PLEASE, PLEASE pray for my precious boy Kody Update 9-18

Pedestal*Pony · PLEASE, PLEASE pray for my precious boy Kody Update 9-18

He arrived a week ago tomorrow. He hasnt eaten to speak of that I have seen. Yesterday he started dirreah and now he is pooping streight water. He is drinking like crazy.

Becky B came down today and was such a big help!! She noticed things that I didnt even think about looking for. Her and Mandi ran to TSC and picked up some Probios, some electrolights, a salt block, and some other things.

I am going to call the vet in the morning. I have to go to work so I am going to see if my sister will dig deep in her heart and come out and check on him. Fat chance but its worth a try.

PLEASE, PLEASE pray for my precious boy!! All I want is him to get better!

becky b

Jodi I was so happy that I could be there for you and Kody today. I am praying he will recover really soon. I have never been around a horse that sick before. He is such an amazing horse. He was so tolerant of everything that we did to him. I can only imagine how wonderful he would be to ride as patient as he is. Kody needs everyone's prayers, positive healing thoughts, healing energy or whatever else you have to send his way. Please keep me posted on how he is doing. I am so in love with him now that I spent the day with him I can't stop thinking about him. I wish I had oodles of money to send your way to pay for all of his health needs. I just can't imagine what is giving him the diarrhea so bad.

misstux

Prayers on the way for the best possible outcome.

sebocat

Prayers and good thoughts coming your way. So, so sorry he's sick. Wish there was something I could do for you guys.

creekwood

Prayers & Hugs for Kody, Jodi!

Keep us updated!

CoolsLadyInRed

Praying for you and Kody! You must be beside yourself with worry.Hugs!!!!

thelmanelle

Yes, prayers. So sorry he is so sick. Hoping he is better soon. What a wonderful thing for friends to do.

jackspark

You both are in my thoughts today....... I hope it will clear up soon.

becdubie

You got it. Lots of good energy sent and just said a prayer. Good you got the probios, I hope they kick in soon. I guess it's good that he is drinking.
Do you know if he was ill before he came to you?

ElaineW

Prayers, hugs, healing energy sending your way for Kody ,,
and alot of hugs for you Jodi..

whudson

Prayers and thoughts with you...get well soon Kody

bit

Jodi, how's it going? Did the vet come out? Thinking about you, and you KNOW I'm sending the good stuff your way. Let us know what's going on with him, k? It'll be ok.

ElaineW

I was wondering the same thing Bit!!
I am still sending healing thoughts and prayers for Kody ...

Copious_Amour

She took him to the vet this morning.

Chablis

Do they know what is wrong with him yet? Travel sickness, worms etc?

Will keep my fingers crossed for a speedy recovery. <hugs>

Pedestal*Pony

Thank you all SOOOOO much for your prayers for my boy!!!

Ok, heres the latest ...

I took him to the vet this morning and she said that she is puzzled at what could be wrong with him because he is not running a temp. She drew blood and sent it out for a full work up.

She put what she called bio-sponge in his stomach thru the tube down his throat. He got really pissed when she was putting the tube down his nose because she wanted to "see" the tube going down his throat and she didnt see it so she kept bringing it up and putting it back down. Yep, she gave him a nose bleed. He kept shaking his head and sneezing blood all over my trailer and us.

She wouldnt let him off the trailer because she didnt want him to poo stuff on the property just incase its contageous. Cant say as I blame her, but he had a big poo in the trailer and it just ran out. His poo's are streight clear water, like he is peeing out of his bottom.

She is having me keep him in his stall until she figures out what is wrong with him just in case he is contageous. He is very happy in his stall because I keep it bedded with lots of shavings for his feet. She wanted to see him walk but of course he couldnt get off the trailer so that was out. His pulse rate was up in his hooves so she thinks he is foundering or something.

I have to keep him on banamine twice a day for the stomach and anti-inflamatory for his feet. I have to give him the bio sponge twice a day and all she wants him eating is alfalfa hay. He is actually eating some of it. He is loving his mineral block that Becky picked up yesterday. I am going to have to get him a big 50lb one tomorrow because he is almost thru that one.

He is still drinking like crazy and I am putting electrolights in 2 of his water buckets. I have 2 regular size buckets and 1 large one sitting on the floor. But she said if he doesent stay hydrated, we will have to put him on IV fluids. That will be expensive, $350 for a set of fluids.

I will keep you all posted on a daily basis as to how he is doing. I really appreciate all your prayers and thoughts for my precious boy!!!

I love you all so much and thank you!!!

Horseshoe Creek

Sending healing thoughts for him. Thank heavens he's drinking lots. Last year my gelding was in isolation at the vet college after he developed raging diarrhea following canker surgery. He was on IV fluids for about 10 days but he came around finally. It sounds like you are doing all the right things.

Good luck!

becky b

Can't wait for the blood work to come back. Thank goodness he was able to see a vet today. I was so worried about him yesterday, I finally let it go and had myself a good cry on the way home. Has the diarrhea improved at all today? I am glad you are keeping him in the stall. He needs to be in those thick shavings for his feet. Did the vet pick up one of his front feet and look how dropped the sole is? He will feel much better in his feet when the farrier gets shoes on him to get him walking on his hoof wall instead of the sole. The founder is something that can be dealt with the diarrhea has to stop though. He can't go much longer like that. What did she say about dehydration? I think you might have a head start on that with the electrolytes. I am so worried about him. I have been praying for him all day.

ElaineW

Jodi we love you too!!!!!!
Thank you so much for updating us on Kody's progress..
I can't add anymore than what everyone is saying other than I am still praying and thinking of you all!
Hugs from me and Levi!

bit

If vet can't figure this out, get a different BETTER vet. If he's foundering, he'll need a good farrier/trimmer. Epona's work really well, and I just ordered those shoes sebocat suggested on the farrier thread for SHaun. Farrier is coming on Thursday to put on some glue on shoes. He'll put on the other shoes next trim. No more nails for this guy.
Glad he's eating. I'd rather see him on some good grass hay. Why is she putting him on alfalfa if he's foundering?

jackspark

Just checkin' in Jodi.......following this closely and hoping for the best for Mr. Kody. Hope he can hang on until this is resolved.

misstux

Jodi, you can put him on styrofoam until you get boots.

becky b

Jodi please keep us posted. I want a poop report the first time you see anything solid!!! Sure hope he is feeling better tonight.

Colleen/Mn

Hi Jody,
I have had a few horses that have gotten diarreah from small amounts of Alfalfa. Once the Alfalfa was removed and only good mixed grass hay offered, things turned back to normal quickly.
If he is foundering, it is especially important to remove it and Clover too.

Also, make sure the mineral block is not full of Molasses or some kind of sweetener. If he is eating a large amount, I would take the block away, at least for now.

Best Wishes,
Colleen

Mandy'sMarty

Jodi,
I apologize if I sound blunt and harsh but I have been sitting on the sideline too long. Kody needs your full attention. Now.

I am concerned about your vet's 'puzzlement' about what could be wrong with Kody. Have you explained the he was just shipped to you from Michigan? Was Kody properly hydrated before shipping? Did the shipper or his assistant periodically check on him during transit and offer him water? Did Kody receive electrolytes before shipping? Did Kody begin receiving a good probiotic days before shipping?

In my opinion, Kody has diarrhea caused by stress. Stress from dehydration. Stress from the trailer ride from Michigan to South Carolina in the heat of late summer without an air-conditioned trailer. Stress from standing much too long on those two front feet that are now experiencing laminitis. His LF is in a lot of pain.

Follow Colleen's advice and remove that mineral block until you know its contents. Until you know otherwise, I assume it has too much iron and molasses in it for the condition of Kody's feet.

Follow misstux's advice and use styrofoam or some similar padding for his front feet. Keep it simple with cutouts the shape of his feet and wrap them on with duct tape. This should alleviate some of the pain and stress he's been experiencing and give him a chance to recover from the diarrhea.

Your priority right now is to stop his diarrhea...NOW. Do not sit back and wait on the results of the blood work. Continue the electrolytes. Give him the ProBios that Becky got for him...every day till he shows some improvement. He desperately needs those probiotics. The Biosponge is not a probiotic. It is a clay product. It will mop up toxins but IMO it will not deliver the bacterial strains required for good gut flora. Make sure he has plenty of good fresh water to drink 24 hours a day.

I do not understand your vet's direction of feeding him only alfalfa hay.
What is the basis of this protocol? Alfalfa actually induces diarrhea in some horses. Has he been on a strict alfalfa diet for awhile? Is this a sudden change in his diet? I am concerned that this protocol may be actually perpetuating his diarrhea. Ask your vet to explain to you why she is prescribing a strict alfalfa hay diet rather than a good quality grass hay as Colleen mentioned.

Jodi, I am not a vet and this is not to be construed as a diagnosis. I am simply connecting the dots and organizing comments made by others. This is my opinion based on my experience and based on what I believe I am receiving as an equine communicator. As Deb mentioned, you may want to get the opinion from another vet. Meanwhile, I'll continue sending Kody lots of Reiki energy.

sebocat

Poor guy, stress of travel can be such a killer. The first time Bob colicked was from a 12 hr ride.

Did you ask your sister if he was eating normally before he left? What was his diet before? I'd think the vet would want him on what he was used to?

Bless you heart, so sorry he's so sick. Hang in there, we are all here for you !

Copious_Amour

Kody was on all alfalfa prior to coming to South Carolina.

I'm getting the spray on Jodi's hay has made him sick as well.

Mandy, you are wonderful.

Copious_Amour

bit

I love this forum because there are so many good minds here, and good horsemen and women. Jodi, I know you are doing your best. Just got a feelling about this one. Is there someone else, a kick ass equine vet that you can talk to? I have to pick up a health cert for Eclipse in the morning, and I'll ask my vet what he thinks. I googled his symptoms and a lot of horses display these same symptoms. Some resolved on their own, some didn't. I do trust Marty, and he was right on when he helped me with Eclipse.

thelmanelle

You are getting some great advice here. I would get a 2nd vet opinion, too. A Styrofoam cooler cut up and put in a diaper might be a good way to secure to the hoof. Someone else might have a better idea. I use duct tape, but you know not too tight.

Yes, diarrhea under control is the first thing.

Prayers.

karmikacres

Did you notify the shipper?

Mike

PasoBaby_CarolU

Jodi, I got home late last night and was just catching up on the forum. I am SO SORRY. How scary! I will keep him in my prayers too. I'd say yes on the Probios and electrolytes and I'd feed a mix of hays. Some alfalfa is pretty stemmy and hard on an inflamed intestinal tract. Soaking helps.

I don't see an update today...please let us know how he he's doing. ((HUGS))

bit

Hey Jodi, talked to my vet today and he said that blood test is a good way to go. He said he'd probably culture what's coming out the other end, and then went into a 15 minute talk on what it could be...short list, it could be a lot of things from allergies, to kidney issues. So hard tellin' not knowin'. Please let us know how it's going for Cody and YOU. You must be so freakin' frazzeled you don't know what to do. Prayers and hugs to you. Deb

becky b

He was on straight alfalfa before she got him. Jodi was feeding him a nice fescue/grass mix when I was there. He didn't have the diarrhea when he arrived. It just started Saturday night or Sunday morning. He has NO appetite at all. I took him outside to some nice grass and he was not interested. I was there for several hours and he only ate maybe a handful of hay. Only thing he was interested in was water. He drank at least 15 to 20 gallons just while I was there. He is definitely foundered and very overweight. Jodi is doing the best she can, what she needs right now is prayers and money. Well and all the great advice everyone on here is giving her. I did what I could afford, wish I had the money to do more. If you can afford to help her I know it would mean a lot to her. Still praying for you Kody, know that I love you too and wish I could help you more.

edited to correct spelling errors from stupid Iphone

carefreegirl

well if he was on straight alfalfa before, it might be the sudden switch of hay to grass, and the stress of the move/being put in with new horses, plus the fact that he was already overweight that is causing his problems. I hope he recovers quickly. If he were mine, I'd be doing electrolytes along with just plain water, probiotics, a plain salt lick available, and a mineral block (that doesn't have a lot of sugar as mentioned), I'd be wrapping his feet in diapers, or other cushion, I'd be cold hosing them also to try to help the inflammation that is associated with laminites, along with either bute or banamine, and I would have both alfalfa and grass hay available to him. I'd be getting a second vet's opinion also probably. And I would try not to feed him anything sugary, including carrots, apples etc. until the laminites is not so acute. I'd keep him quiet, but if he is up to it, getting him out for a brief hand walk might lift his spirits, but he might not be ready for that, probably wait till diarhea and his foot pain is under control before doing that. I'm not a vet though, but this is what I would be doing. Hope he gets better soon.

ElaineW

Tigerlily

fingers crossed for you....hugs

Chablis

Maybe posting a pic on here, someone might recognise what is wrong with him?

Did the vet say he foundered?

bit

I know that if my horses had the choice of alfalfa or grass hay, they'd be eating alfalfa. It's the "candy" of horse food for my guys. They are also no longer getting any. Everyone is on soaked timothy hay pellets and formula4feet. Period. Have a call into manufacturer about iron in water, and addtional supplements.
Ok, so if Cody was on alfalfa, of course he's turning his nose up at grass. The change in food is probably a shocker, not to mention the change in environment, and the shipping stress. Well, no wonder. He may be fine, except for founder and stress. So now what? Should she be gradually taking him off alfalfa and replacing with grass hay? ANY animal will have diaherria if you change their food. WE get it just changing the water we drink.
Jody, can I send ya some apf? Deb

Copious_Amour

becdubie

Oh Jody, my heart goes out to you, I know how you're feeling. Good that the Vet drew blood, hopefully it will have some answers. You're doing everything you can for Kody, I'm sure he appreciates it. Praying for the best outcome.

Pedestal*Pony

Update 9-7

I talked to the vet this morning. She said all Kodys blood work came back on the high side of normal. The only thing she saw was that his protien level was low.

She wants to put him on IV fluids and do a salmanella test but the fluids are $350 for 40 liters and the test is $75 and she said if it comes back negative, they run it again and it would cost another $75. They like to run the test 3 times just to make sure and they charge $75 each time they run it.

No the vets dont take payments here in my area. It is all cash up front. So needless to say, this stuff is out for now.

On a great note, Kody had some regular dirreah today when I got home. He is eating the alfalfa and he is eating Triple Crown Senior, 2 large handfulls.

This morning I took him out for a walk and he started grazing. So I let him graze for about 10-15 minutes. When I got home tonight his stall was pretty wet from peeing (center of the stall) and there was more better dirreah in his stall with well hay in it. It wasnt in ball formation but it wasnt water.

He seems to be slowing on drinking some. I turned him out in my yard tonight and he grazed for 2 and a half hours. He isnt a crazed eater but he was eating pretty good.

********************************************************************************

Ok, let me try to answer some of the questions ya'll have.

He is on alfalfa because that is what my sister fed him in michigan. He was pastured on the alfalfa field. I am not going to keep him on the alfalfa, we are just trying to get him to eat.

He was perfectly fine when he left michigan, eating and drinking normal. No we didnt think about boosting him with electrolights before his trip.

I did contact the person that hauled him a few days ago and no other horses are sick that were hauled with him. They thanked me for letting them know. They clean their trailer after every use.

I have him on electrolights with some plain water in his stall also. So he makes the choice on what he wants to drink. He is on 5cc Banamine twice a day, I am still giving him the Probios daily.

At this time, I can not afford to get another vet involved. My truck payment is due on Friday the 9th and it is $480.00. It is my first payment on my new truck so I have to pay it and not be late. I probably have $300 of it so I am going to over draw my account to pay it. Kodys vet bill yesterday was $285.00 and I had to pay it. So another vets opinion is not an option right now.

Let me hit submit so you can read this. If I forgot anything, Becky will help fill in the gaps.

Yes, my head is spinning! After me going to the emergency room a week ago and trying to get better my self, this has been VERY hard on me physically and mentally. I was falling asleep while driving on my way home tonight because I am so exhausted.

I am trying my VERY BEST to do what I can with in my means. I hope you all know that. I love my horses and ask Becky, my horses are fun, very happy and love me and people.

ElaineW

Jodi thank you so much for the update!
I amvery glad to hear bout the improvements..

We know you are doing your very best with in your means.. That's all any of us can do!
Just make sure you DO NOT feel guilty aabout anything..
Your statement there made me think of how I felt when Levi showed up,His feet was in a mess. I just could NOT bring myself to post the photos or what my farrier suggested doing .
Everyone has a different opinion on all of this..and I could not stand to hear anything negative about the approach we took with his feet..
I am doing what was best for us. the very best I can provide.
and I know that's what you are doing..

I am still praying and thinking good thoughts for you and Kody,,
Hugs from Elaine and Levi...

Copious_Amour

creekwood

Watch those protein levels- espescially while youre giving him NSAIDS (banamine)! My horses protein levels dropped down while going through bute toxicity.

Prebiotics & Probiotics are your friend! That's GREAT that he's starting to eat and come around.

As for the alfalfa, it's not evil, guys. It DOES have more protein and minerals than grass hays, (but less than most green spring grasses.)

For pete sakes my horses are on 3 lbs of alfalfa & so far nobodies feet have fallen off, kidneys haven't exploded, brains haven't turned to mush, hair hasn't fallen off, and they haven't tried to take over the world. Actually, they look the best they've ever looked- dappley, shiney, good weight, well muscled, bright eyed and happy with kickass bare feet.

Jodi, sending good thoughts your way! Good job pulling him through.

CoolsLadyInRed

Jodi, I know you are doing your best. You sound exhausted just writing. Take care of yourself first. Without you ,Kody doesn't stand a chance

We are here for you! Praying and thinking about you guys across the country. at work I just wanna give you a call and tell you everything will be ok. Of course I would like to be closer to help you out and give you a hug.

Hang it there. Do what you can with the money you have. That is all any of us can do. Kody is so lucky to have you. One day at a time.

becdubie

PasoBaby_CarolU

Thank you for the update Jody. It sounds like he is improving and THAT is the most important part. You may never know what it is.

I am surprised the Salmonella test is so expensive. Your vet probably uses AnTech which I found prohibitively expensive to monitor Bien's IG. A person on the Cushings forum told me about the Labs at the University of Lansing...their salmonella test is $25. If they want to test 3 times (seems crazy to me...by the time the results get back the horse could be dead!) for the price you are being charged for one.

http://www.dcpah.msu.edu/Misc/AD.ADM.REF.005.pdf

Lab info: http://www.dcpah.msu.edu/

I had my vet switch labs so I could afford to test Bien. He isn't an Internet guy so I downloaded and took in all the forms and fee schedule.

As for alfalfa, Kelsey is right. I talked with the hay manager at Standlee and then double checked with DairyOne data. Most grass hay test higher in sugar then alfalfa and often right up there in protein. Without testing the hay ($35 through DairyOne), the best way to ensure lower sugar content is to soak the hay in hot water for 20 minutes and pour the water out. I found this was easiest to do by putting the hay in a hay net and then soaking it. Then you just pull the hay/net out of the water and feed it.

He probably needs to loose weight (once his digestive system is stabilized) for his founder. It is very easy to weigh hay in the hay-net before soaking. A fish scale would work fine. Talk to your vet about his ideal weight and then feed him 1.5% weight daily (18 lbs for a 1200 lb horse - broken in two meals would be 9 lbs twice a day)

Good luck Jody...one thing at a time.

Pedestal*Pony

Here is the update for today. I am trying not to go off the deep end and loose it. I have one foot on a banana peel and one off the edge. Way too much going on for me right now and I just cant seem to get it together after my passing out last week at work because of stress.

Anyways, Kody is eating grass, not gorging on it, just eating. I would love to see him eating more. But I am guessing since he was pastured in a alfalfa field, he is going to be picky with just grass.

He has slowed down on his drinking but is still drinking. He is eating some triple crown senior and oats which he was on in michigan.

He seems to have taken a VERY SMALL step backwards in his attitude. Cant pinpoint it, maybe its me.

His poop has finally formed and no more dirreah. BUT his weaner is all swelling and the 2 like large parts of their stomachs that go back from the cinch area twards the back are swelling. See the pictures. Gonna call the vet tomorrow to see what she says.

I am going to start leaving him out in my yard as much as I can because I think he is really tired of being in the barn.

I am so exhausted, I need some helpfull words. I dont like to ask for anything but could use some encouraging words right now.

merle

((((HUGS))))

I've been through some tough times. The most important thing I've learned from those times is that the worse it seems the more love and support that is around you. At the time it may not seem that way, but it is true. We just need to pause to feel it. And, we need to give ourselves permission to lean on that love and support.

becky b

Jodi remember what we discussed: FIRST we get the diarrhea stopped then we deal with everything else! Good News the diarrhea has stopped. Remember what we read on google about swelling of the abdomen being related to diarrhea. Ok breathe now and thank God that the diarrhea is gone. Give the swelling a couple of days and lets see if it will now start going down. Meanwhile, if he will drop like he did Monday that sheath needs some serious cleaning. I am surprised how much the swelling has increased since I saw him on Monday. He is still drinking, he is eating, he is walking a lot better, the diarrhea did not kill him so relax, get a good nights sleep and call the vet tomorrow. If you have a camera phone take some pictures of the swelling and text them to the vet. When I was on vacation and had a friend taking care of my horses, she called me and said my 30 year old mare had something horrible wrong with her eye. I said call my vet, my vet said send me a picture and I will decided if it warrants a visit, well the vet got the picture and said "She is fine, I don't need to come, just keep her eye clean and if it still looks like that in 3 to 5 days then I need to see her. Well by day 3 her eye was normal again. Who knows what happened to it but it fixed itself. Hopefully by morning the swelling will start going down. Just keep him by himself, the yard area around the house and barn is plenty enough space for him to roam around, graze a little, and still see the other horses. Please get some rest, I am worried about your health now. Call me if you need to. Wish I wasn't 2 hours away I would be there everyday if I could. Please get some rest, please!!

Mandy'sMarty

Good work on stopping his diarrhea. Apparently the Biosponge is working if his diarrhea is over. It may take another few days for the Probios to deliver enough bacteria to his gut to return his digestion to a near normal state. Meanwhile I believe he may be presenting Malabsorption Syndrome ( http://www.forloveofthehorse.com/nds.php ). It appears he has edema ( fluid swelling) along his lower abdomen. I assume this is an indication of the recent breakdown of his digestive system. I would think his edema will resolve itself when his digestive system stabilizes. You might try to feed him some plain unflavored yogurt in addition to the Probios. I don't see how that could hurt him and it might boost the bacteria strains he needs so that he recovers a bit faster.

Kody's attitude may become cranky because of his Magnesium deficiency. I believe he is very deficient in Magnesium. Magnesium deficiency is caused by excess Calcium that results from a diet high in alfalfa.

Check in with your vet in the morning.

Tigerlily

glad to know he is doing better. don't feel guilty, we all do the best we can with what we have. I'm going have to sell my husbands horse to pay my most recent vet bill for my mustang. I was shocked at the costs.... he almost lost an eye a few weeks ago...... but I knew losing it would be 3x's more expensive......not to mention.....not so good for my horse. today we scraped up change around the house.....believe it or not...we found $15 in pennies, $35 in quarters, and $18 in nickles and dimes......just enough to make sure we have gas till payday!

ElaineW

Hey Jodi ,,
Just wondered you all are doing!..
Hope everything is okay..

becky b

Jodi what is going on? I saw your post on facebook. It is too late at night for me to call you. I pray that you are ok. I pray that Kody is ok. Please let us know that you are alright.

sebocat

I dont think any of us here would say you arent doing enough. All of us only do what we can with what we have and marvel at our own resilliance when we are through the challenges. You'll learn and grow and be a better horse-woman because of this.

Bob's thing cost me a horse and a best friend, but I have to look at it as a lesson. I learned a lot about myself. I learned how strong I coud be.

Sound's like he is doing better, so you are doing a great job!

Now that the diarhhea is clearing up, the focus is to get him comfy. Looks like he is camped out either releiving stomach pressure or hoof pain. I'd guess stomach discomfort.

Hang in there, we are all here for you!

thelmanelle

Jody,
Hoping you got some much needed rest and things are looking better today. Sounds like you are getting some good advice.

The swelling in the scrotal sacs remind me of when one of my geldings would get bugs bites. Seeing you live in South Carolina, I am sure the bugs are not fun there. While I agree that it might be fluid retention due to the body changing. I wonder if he has any bug bites in the area? Just a thought. I put swat there for really bad days. I am making a guess from my own experience.

I agree that he looks like he is standing to stretch out and relieve the tummy.

Pedestal*Pony

Quick post to update for yesterday and this morning.

Kody is doing better. The swelling is going down in his stomach part and almost gone. Hopefully next is his weewee. He is grazing better. Still not totally drinking like I would like to see (accourding to the amount in the water barrel) but hopefully he is getting some from the morning dewy grass. He is eating some oats and senior better.

He is getting SASSY! When I turned him out from his stall, he walked out and rolled right in front of everyone sitting on the deck. Then one of our little Chihuahuas barked at him (no worry, she cant even get out of her own way she is so fat!) and he pinned his ears and threw his head in sassiness!

Then when I went out to tell him good night the goober ran from me and snaked his head in sassiness. Like ha ha, your not catching me!

I would be tired of me shoving meds down his throat too!

Now just got to figure out how to get him to drink more so he dont go the other direction and get constipated. As Mandi and I were standing there in the yard holding his feed tub and feeding his oats, he turned to me a few times and burried his head in my chest. I am hoping that was a thank you or a sign that he really does love me. I just stroked his neck and rubbed his eyes and kissed him back.

I will get some updated pictures of him today. Would love people to tell me if the look in his eyes has changed or not. It is VERY hard for me to read his eyes because I have never owned or been around a horse with blue eyes before.

Thank you all so much for your support, advice and the most, your love! You all mean so much to me and thank you!!!

sebocat

I'd make a mash out of his senior feed (if you can) to sneak more water that way. Also make sure he has access to a salt block. Keep checking his gums, they should be fairly moist and hopefully pink

Great job pulling him through! Is he standing any better (square)?

jackspark

Quite an ordeal Jodi! You have done a great job managing and should relax and let nature return him to normal....... he seems on the mend to me

ElaineW

Yay! What a wonderful update Jodi!

I am so glad everythign is improving...

becdubie

I've been gone all day Jody and thought about you and Kody many times. This is the first thing I checked on when I got back in...saw Elaine's post and took a big sigh of relief.

It's amazing how a big strong animal like horse can be like a baby bird when they are sick. You're doing good....sounds like you can take a breath as Kody rounds the corner.
Glad to hear the good news!

Pedestal*Pony

I am so humbled by the people here that care so much about Kody and I. I have cried MANY times this week being at witts end and my husband didnt even ask me what was wrong.

This morning I took his temp and it was good. Just around 100.

The swelling is back up a little in his stomach. Would more excercise help that some? Maybe him and I go for walks? Give him something to do other then hang around in the yard or the barn? Wouldnt hurt my butt to walk either! Plus it could be a great time for bonding!!

Tonight he started eating some oat hay that I have in the barn. He seemed to like it. So I threw a flake of that and a flake of his alfalfa in the yard with his oats for overnight eating.

He REALLY wants to go out with the boys. The only thing, is there isnt nearly as much grass out there and I am a little worried my QH gelding will go after him some. He adores the little paint gelding.

I have cut him back to 5cc's of banamine once a day instead of twice. He has good gut sounds, no temp and is eating so I am going to wean him off it. I am also backing him down on the bio sponge. I will keep up the Probios for a while yet.

With him being in the yard and with a big water barrel, can I give him any electrolights mixed with a little water in a syrange like I am the Probios? Or would it be too concentrated?

I think he is doing better. Just got to get him comfortable with his feet and hopefully he will turn around completely and be a normal horse again.

He ate 3 carrots tonight too! My sister said he loves carrots and I have not been able to get him to eat one until tonight.

He is just so hard to figure out with the blue eyes, its driving me crazy, not being able to read his look.

I really love his blue eyes tho, they are beautiful!

Will get pictures tomorrow, I forgot today.

Mandy'sMarty

Jodi, You've done a great job of intervention and stabilizing Kody. Sounds like his diarrhea is under control and his digestive system is recovering.

The electrolytes I feed my Mandy are usually added to her mash or fed undiluted directly into her mouth from a small 3 oz. squeeze bottle. You need to read the label on your electrolytes for mixing/feeding directions. Be sure that Kody is continuing to drink water frequently if you continue to feed him electrolytes.

The swelling from fluid in Kody's abdomen would probably reabsorb more readily if her were able to walk around a bit with you. The risk is that he can cause more problems for his feet. I am assuming he has rotated coffin bones (P3) in all four feet from an acute laminitic episode.

I am assuming that Kody is barefoot and that his feet have not been trimmed since his arrival. I am concerned that the condition of his feet is such that his heels may be under-run and his toes too long. If so, he may not be able to land heel first...and if he is landing toe first then he is experiencing the stretching of the laminae attachment of his hooves from the leveraging force against his toes at breakover. If what I believe may be happening, it would be like someone pulling your fingernails away from your nail beds. If this is indeed happening...he would probably not feel it today because of the banamine he's getting.

I can go on to describe what I believe is happening based on what I believe he is telling me, but the reality is that you need to know based on what you can see and interpret. You need a farrier or trimmer who is experienced in rehabilitating foundered and laminitic horses. Kody probably needs a trim on all four feet that will stop the leveraging force against his toes. He needs a trim that mimics the position of his coffin bones. To achieve that, the practitioner needs the information produced by at least one radiograph of each affected foot. Meanwhile Kody needs support on all four feet to reduce the pain he would probably be feeling without banamine.
By support I mean hoof boots with pads ( ideally) or foam cushioning duct taped to his feet at a minimum. He needs that support full time during the rehabilitation of his feet.

During the initial phase of this rehabilitation, Kody should be allowed to move around carefully under supervision only if he is willing and comfortable enough to tolerate the discomfort. I can't imagine him being safe and able to move among other horses without risking damage to his feet caused by quick evasive moves to avoid a dominant aggressive or playful herd mate. An ideal situation for Kody is for him to be initially rehabilitated in a paddock by himself with consistent level footing--no rocks--adjoining his herd mates.

I believe Kody probably had some ulcers before he came to you...and the banamine he's now on puts him at risk for more. The sooner he can be without the banamine, the better for his gut. Your challenge is to get his feet set up so that his pain is diminished because of unbalanced trim.

You've done an admirable job bringing him home and intervening quickly once he started crashing after his journey. It sounds like his condition has stabilized and that he is improving. Now the real work begins. It's up to you to continue to be his advocate and create a team of professional practitioners who will assist you in completing his rehabilitation.

becky b

Marty, would lily pads be enough support for his feet? I have a pair that my farrier sold me when I was rehabbing a founder horse I can bring her Saturday. They really made my mare more comfortable. You are spot on about his current foot condition, very under run heel and long toes. I believe her farrier is coming out this week. I am going to call my farrier and see if he will go see him, my farrier is a corrective/rehab specialist, was recommended to me by my vet. He can fix just about anything, it may take several visits and a lot of money, but he is the best in this area. He lives between me & Jodi, so I hope she is close enough to him for him to go there.

Mandy'sMarty

Becky, I am not familiar with lily pads. I've only seen an image of a pair on the web. My experience was with EasyCare boots. I used a pair of Epics and a pair of Gloves on Mandy's front feet last year. Rotated them every day so that she was wearing clean, dry hoof protection about 22-23 hours a day. I believe the Comfort Pads that I put inside those boots made a huge impact on how well she healed. I followed Pete Ramey's 'boots with pads" rehab protocol. It was trial and error, experimenting with different thicknesses and densities of the various Comfort Pads in order to find what worked best for Mandy. IMO & Pete Ramey's opinion, the key is supporting the sole, frog and heel. The foot needs to move so that the hoof can flex. Movement creates stimulation so that the sole, frog, heel experiences pressure and release of pressure. That stimulation triggers the healing response. Kody should be on his way to healing when he is able to land heel first with some sort of hoof protection on his feet.

Meanwhile, I would caution Jodi to not allow her farrier to trim away any sole material at this time, other than what is trimmed away by backing up the toes. If he were mine, I would not touch his soles, even if there was 'dead sole' present. I'd let him exfoliate that himself. Kody needs as much protection under the tips of his coffin bones as he can get right now.

PasoBaby_CarolU

What I saw of those hoofs, there wasn't much to trim, period.

Becky, I've had very good luck with hoof casts for founder. You might look up KC LaPierre's Perfect Hoofwear. I will warn against using casts though if your horse has to negotiate concrete or asphalt, as they are very slippery. The problem I see with using boots is that few are designed to stay on the foot 24/7 without getting really gross.

Mandy'sMarty

Carol, I'm very interested in learning more about your experience with using hoof casts for founder. Did you use KC's Perfect Footwear? How long were the casts in place? Did the process involve a set-up trim, then a period of casts in place, then a follow-up trim, followed by another period of casts in place, then another trim, followed by another period of casts, etc.?

PasoBaby_CarolU

I started with KC's kit (and Mike's help!) and did a founder trim first. Then put the casts on with KC's kit. I will tell you the difference in just 24 hours was amazing, she went from being so ouchy she could barely walk (even with Styrofoam or rubber pads, which at best, I got 3 days wear out of), to being able to hand walk with some pain. The casts last about 5 weeks on my sand, but I could hand-walk her every day. At the end of 5 weeks we removed the casts, re-trimmed her, and put new casts on. I did this for probably 3 months and she was walking 2 miles without pain. I'd then leave her without casts to see how she moved and would recast her at the first sign of pain. It took six months to get her stay cast free (in the mean time I was trying all the different drug regimes and supplements and diet changes from the Cushings site.) What finally worked for her was long term use of metformin, strict diet (12 lbs 7% sugar hay and 4 lbs Purina Low Starch per day).

I did switch to regular casts during that time, which we ordered off the Internet by the case, for $8/roll. That saved a lot of money.

Pedestal*Pony

Yes Marty, you are right on, he has long toes and no heal. My farrier is coming out the end of this week. I cant believe my sisters farrier thought his feet were Ok like they are. I almost trimmed his toes last night but since he has such a foot problem, I figured I would just leave it up to the professionals.

His poop is moist and solid. His temp is around 100 and he seems Ok. His gums are light pink. He felt hot to the touch today but it was hot here with high humidity so that is probaly why. I took his temp this evening and it was only 100. I left the thermeter in for about 3 minutes.

Hopefully he is on the road to recovery. Now the big battle starts with his feet. Got to get him comfortable in his front end. Not to mention got to get more weight off!!

Chablis

Good luck, Jodi. Thank you for the update on your lovely boy.

becdubie

Jodi?

Hope no news is good news. How's it going? How are you? How is Kody?

bit

Jodi, How's he doing? What happened with the farrier? Kelsey casted Gunner (threw a shoe and was ouchy) and Shaun who was having some real issues with bf, and they both were doing pretty good. Shaun has wore through his cast, so he was still in pain. Hope your boy is doing well, on a healthy eating plan, and fitting in well with the herd. They do a lot better with other horses when they aren't sore.

Pedestal*Pony

Kody is doing great! He is eating really good, the swelling is almost all down in his weewee and poop is awesome.

He has poked his left eye with something and it is swelling and running so I ran to TSC and got some eye stuff.

Now the challenge is getting his feet squared around. My farrier says he is almost postitive he has navicular. Only the first stages tho. He put bar shoes on him Friday night and if he dont seem to respond to that he will put navicular shoes on him.

But he seems to be doing great with these shoes tho. When we got back from our ride yesterday Kody screamed once and took of running.

Here are some before and after pictures of Kodys feet from Friday.

sebocat

I am so releived he is doing so much better!

I'd be very interested to follow his hoofcare and see how he does in the heartbar shoes. Please keep us updated on how he is doing and give him a big ol' hug for me. What a sweet, tough cookie!

Now, just make sure you take care of you, too

becdubie

Glad to hear the good news.
Sounds like the feet are on their way to recovery as well.