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Post by calypso on Sept 10, 2009 9:49:48 GMT -5
Hi,
I need to draw of the collective wisdom/experience of this group.
Angel's boyfriend, a 17 year old QH gelding got beat up by a new (and now relocated) swedish warmblood. Said WB had shoes on his rear so when he went after Opie, Opie sustained quite a blow to his shoulder. It split the skin (I know, duh) and initially seemed be resolving. But, a week later it blew up, started draining yellow junk that was the color and consistency of eggs after you've whipped them up to make scrambled eggs.
He's been seen by the vet. Xrays show no broken bones and no fragments were visible. He had no fever. He's on antibiotics and the wound is draining. Yesterday morning the discharge was opaque, but clear in color (not yellow). Last night it was tinged with blood.
The area around the wound is boggy. There is heat, but not an excessive amount. His lower leg appeared "stocked up" (in quotes cause not sure that is exactly what was going on, but think so. He is weight bearing on the injured leg, but isn't able to walk around easily) so his mom cold hosed the lower leg and that brought it down.
He has no fever. Appetite is excellent (too good! LOL!) His eye is bright. His attitude is good. - royally ticked the herd was out of sight last night, so I again put Angel in the paddock next to him to keep him calm and allow him to rest. Her second night "nursing". The "morning after" the first night his whole back was full of the dried marks of wet horse scritches so she's taking her job seriously. ;D
Last night it looked like the wound was larger (like an abscess when it blows). Thankfully I have not had to deal with this personally with horses, but I deal with abscesses fairly frequently in feral cats.
If it doesn't show improvement today, the vet wants to haul him in to the local equine hospital for more aggressive treatment. His mom would like to avoid hauling him if she can.
I know there are all kinds of "home recipes" out there for dealing with this sort of thing, especially among y'all who grew up and/or now live on a ranch. Anyone want to share?
Thanks!
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Post by halfwayhome on Sept 10, 2009 11:44:24 GMT -5
HI Caly,
I have dealt with this kind of thing and it is like an abcess- what its doing is normal, but healing and recovery can be accelerated with flushing it a couple times of day using a syringe to generate a bit of pressure. What I use was told to me by a vet over 40 years ago and it works wonderfully. Put about 1/4 cup of clorox bleach in a gallon of warm water. Fill syringe and squirt off the area on the surface, then take syringe and put INTO hole and expel contents, keep on doing this until it flushes clear. Also make sure you point it in different directions to get all the inner "corners" and to break up the pus, fluid, etc. I then wipe all the edges of the wound with it to clean up. You do not want to have this wound cover over or heal the top first, so you do this daily so it heals from the inside out, leave it open- you can wipe some fly salve around the outside to repel flies or I also use Farnum TRI-Care ointment as it has healing properties and pain killer and repels flies too. DO NOT cover over the top of the wound with this at this time, you want it to keep draining as needed. You should see improvement, if you do not see improvement within 4 days or so, then there may be a piece of bone or debris that needs to be removed, but probably unlikely.
As an aside this type of wound flush is known in hospitals as DAKINS solution, but you can make it yourself like this much cheaper and it really works, I have seen it time and again!
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Post by jenm on Sept 10, 2009 14:06:51 GMT -5
Any chance you can take a picture and post it? Or do you need me to stop by and do it?
You didn't mention how deep the original wound is. You have to be careful when flushing out wounds because sometimes you can inadvertently push dirt or debris further into the wound, which can cause more problems. I would be concerned that after this much time there doesn't seem to be any noticeable improvement, however, I also know that if she has to take him into PenEq they will charge an arm and a leg just to get him there if she doesn't have a way to haul.
At least the discharge is clear, which is a good sign.
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Post by calypso on Sept 10, 2009 15:43:14 GMT -5
Modified the title. I just heard from his mom, Mary. Opie was hauled to Pen Eq (local equine hospital) late this morning and the news is bad. There was damage to the shoulder joint from the impact and they suspect it is infected. They have pulled samples and expect the results back later today. She talked with the surgeon there at length, and if it is the joint that is infected, the prognosis is not good.
At this point I don't have many more details, but I would ask for prayers and jingles for Opie and for his mom, Mary. Opie is a big sweet lug of a pocket pony. Mary just lost Jip (Kaleigh's boyfriend) and to lose Opie this soon after - well, it's never easy, but this would be that much harder.
Jen, Mary has a trailer, but was too nervous/upset to haul herself, so a friend of a friend came with a VERY nice trailer and took him over for her. When Angel saw him loading she let out a yell. We laughed at her and all 3 of us said, "It's okay - he'll be back soon!"
I really hope that is true.
mta: Heidi, that is a great idea. Thank you! Watching this unfold has been quite a learning experience for me.
mta: want to clarify - the vet has been out to see him 4 times in the past 10 days. He seemed fine after a few days, then the wound site took a turn for the worse. Since all the "modern medicine" stuff was being done without any steady improvement, that is why I was looking for the input about tried and true ranch remedies. But, the lack of improvement is what caused her to decide to take him in.
Xrays had been taken at the ranch, with no significant findings. But (I think) it was the ultrasound at the hospital that disclosed the damage. The surgeon said this sort of thing is hard to see in the field and "this is how these things unfold."
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Post by calypso on Sept 10, 2009 16:04:24 GMT -5
I can't find a good face shot of him, but here he is with Angel. This pic was taken a year ago.  |
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Post by michellep on Sept 10, 2009 16:59:06 GMT -5
Sending good thoughts that he makes a speedy and full recovery
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Post by paintedlady on Sept 10, 2009 17:43:09 GMT -5
Get well Little Opie. We are praying for a speedy recovery  |
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Post by calypso on Sept 10, 2009 21:09:37 GMT -5
It's bad. It's about as bad as can be. The elbow joint capsule is compromised. Even with surgery and aggressive therapy she's been quoted 50/50 and 70/30 (70= bad outcome) to become pasture sound.
He's comfortable - eating like a pig still - so she's going to sleep on it and talk it over with her husband.
Keep her/them in your prayers tonight. Terrible decision to have to make. 50/50 isn't that bad, but it isn't that good either.
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Post by piopico on Sept 10, 2009 22:40:32 GMT -5
Oh that's too bad............what were they doing putting 'rear shoes' out in a pasture?  Especially when that's the 'recovery' pasture ...not even the riding horses. I feel so bad for Mary and Opie. |
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Post by jenm on Sept 10, 2009 23:22:28 GMT -5
Oh that's too bad............what were they doing putting 'rear shoes' out in a pasture? Especially when that's the 'recovery' pasture ...not even the riding horses. I feel so bad for Mary and Opie. Odds are the barn manager didn't even realize the newer horse had rear shoes, which is too bad. It's also a shame that a big gelding with shoes was challenging the reigning gelding for dominance. Mary is a wonderful woman and Opie is a sweet horse who means a lot to her. I will for sure be jingling like crazy that this special guy pulls through. |
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Post by halfwayhome on Sept 10, 2009 23:23:47 GMT -5
So sorry to hear the news. I have to say there is always hope. A girl and her family once bought a really really nice mare from us to show and later this mare suffered at terrible injury to the front of her hock joint and was given similar pretty bad news. They decided to go for aggressive antibiotic treatment and try, with the idea if the horse ever got depressed, stopped eating, etc etc they would rethink it. Well this horse did recover and was sound for riding and they had her for years after that. She had a scar but she was rideable. The vet in this case was extremely pessimistic about the chances, but they wanted to try and it worked out! The horse in question never stopped eating, and even though she had to tolerate many many antibiotic shots and also wound treatment, it paid off. So I guess you have to look at each situation and judge what you and the horse may be capable of, but it was overcome against stiff odds in this case. Later in life, another friend had to do something similar and they attached an indwelling catheter to give the gentamicin shots, as they can be irritating and have to be given so frequently. Both of these horses got high dose gentamicin and high dose penicillin as aggressively as possible for the joint infection and it did the trick. So I am jingling for him...
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Post by caryn on Sept 11, 2009 0:36:03 GMT -5
Sending jingles and wishes for a speedy recovery to Opie and his family.
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Post by calypso on Sept 11, 2009 13:55:35 GMT -5
Just talked to the owner - Opie is going to get his chance. He's looking really good this morning. As soon as I can convince the digital camera to give me my pictures  I'll post pics from last night. Heidi, thank you for the encouraging stories! I'm hoping Opie will have one too! |
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Post by calypso on Sept 12, 2009 2:33:56 GMT -5
Opie had his surgery today. Owner was able to watch. She told me the damage was more extensive than they thought going in. During the surgery she asked the vet, "Should we even wake him up?" Vet said yes - he should get his chance. Everyone is really pulling for him at the clinic. He's a loveable lug. Thank you for prayers and jingles. btw, stupid card reader apparently ate the pics. "Disk not formatted" wtf? I'll take it into tech support and see if they can retrieve them. I certainly have a love-hate relationship with technology. Grateful for the tech that allowed Opie his chance. Not so grateful I can't post some cute pics of him taken the night before. God Bless Opie - stay with us buddy! |
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Post by piopico on Sept 12, 2009 12:14:20 GMT -5
Keep fightin' Opie........lots of people are pulling for you.
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Post by calypso on Sept 12, 2009 22:12:12 GMT -5
I saw Opie this afternoon. He was lively enough that they aced him to mellow him out. So, when I saw him he looked, well, stoned. But happy! As soon as he realized it was me he started snuffling for carrots, but he's on a no-treats diet right now. He had needles with attached cath poking out of several places. His leg is beautifully wrapped from top to bottom.
Now the waiting starts......
Thank you for continuing to care. I see (at this time) this thread has been read 160 times so even though you're not posting, I know y'all are checking in on him.
The hateful camera/disk thing is still refusing to relinquish the photos. So, imagine a beautiful chestnut quarterhourse face with a large white blaze, soft eyes, and a sweet mouth (with lips busy searching for the usual carrots or cookies that are strangely absent in this unusual barn.)
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Post by gratefulknits on Sept 12, 2009 22:38:47 GMT -5
Even without a photo I can tell he's awfully cute. I'm so glad he's getting a chance ~ it sounds like it is a really good one. I'm keeping him in my prayers for recovery. Thanks for keeping us posted on this guy.
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Post by bridgetah on Sept 13, 2009 12:25:28 GMT -5
In my book, 50-50 is a glass half full. I'm glad she went for it. Jingles and prayers for Opie.
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Post by jenm on Sept 13, 2009 13:46:48 GMT -5
I'm so happy Mary decided to give him a chance. Will continue to jingle for sweet Opie.
Let me know if you want me to swing by and take a picture!
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Post by calypso on Sept 13, 2009 19:45:55 GMT -5
jenm, that would be great. I think the camera - or the card reader - or the computer is possessed. Or all three.
He's at PenEq. Stall on the far left row, looks out on the hill. Thank goodness he has something to look at!
If you want to go by when I'm visiting him, text me when you'll be free and I'll work around it. Otherwise, just go when you can.
Poor boy is soooooo bored. They're keeping him aced cause he was getting too rambuncious. They want him to stay quiet.
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Post by calypso on Sept 16, 2009 1:51:47 GMT -5
I haven't seen him for the past two (hectic) days but have checked in on him. I'm told he's looking much better. Weight bearing on the leg. Eating and drinking. Owner says she is very happy. Vets say they are still very guarded. I say, so far - so good.
Hope to see him tomorrow, but depends on how much I can get done and how early.
Jen, have you had a chance to go by and take a pic?
Technology hates me (and the feeling is mutual)
crawling off to bed now..... it's still early (for me) but I am toast.
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Post by calypso on Sept 23, 2009 10:42:39 GMT -5
Sorry for no update for a bit. Life....... y'know? Opie got sprung from the hospital on Saturday and is back "home" at the ranch, but on the other side of the property in a stall. He has mixed feelings about this. Home is good, better than the hospital. The stall = nonstop hay and no one to challenge him for it. ;D The stall = no buddies with him.  He does have a pony next door for company, and can see the other horses in their stall/paddock arrangements, but it's not the same as being able to wander around and give/get scritchies. OTOH, his mom comes to see him 4 times a day and brings the kids a couple of those times and kids = carrots so, maybe it's not so bad.  The vet is pleased with his progress, but still very guarded on his prognosis. These first two weeks are probably make or break. While he was in the hospital he had a catheter flushing the elbow, but it can't stay in because the catheter itself is a pipeline for infection to get in the wound. So, it's out and now it's watch and wait...while changing bandages, giving meds, and general fussing and nursing care. Still don't have a pic but I'm working on it. Turns out the problem is with the card-reader-turned-photo-deleter. Instead of reading the card it re-formats it. wth?? Pffttth on technology. |
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Post by kidznhorses on Sept 23, 2009 13:08:32 GMT -5
Opie sounds like such an awesome guy! Continued prayers for his full recovery! Please tell his family we are rooting for him!  |
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Post by calypso on Oct 6, 2009 2:01:38 GMT -5
Sorry I haven't updated for awhile. Been hoping to get the camera thing resolved and post pics, but alas - it's still not working. It erased the new card too. I don't understand such things and have delegated the whole mess to someone who does.
So, here's the update sans pics.
When Opie was discharged the vet said the first 14 days after removing the catheter would be the most critical. At 10 days post discharge he was pleased enough about what was going on to clear him to leave his prison stall for some hand-walking. He's been walked each day since then. His owner, Mary, told me he was so rowdy he reared on her, so we're thinking he's feeling pretty good. The wound site has been looking good and he's been walking good.
I got a message from her tonight that he was lame today. It's too late to call her and find out more details, but I'm hoping it's just soreness from being rambunctious. I've been sick, but I'm going to try to get out there tomorrow morning and see what's up.
He's been a very good boy about all the shots, and wrapping and nursing and fussing, but he's been bored too. So, hoping this is just a minor setback.
Keep pulling for him!
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Post by piopico on Oct 6, 2009 12:13:55 GMT -5
Poor boy- got my fingers crossed for him.
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Post by jenm on Oct 7, 2009 0:04:46 GMT -5
SP and I payed a visit to Opie this evening. He seemed happy to have visitors! Caly, I even managed to take a couple of quick pictures...finally!   |
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Post by calypso on Oct 7, 2009 15:07:32 GMT -5
Yay!!! Pictures - thank you Jen!!
Did Opie remember SP? (SP used to live on the same pasture as Opie until he (SP) graduated to the Big Boy (gelding) pasture! Opie is on the oldies and young'uns pasture.)
I saw Opie yesterday morning and he didn't look too bad to me. He is a little bored though - he's used to being out on pasture with his friends. I didn't see any major lameness, but it's hard to tell about moderate/minor when they're just shuffling around in a stall.
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Post by calypso on Nov 12, 2009 1:29:46 GMT -5
It's been a long haul, but Opie is hanging in and improving steadily. He graduated from 24 hour lockup to stall and paddock with hand walking. He's feeling so much better it's getting hard to hand walk him so he's about to graduate again to a stall with a much larger paddock. His mom is still up in the air about where he will end up. If it'll be stall with turnout or back in pasture 24/7. He was pretty bored when he was on complete lockup, but since he's had horses on either side of him to "play" with, he's been much happier. Overall though, his attitude has been great. He's still a pocket pony so it's hard to get pics, but here are a few taken a couple days ago. Movin' in for the cookie  His front right shoulder is the one that was damaged. Looking good.  It's a little dark, but you can see he's doing okay. Reaching for just the right piece of hay!  And the "eye shot". It's not blurry - his eye is that soft! ;D  |
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I'll post pics from last night.
He does have a pony next door for company, and can see the other horses in their stall/paddock arrangements, but it's not the same as being able to wander around and give/get scritchies. OTOH, his mom comes to see him 4 times a day and brings the kids a couple of those times and kids = carrots so, maybe it's not so bad. 
