After our unhappy show adventure last month I'm finally able to see the end of the tunnel. (Dusty refused the jumps, then went over them awkwardly when I asked him to, somehow injuring himself, causing us to scratch the rest of the classes, including the driving classes.)
When we got home, I kept him blanketed at night as it was chilly (hard to believe that was just a few weeks ago!). Banamine for two days and Bigelow was applied 3 times a day. At a week, I tried him in the light sulky and it was obvious that he was in pain. Went back to banamine for 2 days. The vet did not think he needed to see him, but advised hydrotherapy every day and stall rest. I did hydrotherapy on him for about a week. He appeared pain free by then.
Finally was able to have the chiropractor come this week. Dusty had some significant issues but she felt good about the work she did on him and saw no real problems.
He had a bump on the side of his face which she feared was a tooth abcess, so made a vet appt for that!
Saw the vet today and he determined that a molar had not grown in completely yet, so food is catching in the space, causing the bump. He rasped the edges of the teeth, hoping to lessen the problem. I have to use the hose and clean his mouth every few days for 6 months!
The vet felt no swelling or anything to worry about in his legs, but cautioned me that a bad sprain can take 6-8 weeks to heal. So at least 2 more weeks before I try him again in harness, and then with only the light sulky.
I knew the jumping class could go either way as far as placing, but it never occured to me he would injure himself. I just entered Dusty for fun, as another class to enjoy at the show. Many horses drive and jump, but I will probably never risk a driving horse that way again.
The good news: I'm using Dapper Dan more now and had to take up an extra hole on this girth strap!
When we got home, I kept him blanketed at night as it was chilly (hard to believe that was just a few weeks ago!). Banamine for two days and Bigelow was applied 3 times a day. At a week, I tried him in the light sulky and it was obvious that he was in pain. Went back to banamine for 2 days. The vet did not think he needed to see him, but advised hydrotherapy every day and stall rest. I did hydrotherapy on him for about a week. He appeared pain free by then.
Finally was able to have the chiropractor come this week. Dusty had some significant issues but she felt good about the work she did on him and saw no real problems.
He had a bump on the side of his face which she feared was a tooth abcess, so made a vet appt for that!
Saw the vet today and he determined that a molar had not grown in completely yet, so food is catching in the space, causing the bump. He rasped the edges of the teeth, hoping to lessen the problem. I have to use the hose and clean his mouth every few days for 6 months!
The vet felt no swelling or anything to worry about in his legs, but cautioned me that a bad sprain can take 6-8 weeks to heal. So at least 2 more weeks before I try him again in harness, and then with only the light sulky.
I knew the jumping class could go either way as far as placing, but it never occured to me he would injure himself. I just entered Dusty for fun, as another class to enjoy at the show. Many horses drive and jump, but I will probably never risk a driving horse that way again.
The good news: I'm using Dapper Dan more now and had to take up an extra hole on this girth strap!
