Tuesday, January 24, 2017

The Boys

The boys are doing OK.  Ben is feeling better, although he is still on rather alarmingly high doses of pain meds to keep him that way.  They both seem to be getting past the illness that has caused all of this, but there is still a lot of joint pain.  We are contemplating a short course of steroids for Ben, which should alleviate overall inflammation and joint pain.  If we stop the inflammation, it might not come back.

The only problem with that idea is that steroids are a very bad idea for an animal who has any metabolic issues and is at risk of laminitis.  Ben's metabolic tests came back normal so it should be OK except that he is definitely laminitic in his right front foot.  I have the medication, but I have been weighing the risks and have been procrastinating about giving it to him.

Ramsey seems like his normal self, although he too is on Previcox (an NSAID) for joint pain.  I am also hoping that it might help prevent laminitis developing.  That is my greatest fear for him right now and I am doing everything I can think of to protect his bad foot.  Since he is already missing a third of his coffin bone, I am not sure he could recover from laminitis.  

One of the other symptoms I have noticed is that both have lost the shine and softness to their coats.  It is especially noticeable on Ramsey because he is usually very soft, sleek and silky.

They are both feeling better though and my hope is that what they need now is to finish their 30 days of antibiotics and time will fix the rest.

We are in the middle of an ice storm now, but yesterday, we had one brief day of sun.  Maybe it will help.  

9 comments:

  1. If there is any good in this it's that this happened in colder weather to keep them from overheating. I am glad that they are on the mend. Do equines get Anaplasmosis? Belle had that from ticks and was quite ill and sore. Her bloodwork was normal too.

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  2. Get well soon Ben and Ramsey. I'm thinking of both of you.

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  3. I'm so glad to hear that things are looking better. And your pictures yesterday were beautiful!

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  4. I hope this is the end of the mystery illness. It may have been caused by something that is common to both of them some how. A true who done it.
    Healing wishes.

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  5. I do hope they recover quickly and completely. Poor little guys...

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  6. Good to read that you are hopeful. Animal illness mysteries are just the worst. I do hope the news continues to be continued improvement for the boys. May you all have a good week and stay warm and cozy.

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  7. Just a thought, have you ever had their sheaths cleaned? It is a long shot, but the girls aren't affected.

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  8. Ice storms are awful we've had 4 of those in 4 weeks. I hope the guys stay on the mend!

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