I have been treating the large hole in his hoof with a product called Equisilver with very good results. This is a chelated silver solution and, while I had never heard of this product prior to Ramsey's surgery, I was glad to see it when I was presented with it at Cornell. I have had near miraculous results using silver solutions on bad and non-healing wounds in the past.
I was even more intrigued by this product as it is labeled as a respiratory treatment for respiratory infections and allergies. I spoke with the vet at Cornell about it and he said they have been having excellent results as both a wound treatment and respiratory therapy. I intend to talk with my own allergy doctor about it, if it can do miracles for horses with chronic breathing problems, it ought to be able to help me.
As I hope you can see, the wound in the hoof is clean, dry and showing some healthy tissue growth.
The extremely painful blistering around his coronet band and his heel bulbs is also healing. While it still looks rather awful and is sensitive, it is no longer terribly painful to him and there is some nice healthy tissue appearing there as well. It would really benefit from some time in the open air, but that still isn't an option. I have been using some of my homemade beeswax salve on it recently and that seems to be helping. It moisturizes without being gooey and the wax provides a protective, antimicrobial barrier.
I spoke with the vet at Cornell this afternoon and since Ramsey is doing well and is no longer in pain, he is cleared to get more exercise as long as I can keep the foot clean and dry. That is a challenge in this miserable weather and my search for waterproof footwear continues. His Build-a-Bear shoes aren't up to the standing water and the snow storm expected this weekend. I'll figure something out though, it is high time that Ramsey get to go out and be a baby donkey now and then.
How about a "playtex" dishwashing glove? they are much heavier weight than the disposable kind,and longer.... you'd still have to use your best friend duct tape, both for holding on and taping the fingers down, but might be able to get a few days out of it. There used to be some really heavy duty ones that farmers used to wash milking machines, don't know if they are still available. DRR
ReplyDeleteI did try something like this, it does work, but has to be cut off so I only get one use out of it. I really need something that I can put on and take off repeatedly and easily.
DeleteI googled around and these, Princess Baby Antiskid Print Zipper Velcro Waterproof Dog Boots, looked promising in that the zipper is the full height of the boot. They may be too narrow above the paw but for $11.99 it might be worth a try.
ReplyDeleteAnother thought is to use a waterproof baggie inside the Build-a-Bear boots. So even if the boot gets soaked his foot would stay dry. You might add a wicking sock (thin wool) over his hoof and inside the baggie to wick the moisture away from his leg.
Good luck!
That is really looking good. Well done, your veterinary nursing skills are great!
ReplyDeleteWhen my horses have had abscesses I make them a boot out of duct tape. First a small pamper/diaper (secure with tape) then, a plastic bag (trim later), a thin layer of vet wrap, then duct tape. The pamper makes sure the tape is not too tight as you create the boot that goes above the hoof. I usually start the boot before I place it over the other stuff by cris-crossing the tape in a circle, reinforcing the area under the hoof (while it is on a flat surface). Mold it to the foot and finish off with more duct tape. It has worked well for me.
ReplyDeleteI have done the same thing, in fact I make a mean duct tape shoe:) However, I need something that will not wick moisture and that I can put on and take off easily several times a day. I have been using a duct-tape reinforced IV bag, but it has issues of it's own. Hopefully, I will figure something out. Thanks for your ideas, keep em' coming:)
DeleteSince all I know is dogs :), IV bags are sometimes used to keep bandages dry. When I googled this I came up with this website: http://apocalyptech.com/notes/dogbandage/ It linked to this site http://www.cleanbreakprotector.com/ which I think might work for Ramsey. Hugs to you and Ramsey! He's really coming along.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I will look into that. I have been using an IV bag, but it is not going to last much longer.
DeletePoor little doll, but really, his hoof looks VERY well! What a tribute to the doctors and to your wonderful care.
ReplyDeleteHow about a section of fire hose? They come in different diameters, so you are sure to find a Ramsey-sized option & local fire stations are usually pretty helpful when there is a good story line. Take along some Ramsey photos & they'll probably make the boot for you! :)
ReplyDeleteThat is an interesting thought, I will look into it. Thanks.
DeleteLOOKING GOOD! Fire hose might work. And taking Ramsey along would be fun. But if he doesn't like to travel maybe get a firefighter or two to come for a visit.
ReplyDeleteWhen Luke used to get abscesses, I did the same thing as Lori Skoog, but I first wrapped the diaper with vet wrap, then finished with the duct tape. The infant diaper prevents rubbing on his heel. Just trim off the excess diaper above the vet wrap, and make sure the vet wrap extends well above that. Also, make sure the edges of the vet wrap point downward, if the edges are on the top edge, moisture can seep down into the wrap sometimes.
ReplyDeleteKris, colloidal silver has been around for a long time, you can even spray your own mouth with it, it's that safe. You can make your own for much cheaper than buying it already made, and it's incredibly simple. Here's just one link:
http://www.naturesalternatives.com/colloidal-silver/generators/colloidal-silver-generator.html
Robynne, thanks for the comment and the info. However, please be aware that the silver solution I am using on Ramsey is NOT colloidal silver. It is quite different at a molecular level. It is much more potent and effective germicide than colloidal silver and is an excellent wound treatment, but it WOULD NOT BE SAFE TO INGEST! Please be careful.
ReplyDeleteOh! Good to know! I'd never spray it in my mouth anyway :)
ReplyDeleteGood to hear that Ramsey is improving. Have you considered using soaking boots on his feet to keep them dry?: http://www.thehorseshoof.com/THHStore.html
ReplyDeleteThen you could pick up a pair of snow/rain gaiters at a sporting good store to place over top of the soaking boots. http://www.altrec.com/outdoor-research/ultra-trail-gaiters
~Lisa
I would use them if I could find any small enough. All four of his feet would fit in a regular soaking boot:). The gaiters are an interesting idea, I might try that. Thanks.
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