Gus's levels (at the moment) are well within normal limits. Yeah! Of course there are many factors that play into this - his stress level, what has he eaten recently, injury/pain, etc. But... given all things considered, he's doing well and we've got things in check at the moment.
This means that (a) the diet change was a good thing - going from ADM Patriot's Feed Easy at nearly 20% NSC to Triple Crown Lite at 9.8% (I think) NSC was a good choice (b) the hay must be half way decent, cause he was chowing down on some hay (non-soaked) before the vet came (c) the pasture must not be too shabby either, as he's now out 24/7 on grass.
So, in addition to bumping up his TC Lite to 2.5 lbs daily, he will continue on with at least 1c (give or take a little, haven't actually measured the scoop) of alfalfa pellets daily for now. I may try to find some grass hay (or a timothy/alfalfa blend) pellets to feed, instead of just pure alfalfa, and give more of that.
Also, my fMIL did increase they boys' hay too. They are now getting 1 bale a day, up from 2/3 bale a day. Gringo definitely needs to lose some weight so hopefully that'll happen eventually.
I am interested in running this by my fMIL... making a hay net of sorts from a hockey net. The thought is that it'll slow down the eating of hay by the boys. Gringo scarfs everything down so incredibly fast... it can't be good for him to eat like that, plus Gus in turn isn't getting his fair share then either. So, we'll see what she thinks. Now I just need to find some plans. I'm thinking you could take a hay net and "sew" up the sides by folding it in half and threading a rope up/down each side, to make a "pouch" of sorts. Then, using carabiner clips, just clip the top together. To hang, just clip the corners (top corners and another clip in the center) to the inside of the run-in. I think it'd work... I think. I'm just worried if they'd begin to paw, what would happen.
Anyways, that's it for now. Hoping to get a good ride in this weekend once I'm home from my cousin's wedding in Iowa. Still not sure how cooperative the weather's going to be, but we can hope for the best, right?
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Updates!
Sheesh! It's been another bad month of blogging for me again. Sorry about that. Nothing horribly new to report, other then that Gus got the green light. Vet says he's pretty darn sound to keep doing what we're doing, as far as work goes. He said he's still slightly off in the right hind and there's a bit more fluid in the right stifle then what's in the left, but even after flexions he's still fairly sound. That report makes me so very, very happy.
On to other news though, he did have his teeth checked earlier this week and he had an ulcer in his right lower cheek. I guess he had some very sharp points in his teeth and that lead to the ulcer development. It's sad to say, but he just had his teeth done in April.
Gringo, well, he's doing fine as always. Vet said his teeth were just fine and that he's an "easy keeper" and that I'll probably only need to do his teeth every two years. Makes me happy if that's the case... but he'll still be checked twice a year, as always.
Neither boy needed to have their flu/rhino vaccine boostered, since they are now boarding at a closed stable. So, that saved me some money, which was nice. Gus also had his bloodwork rechecked - that would be the blood glucose/insulin stuff. Vet said it would be a one week turn around, so hopefully that's truly the case and the results will say that everything looks good (and the levels are back within normal ranges). We shall see though.
Here's some new photos of the boys, again crappy quality as they were taken with my Blackberry Curve phone.
Vet said he's not at all shocked by the lack of muscle in Gus's hindquarters. He said because of the stifle injuries, he'll likely never use his hind end like he used to. So, who knows if I'll be able to get that bum built back up. I'm going to try work with cavalettii this spring, but we'll see.
On to other news though, he did have his teeth checked earlier this week and he had an ulcer in his right lower cheek. I guess he had some very sharp points in his teeth and that lead to the ulcer development. It's sad to say, but he just had his teeth done in April.
Gringo, well, he's doing fine as always. Vet said his teeth were just fine and that he's an "easy keeper" and that I'll probably only need to do his teeth every two years. Makes me happy if that's the case... but he'll still be checked twice a year, as always.
Neither boy needed to have their flu/rhino vaccine boostered, since they are now boarding at a closed stable. So, that saved me some money, which was nice. Gus also had his bloodwork rechecked - that would be the blood glucose/insulin stuff. Vet said it would be a one week turn around, so hopefully that's truly the case and the results will say that everything looks good (and the levels are back within normal ranges). We shall see though.
Here's some new photos of the boys, again crappy quality as they were taken with my Blackberry Curve phone.
[Note: Gus was under heavy sedation for these photos... he had just had his teeth floated. I think he's lost even more muscle tone since the last photos were taken, but that's just me.]
Vet said he's not at all shocked by the lack of muscle in Gus's hindquarters. He said because of the stifle injuries, he'll likely never use his hind end like he used to. So, who knows if I'll be able to get that bum built back up. I'm going to try work with cavalettii this spring, but we'll see.
Any suggestions, as always, are appreciated.
Oh, and we changed their diets again. Gringo's grain was decreased down to 1/2 lb daily and Gus's was bumped up to 2 1/2 lbs daily. We're also adding about 1 - 1 1/2 cups of alfalfa pellets daily too... I'm wanting to add more of something (maybe try TC Senior???) but I'm waiting to see what the bloodwork results show. I did up his beet pulp to 1 1/2 lbs dry weight, but again, he's only getting that when I'm able to feed it. Right now that's maybe 2 times a week... hoping to change that soon though.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
It's September!
I can't believe that summer is nearly over, but I can certainly feel it. Woke up to a brisk 42 degrees out... I think it's supposed to warm up to the mid 70s again today, but still! That's just a tad chilly for the end of August/beginning of September.
The boys have been doing really well lately. Gus's latest lameness issues seem to have resolved themselves again. We shall see today though when I'm out to ride. I've not ridden him in over a week, so it should be an interesting ride to say the least. Gringo seems to be doing well again too. He has good days and bad, but with the way the weather has been lately, it seems the good out number the bad.
Both boys were hit hard with a double dose of Equimax two weeks ago. The point of double dosing this dewormer is to kill neckthread worms (NTW). Lots of info out there about this, but many people don't know about them. Needless to say, the protocol is double ivermectin/praziquantel by weight and followed two weeks later by another double dose of ivermectin/praziquantel or just plain ivermectin. Since both boys are under 1200lbs, I just give them two syringes a piece and call it good, since some is inevitably not swallowed. Anyways, with the first double dose of Equimax, I did notice some evidence of NTW. Both boys had this scurffy stuff on their chests. They've had it before but there was no signs of this prior to doing the double dose. Could just be a coincidence... Anyways, the second double dosing is today. I'm using just plain ivermectin this time around.
Tomorrow is farrier day, bright and early. I did actually talk to J shortly after Gus's latest trim, when he came up lame. She said she listened to what vets are wanting them to do and just knew that she shouldn't have. I can't remember what it all was, but something about taking down their heels/soles/toes/something. Needless to say, she was going to revert back to what she was doing previously... as it wasn't causing any unwanted issues with the boys.
Still trying to figure out what to do with Gus. I don't like the weight he's at now. He's too skinny heading into winter. Especially since he'll be wintering out for the first time since I've owned him (so first time in 9 years). These last few winters have been especially tough on everyone - very cold and very long. So, I would like to get some more weight back up on him before October/November approaches, but just not entirely sure how to do so.
I've got the vet coming out this month (in like two weeks) to do routine stuff on the boys... dentals (if needed), flu/rhino booster (if he recommends it) and then bloodwork and a lameness reeval on Gus. Gus needs to have his blood glucose/insulin rechecked, since the last blood drawl was totally useless. And I also want a second opinion on Gus's soundness... I think I'm also going to ask for some recommendations on weight and whatnot. Who knows what answers I'll get from the vet. I've got Anoka coming out again... I much prefer them to the other guy.
I do want to get some new photos again with both horses, like I had done last fall. So, we'll see if I can rope someone into helping me one weekend.
The boys have been doing really well lately. Gus's latest lameness issues seem to have resolved themselves again. We shall see today though when I'm out to ride. I've not ridden him in over a week, so it should be an interesting ride to say the least. Gringo seems to be doing well again too. He has good days and bad, but with the way the weather has been lately, it seems the good out number the bad.
Both boys were hit hard with a double dose of Equimax two weeks ago. The point of double dosing this dewormer is to kill neckthread worms (NTW). Lots of info out there about this, but many people don't know about them. Needless to say, the protocol is double ivermectin/praziquantel by weight and followed two weeks later by another double dose of ivermectin/praziquantel or just plain ivermectin. Since both boys are under 1200lbs, I just give them two syringes a piece and call it good, since some is inevitably not swallowed. Anyways, with the first double dose of Equimax, I did notice some evidence of NTW. Both boys had this scurffy stuff on their chests. They've had it before but there was no signs of this prior to doing the double dose. Could just be a coincidence... Anyways, the second double dosing is today. I'm using just plain ivermectin this time around.
Tomorrow is farrier day, bright and early. I did actually talk to J shortly after Gus's latest trim, when he came up lame. She said she listened to what vets are wanting them to do and just knew that she shouldn't have. I can't remember what it all was, but something about taking down their heels/soles/toes/something. Needless to say, she was going to revert back to what she was doing previously... as it wasn't causing any unwanted issues with the boys.
Still trying to figure out what to do with Gus. I don't like the weight he's at now. He's too skinny heading into winter. Especially since he'll be wintering out for the first time since I've owned him (so first time in 9 years). These last few winters have been especially tough on everyone - very cold and very long. So, I would like to get some more weight back up on him before October/November approaches, but just not entirely sure how to do so.
I've got the vet coming out this month (in like two weeks) to do routine stuff on the boys... dentals (if needed), flu/rhino booster (if he recommends it) and then bloodwork and a lameness reeval on Gus. Gus needs to have his blood glucose/insulin rechecked, since the last blood drawl was totally useless. And I also want a second opinion on Gus's soundness... I think I'm also going to ask for some recommendations on weight and whatnot. Who knows what answers I'll get from the vet. I've got Anoka coming out again... I much prefer them to the other guy.
I do want to get some new photos again with both horses, like I had done last fall. So, we'll see if I can rope someone into helping me one weekend.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Gus goes western!
Well, got nearly half way to the barn and realized that I had forgotten my saddle. Uggh. There it was, sitting right where I left it - on the saddle rack in the basement. So, I keep forging ahead to the barn, I know that I can ask my fMIL if I can borrow one of her western saddles. She says no problem so we fit Gus with one of the saddles... then we fit me to the saddle.
Boy, I swear that those stirrups were too short. It wasn't comfortable at all. Anyways, here's the video from that great adventure.
I think Gus, for the most part, looks really sound. He has a bad stumble when we go for our second canter depart, but recovers nicely. Not sure why he did that... the ground was fine in that area. Anyways, I'm glad he's looking better. Can't wait til Tuesday to have a "real" ride... dressage style.
Boy, I swear that those stirrups were too short. It wasn't comfortable at all. Anyways, here's the video from that great adventure.
I think Gus, for the most part, looks really sound. He has a bad stumble when we go for our second canter depart, but recovers nicely. Not sure why he did that... the ground was fine in that area. Anyways, I'm glad he's looking better. Can't wait til Tuesday to have a "real" ride... dressage style.
Friday, August 7, 2009
The photos, finally!
Here's some new photos... finally got them uploaded!
This is what happens when Gus decides to "rock out".
This was taken the better part of a month ago. I really should get a new photo of Gus's fetlock, but it's all healed up, very nicely in fact. I'm very pleased with the progress of his battle wounds... can't even tell that his legs were all messed up (as seen from the photo above).
Another photo of the fetlock sore, again taken a month ago.
These next few photos were taken on Thursday, one week and two days post hoof trim.
Left front.
Left front.
Right front.
Right front.
I don't think his hooves look all that bad. Perhaps too much of his sole was removed, but honestly it looks fine otherwise. This right front looks "crooked", err the frog looks to be off center, but that could just be from my camera distorting it. Who knows? Least he's sounder... I'm very pleased with that.
This is what happens when Gus decides to "rock out".
This was taken the better part of a month ago. I really should get a new photo of Gus's fetlock, but it's all healed up, very nicely in fact. I'm very pleased with the progress of his battle wounds... can't even tell that his legs were all messed up (as seen from the photo above).
Another photo of the fetlock sore, again taken a month ago.
These next few photos were taken on Thursday, one week and two days post hoof trim.
Left front.
Left front.
Right front.
Right front.
I don't think his hooves look all that bad. Perhaps too much of his sole was removed, but honestly it looks fine otherwise. This right front looks "crooked", err the frog looks to be off center, but that could just be from my camera distorting it. Who knows? Least he's sounder... I'm very pleased with that.
Evidence.
Well, I had this nice long post complete with updates and photos, and then my internet went offline. That seems to be happening a lot lately and I'm not sure why. Anyways, Gus is doing MUCH, MUCH better now then he was a week ago. I was out yesterday and lunged him for about 5 minutes both directions and he looked good, except for the fact that he wasn't being asked to move out, so he's just poking along. Here's the videos:
So, what do you think? I think he looks fairly sound. I'd like to get another video taken where I'm actually getting him to move out, but that's impossible when I'm the one lunging him and filming at the same time. Weight wise, I think he could stand to put on a few more pounds, he just looks a little too skinny for my tastes.
As far as the photos go, well here's the album. I'll try to get the uploaded on here, again but not sure if it'll crash on me again or not. http://picasaweb.google.com/DAEImagery/GusHooves?feat=directlink
Still waiting on the Magic Cushion to arrive. I do plan on using that for a couple days too, just in case. It's supposed to arrive on Tuesday, so here's hoping that it does.
So, what do you think? I think he looks fairly sound. I'd like to get another video taken where I'm actually getting him to move out, but that's impossible when I'm the one lunging him and filming at the same time. Weight wise, I think he could stand to put on a few more pounds, he just looks a little too skinny for my tastes.
As far as the photos go, well here's the album. I'll try to get the uploaded on here, again but not sure if it'll crash on me again or not. http://picasaweb.google.com/DAEImagery/GusHooves?feat=directlink
Still waiting on the Magic Cushion to arrive. I do plan on using that for a couple days too, just in case. It's supposed to arrive on Tuesday, so here's hoping that it does.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Long Overdue - Updates!
Sheesh. Can't believe it's been nearly 6 weeks since I blogged last about the boys. But here goes.
Gringo, in short, hasn't changed much at all. Still lame, but surprisingly doing quite well in the hot and humid weather. J (the farrier) loves his weight. He seems to be maintaining quite well, so I'm pleased with that. He's still harassing the heck outta Gus, but thankfully Gus doesn't have as many battle wounds as before.
Just a quick diet rundown on him, he's getting 1lb of Triple Crown Lite daily along with:
5000mg Magnesium
10,000mg MSM
1oz Mega-Cell
Fenugreek
Grapeseed Extract
The latter two he doesn't necessarily get all the time, but probably 75% of the time.
On to Gus. Well, he had been doing really, really well up until last Wednesday (July 29th). The day before (Tuesday) the J was out to trim both boys. Gus got his routine trim and we actually trotted him off when done. He was sound, well like 90%. Still a hitch in the hind, but nothing like before. I guess he turned up lame on Wednesday... this was news to me come Friday when I got out to ride. Ride was cut short when I noticed he really was head-bobbing lame. Great! Well, there was nothing really that could be done, so I started him on some Previcox (firocoxib) to see if it'd help with the inflammation. He was better Saturday, but got significantly worse Sunday (this was all second person, I haven't seen him since Friday). Anyways, he was better again Monday... go figure.
Anyways, I did end up calling the farrier Sunday, not that she can do anything now. I'm hoping she just trimmed him too short and that time will allow things to grow back out. My future MIL (BO) said his hooves are unbalanced and he has no toe. I just find that really hard to believe, as J is super anal about everything being correct and balanced. So, photos will be taken tomorrow, when I'm able to get back out to the barn again and we'll go from there. I'm hoping he's sound... but not counting on it.
I did also order some Magic Cushion, see: http://www.premierequinehealth.com/mchp.htm, to see it that'll help with the inflammation and pain. Should be here 8/11... may not be needed by then, but well I'll have it should I have this issue again.
On to other things about Gus. Well, his fetlock sore is nearly gone. Just the size of a small pencil eraser. THANK GOD! That took 3 months to heal fully... but it did. He's got a matching sore on the left front fetlock now too, but I think that's just from interference. It's well scabbed over and healing just fine. Gus's legs otherwise look great.
Since I posted Gringo's diet, here's Gus. In addition to 2lbs of TC Lite, Gus gets:
5000mg Magnesium
10,000mg MSM (upping to 20,000mg for a while)
100mg HA
1oz Mega-Cell
10mg Lysine
Fenugreek
Grapeseed Extract
Shavegrass
1lb (dry weight) beet pulp
The latter two, well I'm using the Shavegrass until it's gone cause when Gus wasn't on it, it didn't seem to make him worse (i.e. he doesn't need it). He's on the beet pulp (BP) to help put weight back on. He's just a tad skinny and I'd like to be on top of everything before winter comes. He only gets the BP when I'm out there, so like 2-4 times a week. He LOVES his BP.
Anyways, I will be posting later this week those photos, both of Gus's hooves and his body condition and what few photos I have left of his fetlock sore. I should get some new photos of Gringo too. I'm thinking I want to pull his mane again, but don't ask me why I think that...
Gringo, in short, hasn't changed much at all. Still lame, but surprisingly doing quite well in the hot and humid weather. J (the farrier) loves his weight. He seems to be maintaining quite well, so I'm pleased with that. He's still harassing the heck outta Gus, but thankfully Gus doesn't have as many battle wounds as before.
Just a quick diet rundown on him, he's getting 1lb of Triple Crown Lite daily along with:
5000mg Magnesium
10,000mg MSM
1oz Mega-Cell
Fenugreek
Grapeseed Extract
The latter two he doesn't necessarily get all the time, but probably 75% of the time.
On to Gus. Well, he had been doing really, really well up until last Wednesday (July 29th). The day before (Tuesday) the J was out to trim both boys. Gus got his routine trim and we actually trotted him off when done. He was sound, well like 90%. Still a hitch in the hind, but nothing like before. I guess he turned up lame on Wednesday... this was news to me come Friday when I got out to ride. Ride was cut short when I noticed he really was head-bobbing lame. Great! Well, there was nothing really that could be done, so I started him on some Previcox (firocoxib) to see if it'd help with the inflammation. He was better Saturday, but got significantly worse Sunday (this was all second person, I haven't seen him since Friday). Anyways, he was better again Monday... go figure.
Anyways, I did end up calling the farrier Sunday, not that she can do anything now. I'm hoping she just trimmed him too short and that time will allow things to grow back out. My future MIL (BO) said his hooves are unbalanced and he has no toe. I just find that really hard to believe, as J is super anal about everything being correct and balanced. So, photos will be taken tomorrow, when I'm able to get back out to the barn again and we'll go from there. I'm hoping he's sound... but not counting on it.
I did also order some Magic Cushion, see: http://www.premierequinehealth.com/mchp.htm, to see it that'll help with the inflammation and pain. Should be here 8/11... may not be needed by then, but well I'll have it should I have this issue again.
On to other things about Gus. Well, his fetlock sore is nearly gone. Just the size of a small pencil eraser. THANK GOD! That took 3 months to heal fully... but it did. He's got a matching sore on the left front fetlock now too, but I think that's just from interference. It's well scabbed over and healing just fine. Gus's legs otherwise look great.
Since I posted Gringo's diet, here's Gus. In addition to 2lbs of TC Lite, Gus gets:
5000mg Magnesium
10,000mg MSM (upping to 20,000mg for a while)
100mg HA
1oz Mega-Cell
10mg Lysine
Fenugreek
Grapeseed Extract
Shavegrass
1lb (dry weight) beet pulp
The latter two, well I'm using the Shavegrass until it's gone cause when Gus wasn't on it, it didn't seem to make him worse (i.e. he doesn't need it). He's on the beet pulp (BP) to help put weight back on. He's just a tad skinny and I'd like to be on top of everything before winter comes. He only gets the BP when I'm out there, so like 2-4 times a week. He LOVES his BP.
Anyways, I will be posting later this week those photos, both of Gus's hooves and his body condition and what few photos I have left of his fetlock sore. I should get some new photos of Gringo too. I'm thinking I want to pull his mane again, but don't ask me why I think that...
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