Wednesday, 2 May 2012
5 Weeks On
WEDNESDAY 2ND MAY
We are now at the 5 week post-op mark.
I have to admit I am astounded as to the completely uncomplicated recovery Chico has had so far. Chico must have read the colic surgery recovery text book and is following it to the letter.
I was warned that Chico would become hard to handle after a few weeks box rest and 'kite on the end of a lead rope' was mentioned more than once. I had feared the worse but Chico has been a model patient, we get excite head tossing and tip toe trotting for about 3 metres (from the stable to the grass!) but once we hit green it is quiet munching all the way.
His incision site has now almost completely healed, the swelling edema is reducing nicely and I am hopeful that his internal stitches are doing as well as the external site.
His condition is coming back but he has lost a lot of muscle in areas that I was working on building up (neck, hind quarters etc)but he has put on a good amount of weight and his shaved patches are regrowing nicely.
Sunday, 29 April 2012
My Beautiful Boys
SUNDAY 29TH APRIL
Despite the water companies declaring a near country wide drought the only things it has done in Birmingham over the last 2 weeks is rain! Chico and I have stood in the field soaking up as much precipitation as possible on many occasions.
We watch other owners and their horses traipse past us from the field into their dry stables, some days I feel like a broken down car on the side of the motorway watching the passing traffic while Chico happily munches away.
Hours spent on the field I have noticed so much wildlife living around our stables. So far I has seen rabbits, green finches, green woodpecker, mallards, buzzards, skylarks, wagtails and dueling male Robins. The rain seems not to bother these little creatures and they seem not to be bothered by me as I stand quietly by Chico's side watching them go about their business.
Today though was the first day I didnt manage to get Chico out into the field. The rain and wind howled so violently this morning I figured it would be best for Chico just to stay in side today. I was busy too, drove an hour down to the Malvern Showground with my dog for a Championship dog show. Despite being crammed into a leaking noisy tent me and my dog (a Large Munsterlander called Loki) managed a 1st place in our class.
On the way home we dropped in to the stables to tuck Chico into bed with supper and a full hay bar, then home to flake out on the sofa (both me and the dog). Don't know what I would find to do without my two boys to full my day with. Well done to my boy Loki, seen here at the stables, one of his favourite places.
Despite the water companies declaring a near country wide drought the only things it has done in Birmingham over the last 2 weeks is rain! Chico and I have stood in the field soaking up as much precipitation as possible on many occasions.
We watch other owners and their horses traipse past us from the field into their dry stables, some days I feel like a broken down car on the side of the motorway watching the passing traffic while Chico happily munches away.
Hours spent on the field I have noticed so much wildlife living around our stables. So far I has seen rabbits, green finches, green woodpecker, mallards, buzzards, skylarks, wagtails and dueling male Robins. The rain seems not to bother these little creatures and they seem not to be bothered by me as I stand quietly by Chico's side watching them go about their business.
Today though was the first day I didnt manage to get Chico out into the field. The rain and wind howled so violently this morning I figured it would be best for Chico just to stay in side today. I was busy too, drove an hour down to the Malvern Showground with my dog for a Championship dog show. Despite being crammed into a leaking noisy tent me and my dog (a Large Munsterlander called Loki) managed a 1st place in our class.
On the way home we dropped in to the stables to tuck Chico into bed with supper and a full hay bar, then home to flake out on the sofa (both me and the dog). Don't know what I would find to do without my two boys to full my day with. Well done to my boy Loki, seen here at the stables, one of his favourite places.
Wednesday, 25 April 2012
4 Weeks On
It has now been 4 weeks since surgery and Chico makes even more progress.
He is still coping brilliantly with box rest and has had no colic symptoms at all, remaining bright and alert throughout.
His incision site is almost completely healed now and hair is growing nicely around the site.
The swelling is still about the same as last week but vet advised it would take a while for the excess fluid swelling to be reabsorbed. I continue to appreciate every day of his good health and look forward to getting him back out in the field with his buddies.
The swelling is still about the same as last week but vet advised it would take a while for the excess fluid swelling to be reabsorbed. I continue to appreciate every day of his good health and look forward to getting him back out in the field with his buddies.
Thursday, 19 April 2012
Healing nicely
Chico's incision site continues to heal extremely well. The small amount of swelling is starting to go down and as the hair on his tummy is growing back through the wound itself is getting less visible. We havent had any infection, seeping or bleeding from the site and I am hopeful things will stay this way.
Healing nicely.
Spring has brought unusual weather and with it horses suffering with colic, but what spring has also brought is a change of coat!
With a new shedding rake in my pocket today was the day for some serious hair removal!
Healing nicely.
Spring has brought unusual weather and with it horses suffering with colic, but what spring has also brought is a change of coat!
With a new shedding rake in my pocket today was the day for some serious hair removal!
Wednesday, 18 April 2012
Three Weeks On
WEDNESDAY 18TH APRIL
I cant believe if has been 3 weeks since it all kicked off and Chico was rushed into surgery to correct a badly adhered gut.
Chico has been home for 2 weeks now and remains relatively easy to handle grazing out in hand. We have had just one attack of spirit at the weekend when I lead him onto a different field than we have been using and attracted the attention of his field mates over the fence. A fit of bucking and farting and some very fancy dressage style trot (the kind of trot has has height but no forward motion!) ensued and he was dragged back to his stable in disgrace!
What they dont tell you about colic surgery is that surviving the surgery and the first few days isnt where the worry ends. Every little thing that happens makes you worry. Did he eat too much? Will he be warm enough and if not will he colic? He looks tired, is he just tired or is he poorly? Every stride of trot or every enthusiastic buck on the lead rope and you get images of internal organs bursting at the stitches, wounds opening up, everything is out to get you.
But at the end of the day you just have to take everything as it comes. When I turn up at the stables and am serenaded with whinnies and neighs from a happy patient I breath a sigh of relief, but i will feel exactly the same the next day.
I dont know if there will be a day when I finally stop worrying or if this is something that is always going to sit at the back of my mind, every cough, every runny poop, any sign of malaise and I will worry.
However, I am constantly reminded of how lucky I have been and how it could have so easily been a different blog I am writing.
After last weeks gassy colic scares for other horses at the yard this week saw a altogether more sobering occurrence.
The horse is neighbouring stable, a very talented grey warmblood owner by a young teenage girl, suddenly went off his food on Thursday night also displaying signs of colic. Vet attended and gave pain relief and horse settled so was left over night to recuperate. The following day, however, another episode of colic hit and the grey was rushed off to the same clinic that saved Chico's life. To cut a long story short, unable to eat without colicing the vets were forced to operate to investigate and a large mass was found in his stomach. The grey, who could easily have been any one of the horses on the yard, or any horse adored and much loved in any corner of the world, had a big problem. Vets advised the distraught owner that what they had found was so rare they were uncertain of how his future would pan out.
The sense of loss you all get when any one looses a horse isnt easy to describe to non horse owners. They really become a part of you, they wind their spirit into your heart and their courage into your mind, they make you a better person and when they die part of you dies too.
So to know Chico is still with me, fighting his affliction and never giving in gives me courage for his future, but life is fragile so I will enjoy every second Chico shares with me.
Standing in the pouring rain to graze him in hand is now a privilege and never a chore as is wrapping him up to keep him warm.
I cant believe if has been 3 weeks since it all kicked off and Chico was rushed into surgery to correct a badly adhered gut.
Chico has been home for 2 weeks now and remains relatively easy to handle grazing out in hand. We have had just one attack of spirit at the weekend when I lead him onto a different field than we have been using and attracted the attention of his field mates over the fence. A fit of bucking and farting and some very fancy dressage style trot (the kind of trot has has height but no forward motion!) ensued and he was dragged back to his stable in disgrace!
What they dont tell you about colic surgery is that surviving the surgery and the first few days isnt where the worry ends. Every little thing that happens makes you worry. Did he eat too much? Will he be warm enough and if not will he colic? He looks tired, is he just tired or is he poorly? Every stride of trot or every enthusiastic buck on the lead rope and you get images of internal organs bursting at the stitches, wounds opening up, everything is out to get you.
But at the end of the day you just have to take everything as it comes. When I turn up at the stables and am serenaded with whinnies and neighs from a happy patient I breath a sigh of relief, but i will feel exactly the same the next day.
I dont know if there will be a day when I finally stop worrying or if this is something that is always going to sit at the back of my mind, every cough, every runny poop, any sign of malaise and I will worry.
However, I am constantly reminded of how lucky I have been and how it could have so easily been a different blog I am writing.
After last weeks gassy colic scares for other horses at the yard this week saw a altogether more sobering occurrence.
The horse is neighbouring stable, a very talented grey warmblood owner by a young teenage girl, suddenly went off his food on Thursday night also displaying signs of colic. Vet attended and gave pain relief and horse settled so was left over night to recuperate. The following day, however, another episode of colic hit and the grey was rushed off to the same clinic that saved Chico's life. To cut a long story short, unable to eat without colicing the vets were forced to operate to investigate and a large mass was found in his stomach. The grey, who could easily have been any one of the horses on the yard, or any horse adored and much loved in any corner of the world, had a big problem. Vets advised the distraught owner that what they had found was so rare they were uncertain of how his future would pan out.
The sense of loss you all get when any one looses a horse isnt easy to describe to non horse owners. They really become a part of you, they wind their spirit into your heart and their courage into your mind, they make you a better person and when they die part of you dies too.
So to know Chico is still with me, fighting his affliction and never giving in gives me courage for his future, but life is fragile so I will enjoy every second Chico shares with me.
Standing in the pouring rain to graze him in hand is now a privilege and never a chore as is wrapping him up to keep him warm.
Wednesday, 11 April 2012
Two weeks on
WEDNESDAY 11TH APRIL
Firstly - the black mare from last night was okay, turned out to be just gas and she was back to normal this morning.
Today marks two weeks post colic emergency and what Chico and I have experienced in the last fortnight it hard to take in sometimes.
I could have so easily lost my boy that day but the recovery he has made has astonished even the vets which makes it difficult to realise how serious it all was.
Our vet Sarah came out today to remove Chico's stitches and check how he is doing. Despite all that's gone on Chico still seemed at ease with her and demanded a love once she'd finished. The stitches came out cleanly and all looked as it should.
He continues to be on up to an hour of in hand grazing and surprisingly is still easy to handle and responsive to voice command, how long this calm will continue i dont know but am thankful for it.
He has put some weight back on and looks less gaunt but has gone into a full moult and getting him to stand while I groom it all out is a bit tricky, in his mind I am there to take him out for grass, not groom him!
Touch wood so far he is being a real survivor.
Firstly - the black mare from last night was okay, turned out to be just gas and she was back to normal this morning.
Today marks two weeks post colic emergency and what Chico and I have experienced in the last fortnight it hard to take in sometimes.
I could have so easily lost my boy that day but the recovery he has made has astonished even the vets which makes it difficult to realise how serious it all was.
Our vet Sarah came out today to remove Chico's stitches and check how he is doing. Despite all that's gone on Chico still seemed at ease with her and demanded a love once she'd finished. The stitches came out cleanly and all looked as it should.
He continues to be on up to an hour of in hand grazing and surprisingly is still easy to handle and responsive to voice command, how long this calm will continue i dont know but am thankful for it.
He has put some weight back on and looks less gaunt but has gone into a full moult and getting him to stand while I groom it all out is a bit tricky, in his mind I am there to take him out for grass, not groom him!
Touch wood so far he is being a real survivor.
Tuesday, 10 April 2012
Bringing it all home to me
TUESDAY 10TH APRIL
Another two days passed with little issue. Chico's incision wound is looking good, no signs of infection or extra swelling so all looks promising.
Chico is full of beans and I get the most enthusiastic welcome when I appear on the scene, sheer delight is an understatement, and the excitement persists until I make myself scarce.
Have only had one moment of explosion during our in hand grazing, but i do feel somewhat responsible. As he grazed quietly I spotted a crusty bit behind his elbow when his sarcoids were being treated. I decided to just whip it off quick, big mistake! This crusty bit must have been attached to the skin and my swift removal turned on Chico's 'buck button'. Cue two laps of bucking and leaping around me before I had to be the stern mommy and end his fun, at least he had some exercise.
Had to laugh in the afternoon, I had been talking to a fellow livery across the yard from Chico's stable but Chico was kicking at the door to get my attention. I ducked down behind a wall so he couldnt see me and carried on chatting to my friend. After a few minutes our yard manager shouted over to my friend 'Tell Sarah that Chico knows exactly where she's hiding!' I couldnt help but laugh, naugthy pony!
Although I had a moment of reflection this afternoon. Turned up at the yard and one of the other horses, a very trustworthy black mare, was colicing. The vet came and prognosis was either simple trapped gas or possibly a twisted gut, a couple of hours would tell for sure. What made me appreciate what Chico and I have gone through was the look on the poor owners face as she explained to the vet that if it came to surgery that she couldnt afford it. Her mare wasnt insured so the instant decision I made with Chico, the decision that I didnt even give a second thought to, the vets should do WHATEVER it took, wouldnt be an easy decision for the mares owner. When I left the yard the mare seemed to be doing better so hopefully it was just trapped gas and no operation needed but it did bring it all home a bit for me. Chico was one lucky lucky horse.
Another two days passed with little issue. Chico's incision wound is looking good, no signs of infection or extra swelling so all looks promising.
Chico is full of beans and I get the most enthusiastic welcome when I appear on the scene, sheer delight is an understatement, and the excitement persists until I make myself scarce.
Have only had one moment of explosion during our in hand grazing, but i do feel somewhat responsible. As he grazed quietly I spotted a crusty bit behind his elbow when his sarcoids were being treated. I decided to just whip it off quick, big mistake! This crusty bit must have been attached to the skin and my swift removal turned on Chico's 'buck button'. Cue two laps of bucking and leaping around me before I had to be the stern mommy and end his fun, at least he had some exercise.
Had to laugh in the afternoon, I had been talking to a fellow livery across the yard from Chico's stable but Chico was kicking at the door to get my attention. I ducked down behind a wall so he couldnt see me and carried on chatting to my friend. After a few minutes our yard manager shouted over to my friend 'Tell Sarah that Chico knows exactly where she's hiding!' I couldnt help but laugh, naugthy pony!
Although I had a moment of reflection this afternoon. Turned up at the yard and one of the other horses, a very trustworthy black mare, was colicing. The vet came and prognosis was either simple trapped gas or possibly a twisted gut, a couple of hours would tell for sure. What made me appreciate what Chico and I have gone through was the look on the poor owners face as she explained to the vet that if it came to surgery that she couldnt afford it. Her mare wasnt insured so the instant decision I made with Chico, the decision that I didnt even give a second thought to, the vets should do WHATEVER it took, wouldnt be an easy decision for the mares owner. When I left the yard the mare seemed to be doing better so hopefully it was just trapped gas and no operation needed but it did bring it all home a bit for me. Chico was one lucky lucky horse.
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