Just when I thoughtall was well -- we were over the fever and the virus that attacked my horse -- I found Vashka lying in his stall, panting.
I held his head in my lap while we waited for the vet.
The vet took Vashka's temperature. Which was normal. The vet checked his respiratory rate. Which was a little above normal but nothing to be too concerned about. We had already done extensive blood work. Which was normal on every account.
Which meant that the virus had been treated successfully with the anti-biotics and natural anti-inflammatories (White Willow Bark mentioned in previous post). The vet and I stood over my horse. Thinking....Thinking..
After an hour of discussion (which we did while standing over my horse who was lying flat out in his stall) -- we think we have the problem figured out. The treatments we gave Vashka has exacerbated a pre-existing ulcer.
Looking back I just want to say "duh." Because all the signs were there: teeth grinding, girthiness, upset stomach on any kind of hard food, including grain or even hay pellets, lack of overall energy, resistance to being groomed, grumpiness.
So of course I feel really bad, that the treatments I administered to my horse made the problem worse. Except that if I hadn't administered them, maybe the problem would not have stayed underground.
I have a horse friend who calls this kind of unfolding "the un-peeling of the onion." I call it "horrifying." But in my heart I also know she is right.
So Vashka and I are now on the journey of treating his ulcer in a holistic manner. We have decided upon Aloe Vera Juice at 3 oz four times a day, mixed in with organic Marshmallow Root and Chamomile Tea poured on top. He really loves this! I'm also going to make sure he gets his 2 pounds of Alfalfa each day as the calcium in the legume is very soothing to his stomach.
In addition, I have decided to also administer Ulcer Guard for three days -- boy is this stuff expensive! -- and in the next week or so, to add a product from Uckele Equine Health and Nutrition called Gut Powder. Cindy Daigre, a very knowledgeable friend of mine who offers Equine Health Consultations from her farm in Tennessee, says she has had great results with the product. Visit Cindy by Clicking Here.
I will keep you posted on how Vashka does, sharing any and all successful tips with you along the way.
"SKODE"
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