog, and our crazy horrible 2010 with us. I'm hoping that 2011 is our year!
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| Like our new white stripe on our butt? I hope it comes in black and not white, but at this point she can be covered in scars, as long as she's sound I don't care! |
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