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| This photo was sent by the farrier to my farrier the day he put the shoe and plate on. |
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| the medical plate |
While I was being shown how to do this, Paula took a video. It's a good reference to have:
The instructions are to remove the plate every 3-4 days, replace the old gauze with fresh soaked in diluted betadine. Julia and I have done one change and the hoof was looking better already. I had so much in my head that I forgot to take a photo but will for the next change. The biggest danger right now is to keep water and dirt out of the open wound. The plate is not enough. The shoe is also wrapped in duct tape and vet wrap.
It is, of course, the wettest time of year.
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| fresh snow in March is pretty but it's pretty slushy. |
Poor Quaid has been on some version of stall rest going on since February 3. For 2 he's handling it extremely well. Hell, he's handling it great for any aged horse. I hate keeping them in, I feel that they are happier when they can be outside.
I had bought an Easy boot zip when this all started and it seemed to work great. But I've only had it on him maybe 14 time and it completely disintegrated.
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| 10/10 don't recommend |
Quaid is not in the larger paddock. I'm pretty sure if he runs around he's going to haul that boot off. So I have him in my small paddock right outside the barn. It's about 36 x36 (which, for the record, he was in with the easy boot too). It's enough to let him walk around and eat some hay. He can come in and out of the barn which he likes. Carmen is in the bigger paddock. So far it's all working.
I just need to get him to the point of the hole being covered with fresh horn and then he can have more freedom.
People ask me how he's doing and I always say the same: 'he's good right now'. I just can't let myself think that we're out of the woods. No matter what the vet says. I've been here twice before. I'm trying to be optimistic. Intellectually I know that we should be fine, this time we dealt with the underlying issue (infected bone). But emotionally I 'm not there yet.
Just keep telling me it's all going to be fine.
Unfortunately, you aren’t to the place yet where you can rest in ‘it’s all going to be fine’, which is a sort of happy complacency. You’re still dealing with keeping it protected, and the final results aren’t in. But you’ll be there soon. And if the vets say it’s going to be good, it probably is. I’ve found vets to be very cautious about their predictions, and when they say all will be well, it usually is.
ReplyDeleteBut it’s a relief to get to that part where all the wheels are back on the bus, and they are fully aired up! Soon!
You are right. It’s the grind part.
DeleteAll I can say is I feel you ♥️ this is the hardest time of year for foot stuff, ugh. I'm glad you've figured out a solution so he can get some movement in a small space! Continuing to jingle for an uneventful recovery!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update! It's good to see how such traumatic injuries are dealt with. The photo and video really help to see what's going on.
ReplyDeleteI have a set of those Davis boots for when I was soaking Beamer's abscesses. They are very sturdy! But open at the top like you say. The bell boot is a good idea. What about making some kind of fetlock wrap, maybe out of a padded material that you can sew a velcro strap on, to fit his fetlock under the top of the boot and the bell boot? That would be an added way of keeping snow and mud and moisture from going in the top of the boot.
I’m glad to hear that they are sturdy. His foot under is wrapped too. If that is what you mean.
DeleteI was just thinking about the opening at the top of the boot. Does his foot wrap extend up to or beyond the top of the boot? Those boots can have a large gap there and if the bell boot slides up it won't keep the wetness out.
DeleteAhh I see. Yes it does go up.
DeleteSounds like all is going well! Fingers(and everything else!) crossed! I thought about recommending the Davis boot when this all started. I've had great luck with mine through Jet's abscess sagas. Really good idea on the bell boot to keep water out-clever!
ReplyDeleteI’m glad to hear that you find the boots good. It makes me feel better
DeleteI'm so glad he's home now. And that medical plate is incredibly interesting. I never would have thought of adding something like that. I'm glad the first gauze change seemed to go well. I'll keep my fingers crossed that he continues to improve and this just becomes a bump in the road.
ReplyDeleteIt is fascinating to me. I am grateful for it because it allows him to have some freedom.
DeleteYou both are doing a great job! Keep it up. Remember you're not alone. I know it is hard, but try to keep your energy and positivity up for the both of you <3
ReplyDeleteNot being alone has been key for me to get through this! Thank you!
Deletehere's hoping everything is going relatively smoothly with the recovery!! that Zip boot lasted about 2 weeks of constant wear (including turn out and mud and stuff) for charlie too, tho i only paid $50 for it so felt good enough about that level of protection to replace it. here's hoping the Davis boot fits Quaid's needs better!
ReplyDeleteSo far it’s working great.
DeleteYou have my sympathy - I've been dealing with an abscess with Cisco for a whole four days and I'm already so over it. I wish I could find some boot option for him but nothing fits his wider than long feet.
ReplyDeleteHopefully, it's all smooth sailing going forward for Quaid!
thank you. I am sorry that Cisco is dealing with this.
DeleteI'm so glad Quaid is back where he belongs and seems to be coming along so well! Honestly, that photo looks like it's healing great, so fingers crossed it's all smooth sailing from here!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry about that easy boot, that's what I've used for Shiny during all of her hoof traumas. I'm wondering if having a shoe in there is what caused the failure. (Shine's barefoot.) No matter though, just a bummer for your wallet! Looks like you found a good solution at least! Love the bell boot topper to keep it closed. Such a smart idea!