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Discussion on 27 year old mare in big Trouble
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estrella99
New Member
Username: estrella
Post Number: 1
Registered: 5-2007
| | Posted on Friday, May 11, 2007 - 2:32 pm: |   |
Hello, I am in need of help or advise quickly. I am a brand new member so please understand. We are in big trouble here. My 27 year old mare started acting different last Wed. The first thing we noticed was she went into her stall at night, and whinnied, whinnied..we checked her, no temp, everything normal eating, drinking, manure the same. Next day we took her to the park, just to observe..she stumbled getting out of the trailer, and then again when we came home, 2 blocks away. I put her food in the feeder, she would walk right by it, noticed slight muscle tremors..then scheduled a vet he said he would be here in the am the next day. He said give her Banamine. At 5:00 am I checked her, she was down in the stall, and couldn't get up. We got her standing, emergency now vet arrives...draws blood, says give bute and gave her a muscle relaxer, prescribed Methocarbomol. She keeps placing right foot forward and it slides out front..she walks funny, stiff, wanders, puts her head in the corner, ears back, she's curling her lip and looks sucked up. I don't think it's the drugs, I noticed the leg and the same symptoms progressing pre drugs. This seemed to coincide with her heat cycle and she comes in pretty dramatically. I was there the day this mare was born, 27 years ago. I understand she won't live forever, but I'm not understanding why so sudden and the progression. In a strange way I would feel better if she had a fever, but nothing..totally normal. I insisted on the blood work. The vet said he will have it back in 2 days, we don't have 2 days. She is getting worse. The only the drugs seems to have helped with is she is not sucked up. One more thing, the morning she was down in her stall, her gums were white. The color came back with the banamine. She is a little arthritic, and of course she is retired. This mare is as tough as nails. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. |
leslie christian
Member
Username: leslie1
Post Number: 138
Registered: 8-2006
| | Posted on Friday, May 11, 2007 - 5:34 pm: | |
Hi estrella, Sorry to hear about your mare. DRO usually answers first thing in the mornings so hang in there. Did your vet have any idea what could be causing this?
leslie |
estrella99
New Member
Username: estrella
Post Number: 2
Registered: 5-2007
| | Posted on Friday, May 11, 2007 - 6:03 pm: | |
Hi Leslie..I was confused on the log on thing, my name is actually Sandra..her name is Estrella. I just talked to him, he says Old age. I understand the old age thing, but from Wednesday to Thursday, now she's old? I pushed for the test results, he got everything back except the Liver enzyimes (sp?), all normal. She had a physical last year at an equine clinic..all good at that time also. |
Carolyn A Burton
Member
Username: mcbizz
Post Number: 192
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Friday, May 11, 2007 - 6:24 pm: | |
Sandra, so sorry to hear this...First thing I must ask, did the vet do a rectal and stomach tube check for a blockage or impaction? If not, I would insist he do that ASAP. I lost my 16 year old gelding last month with an onset of symptoms so much like those you describe. His stools and appetite were normal until this happened.
It happened overnight, we were too late...my vet could not save him. He had ruptured internally (a belly tap was done to confirm this at the clinic)and he was euthanized. It was obviously not old age. We were too upset to consider an autopsy.
I did lose a very old horse (31) five years ago, again same symptoms, but far less suffering.
Also euthanized; surgery was not an option at his age. It is so terribly hard; my thoughts are with you and your dear horse. |
leslie christian
Member
Username: leslie1
Post Number: 140
Registered: 8-2006
| | Posted on Friday, May 11, 2007 - 6:27 pm: | |
Hi Sandra,
Lets pray this is just an episode.
-leslie |
estrella99
New Member
Username: estrella
Post Number: 3
Registered: 5-2007
| | Posted on Friday, May 11, 2007 - 6:59 pm: | |
Thank you so much you guys..Carolyn, I have put a page into my vet, the good (I think) thing is the vet I use has been her vet for all of her 27 years so needless to say he's prepared for me to not accept the first diagnosis, I am very lucky in the fact that I'm a teleworker, so I spend all day with my horses. I can check her often. She has been standing in the corner with her head down, she pens her ears back, which she never, I mean never does. The other bizzare thing I have noticed is that all of her life I have been able to give her hay and she pretty much nibbles all day, often leaving some until the next morning. She is not fat, perfect weight..now when she doesn't have her nose in the corner, (in her outside run, which is big so plenty of room to be in a different place)..she has her nose to the ground...looks like she's eating, but there's nothing there..just dirt..she not eating the dirt. And she has hay maybe 3 feet away...she continues until we put her in her stall at about 9:00 pm. It used to be she would finish eating, some left, and then just sleep until it is time to come in and get her treats. Something to note on this being able to watch every thing they do through the day. I have spotted a respitory infection in my other horse before he even showed any real symptoms. I knew he was different that day. Vet came out...fever was a tad over normal..bam by the next morning..full blown, spiking a high fever and lots of snot. So I guess what I am trying to say I may be noticing slight changes the vet couldn't and I see it changing hour to hour and she hasn't presented with all of the symptoms. The blockage makes a lot of sense to me, even the constant appearance of eating. I'm bettin' she has pain in her stomach and she's trying to self medicate, this could explain why she appears sucked up. |
jojo
Member
Username: jojo15
Post Number: 966
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Friday, May 11, 2007 - 7:21 pm: | |
what does liver say, increased by how much? can it be some kind of poisoning? do liver and kidney failure go hand in hand? And what might be the cause of them?
If not then of course, a colic episode comes to mind.
I have a 24 year old mare. same scenario, have had her forever... i would be in a panic too!
i would research if horses have strokes. anything geriatric i can find on this site. And other things to keep her comfortable. is she drinking? add electrolytes, that kind of thing. eating? maybe a bran mash with the bute? just to keep her hydrated..
Sorry can't help more. I know this must be heartbreaking. |
Muffi Delaney
Member
Username: muffi
Post Number: 134
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Friday, May 11, 2007 - 10:50 pm: | |
Sandra - Hang in there - let us know what happens when the vet comes back. - I too work from home and go out often to see my two horses. I LOVE IT. go hug her a lot - that will make you feel better at least and perhaps her as well. |
Lee
Member
Username: paul303
Post Number: 882
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, May 12, 2007 - 12:52 am: | |
Have her gums remained pink, or have they lost color again? Is she passing manure and urine? How is her water intake? Hang in there, Sandra. |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: dro
Post Number: 18442
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Saturday, May 12, 2007 - 10:23 am: | |
Welcome estrella99,
Sorry to meet you over such a serious problem. Let's see here are the list of symptoms:
1) Behavioral changes with vocalization
2) Stumbling
3) Muscle Tremors
4) Ataxia
5) Peripheral vasoconstriction (white gums)
With the normal manure production I think impaction unlikely and there are no clear signs of abdominal pain described above. These signs are more referable to disease of the central nervous system and localize to the brain. I think a complete neurological work up may further localize but does not answer why. The blood work might identify the cause but only if this is the first signs of major organ failure. You seemed to be aware this is likely to be neurological as you posted in exactly the right topic continue on with the section and article on dementia, Diseases of Horses » Nervous System » Dementia: Depression, Excitement, Coma » Diagnosing Dementia.
Unfortunately none of this helps you with a specific treatment. IF this remains undiagnosed, the Banamine is logical for inflammatory disease but I would also consider adding a long time course of TMP/SMZ and several dewormings with invermectin to try and cover other treatable possibilities. Unfortunately this is just a stab at what could be several untreatable problems (see article for more on this).
DrO |
estrella99
New Member
Username: estrella
Post Number: 4
Registered: 5-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, May 12, 2007 - 1:23 pm: | |
Thank you so much Dr0 for writing back, I love this website and have told all of my friends, I used to surf the web looking and looking and kept hitting this site, so I took the time to see what it was about, sure glad I did!
The vet seemed to really go towards the fact that she was down in her stall, he believes probably all night. She had been in season, every injury she has had to her hocks has always been when she is in season, kicks the rails, box stall wall, squeals, doesn’t even have to have another horse next to her.
Friends came over last night, she said (an RN & horse owner) She immediately said, she looks like her neck is sore, she is sliding out her foot because she can't reach her food (trying to bend to eat the fallout from the feeder). Once the bute is administered, the gum color returns to normal. At the tail end of the span between the dosage, she isn't doing well. Last night when we gave her the Methocarbomol, which she absolutely hates, via a syringe, so she jerked, when we took off her halter, it was like her neck locked in an arch, and she stumbled. I can't feed it in anything; she is a drug detective and no matter what I do won't eat it.
Friend 2 said (Internist), thoughts are a stroke, gave me the name, said they are typically small and frequent. That she seemed detached from her environment. But if a stroke, how can bute improve her symptoms?
I know I may be reaching/hoping here, but could this also cause the symptoms?
1. Comes into season, is one crazy girl.
2. Now I have an injury, complicated by not just one leg, but maybe more, I couldn't find which leg hurt because she would favor the front, then it seemed the back. So I gave what I have been told to do, Banamine.
3. Now it's evening. She feels pretty good. Goes into her stall, decides she's going to roll in the nice shavings.
4. Gets stuck, when I found her in the morning, her neck was twisted, she was in the corner. Although I sleep with the window open so I can hear the horses, I didn't this time. I heard nothing.
Can a stiff/injured neck mimic the symptoms she has? When she is at her worst, she also can't or doesn't bend her neck, it's rigid, and then she walks funny, stumbles with the rear legs.
I am making an appointment with the equine clinic, which is equipped to do complete neurological workup.
Here is something else I did not mention. 6 years ago she had colic surgery. Yea I know kind of nutty, 21 and colic surgery. But her regular vet and the clinic vet said, she doesn't look her age, and it appeared she hasn't had one tough day in her life. Normally they said they would have told me no, which I would have been OK with. She came out of it perfectly. It was a calcified tumor, caused her to telescope. The section was removed, and not a large section. The vet said everything was pink, and healthy. She came home after her stay, that night curling lip. Took her back, ulcers..Ranitidine, re-scoped all gone. Hey we were going to buy a boat, but no boat. No regrets.
Her coat is shiny, dappled, sheds out quickly very short coat, perfect weight. Until last week, bright eyed and very feisty. Nothing to do with anything, but also cute as button, 14.2 chestnut Arabian, often mistaken because of her build as ½ Quarter Horse, Martha Stewart’s bangs..flaxen main and tail. Her face looks something Walt Disney drew. She has a fan club up here. She plays tag with me (or used to)…and will engage me in a foot race which she always wins but gives me a head start., does tricks, shakes, rears (only on command), taught her tricks because she wasn’t ready to ride until she was almost 4, based on knee X-rays. Just had to add this
To recap her current treatment.
1. Ulcer guard
2. 1 gram of bute am and pm
3. 10 pills, 2x's a day 500 mg of Methocarbamol.
4. Legend, IV once a week, I think for 4 weeks, then once a month.
So I guess what I have and what you wrote, could be many things from very simple, to untreatable. I am not familiar with TMP/SMZ and am looking it up after I click the post button. I will also pick up the invermectin.
I will keep everyone posted. Lastly I want to thank everyone for their concern, support and ideas what a wonderful group of people! Sorry this is so long, just trying to provide as much info as possible, this could probably fall under the heading Estrella and Sandra the novel. |
Kim
Member
Username: twhgait
Post Number: 202
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, May 12, 2007 - 11:18 pm: | |
Sandra, I'm thinking of you both too!! Hope you get this figured out! |
Susan M. Herrick
Member
Username: quatro
Post Number: 652
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, May 12, 2007 - 11:29 pm: | |
Nothing to offer, just will send prayers and good thoughts your way.
Suz |
estrella99
New Member
Username: estrella
Post Number: 5
Registered: 5-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, May 13, 2007 - 11:52 am: | |
Good morning,
Yesterday from about 4:00 pm until 10:00 pm she stood square for the 1st time since this started and slept. All four feet planted. Food sat in front of her. I left her alone. Then at 10:00 I held out food, I saw those bright eyes I have seen for 27 years. She grabbed the food from me, and then she ate on her own. Still un-coordinated in her walk, but improved from the day before.
This morning, I heard the familiar knicker. She gave me a pretty bad time about her meds, and for the 1st time in about 10 days, responded to a scratch behind the ear. I brushed her and she liked it. Her skin now twitches normally when she thinks she has a fly on her.
She was biting the bars, like she always did, anxious to come out. She came out of her stall, carefully, but definitely could control her legs.
This is how it went, started noticing subtle changes on the 5th, everyday brought something new, progressed to the worst on Friday, it looked like she was going to fall down, her rear seemed pretty weak. I did not think we would make it to today and prepared myself.
Right now she is scarfing her hay, and when you look at her, someone's definitely home.
I have no idea now what this is, my heart of hearts, says virus. I don't know which one thing helped. She has had all her shots, but I wonder if it's like for us, we can get a flu shot, but it doesn't mean we won't get the flu, just not as bad. Or she's doing better because of all of those prayers.
But we are definitely going the right direction. I hold my breath, watch and wait. |
Aileen
Member
Username: sunny66
Post Number: 1761
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, May 13, 2007 - 12:37 pm: | |
Wow! What an ordeal... She sounds like an absolute gem  I do hope she continues to improve! I am sending positive healing thoughts to your mare, and strength and peace to you. |
Carolyn A Burton
Member
Username: mcbizz
Post Number: 193
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, May 13, 2007 - 1:24 pm: | |
Sandra, that is such promising news...I am so glad to hear there is hope for more years ahead for your mare. Losing one that is such a big part of your life can be incredibly devastating.
Happy Mom's Day to you and keep us posted! |
estrella99
Member
Username: estrella
Post Number: 6
Registered: 5-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, May 13, 2007 - 7:16 pm: | |
Hi Everyone,
She is still continuing to improve..I even got a whinnie at lunch time. I am trying to not get that "Yippee" feeling yet..but she's using her entire pen, walking around, slowly, but walking and drinking a whole bunch of water, not excessive, but what I would expect to see on a hot day.
But this is scary this AM my girlfriend called to let me know a Morgan mare, 13 years, lives 2 blocks away, same symptoms, except progressed much more quickly. I wonder if we did a little better because when I first saw something wrong, my girlfriend said Banamine, call vet. Same vet is treating that mare also, he called today and said he would be here tomorrow in the AM.
That mare was down in her stall also, so guess that makes the she's old and layed down and couldn't get back up, now she's just sore thing less likely..she was sore before she even before that day.
She said it's the same thing..oh back legs hurt, no front, no it's the neck, no back, all 4 legs now. OK she's tying up, what tying up really is, I don't know..sounded reasonable. Except I read it's typically horses that work hard, well her idea of a hard work out these days is a trip to the park, play in the arena, a bath then lunch. Seems more like a day at the spa to me.
Happy Mom's day to everyone!! I'm still thinking it's the well wishes and prayers, it was the group hug that made it better |
Lee
Member
Username: paul303
Post Number: 884
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Monday, May 14, 2007 - 12:00 am: | |
There's a lot of folks here who are holding their breath, watching and waiting...'til you get to that "Yippee". |
Sara Wolff
Member
Username: mrose
Post Number: 2763
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Monday, May 14, 2007 - 11:14 am: | |
I've been away for a few days and am just not reading all this. I'm following with great interest. Your mare is the same age as my favorite old girl and when reading your words I just automatically personalize and see my mares face. I know how I would be feeling if this was happening to her. I'm so glad your mare is doing better, and will be very interested in further developments and anything else you find out about this.
Welcome to HA, btw. It's a great area. There are a lot of wonderful, knowledgeable people here that care about their animals and have a lot of good advice. |
Patricia Bell
Member
Username: boomer
Post Number: 258
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Monday, May 14, 2007 - 1:57 pm: | |
I just read all of this, I am so happy things are seeming to turn around for you. Whatever this was, it was horrible. Weird too. Welcome to this wonderful site! I wouldn't be without it myself! |
Shawna
Member
Username: qh4me
Post Number: 321
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Monday, May 14, 2007 - 3:28 pm: | |
Hi,
Before I read the final post about another horse with the same symptoms, I was wondering if your mare possibly strained her neck when rolling or something. Now that there is another horse down with similar issues, it seems less likely.
The reason I was wondering about the neck, is that when my gelding (who has since been diagnosed with wobblers -so will not be the same case as yours) fell in his stall and showed similar symptoms as you describe. In the beginning before his diagnosis, the vets were contributing his ataxia and such to his stiff neck. They thought that he somehow traumatized his neck. His head hung on the ground, he was not interested in food, would hold out his front feet as if he didn't know where to place it. When the vet came out to check, he could barely bend his neck to the left or right. Banamine relieved his symptoms for the time being, then he would revert back.
They took blood to measure his muscle enzymes which I believe was to see if he had pulled muscles. Did your vet check her muscle enzymes?
I have been told by my vet that a horse utilizes his neck significantly in order for him to get up. Would it be possible that due to severe neck stiffness and her age contributing a little., this was the reason she wasn't able to get up?
Would the reason she wasn't interested in food was because it was to uncomfortable to eat off the ground?
What about hanging a hay net elevated to make it at a more comfortable level for her to eat?
That is what they suggested for my gelding, and the minute I put a hay net, he gobbled down his food. Just a thought!
Best of luck with your beloved mare, and I hope she continues to get better! |
estrella99
Member
Username: estrella
Post Number: 7
Registered: 5-2007
| | Posted on Monday, May 14, 2007 - 4:11 pm: | |
Hi my friends,
This morning brought heartbreaking changes, she is becoming weak in the rear, and was scared to move. The vet arrived and he said it looks like anything from a virus to neurological (sp?), exactly like DrO said.
I told him I did not want to keep her going just so I could be happy. He asked to try a DMSO IV and Sterioids, just in-case the outside change she has pinched or something in her back.
Either way, I want you to know I will not continue on with treatments. Her quality of life like you already know, must be there.
When she got the IV, she put her head in my arms and I know she is saying goodbye.
So I have cancelled a work trip. I was there when she came in, I will be there for her when she leaves me. She has taught me so many things in 27 years, and now she teaches me one more. |
Julie Masner
Member
Username: juliem
Post Number: 181
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Monday, May 14, 2007 - 4:32 pm: | |
So sorry for you Estrella. I lost my "horse of a lifetime" the end of March and can certainly understand what you are going through. So glad you will be with her. Wishing for you and her, through my tears, an easy passing. Julie |
Patricia Bell
Member
Username: boomer
Post Number: 259
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Monday, May 14, 2007 - 4:41 pm: | |
Oh, Sandra I am so so sorry. I lost my beloved TB Boomer last July from a sudden incurable sickness. I know the agony you must feel and want you to know I will be thinking of you both and sending my kindest regards. I just feel terrible for you. It sounds though like she had a wonderful 27 years with someone who loved her dearly. That part is wonderful. We are here for you. - Trish. |
Ann S
Member
Username: annes
Post Number: 194
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Monday, May 14, 2007 - 5:05 pm: | |
Sandra, I am thinking of you and Estrella. I am so sorry...
Ann |
Leilani Clark
Member
Username: leilani
Post Number: 244
Registered: 4-2000
| | Posted on Monday, May 14, 2007 - 6:14 pm: | |
Sandra,
I am so sorry for your loss. Leilani |
Holly Wood
Member
Username: hwood
Post Number: 1928
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Monday, May 14, 2007 - 7:43 pm: | |
So hard to say, "Good-bye," and so noble to be there when the good-bye comes.
You will have no regrets, Sandra, for you have done your best, loved with a deep love, and are facing what is normal . . . for death is part of life here on earth. Never easy; always guaranteed. Hugs to you. Maybe save some of her tail hairs and make a braid to frame your favorite photo. |
Shirley Johnson
Member
Username: shirl
Post Number: 483
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Monday, May 14, 2007 - 7:56 pm: | |
I follow Holly's advice. Be there, she knows you, and she knows what is happening. You won't regret it and her eyes will tell you it's time to rest in peaceful pastures. Her friends are awaiting her arrival. Mourn all you must, tears cleanse the soul, and take care of you.
With love and peace,
Shirl |
Kim
Member
Username: twhgait
Post Number: 203
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Monday, May 14, 2007 - 10:29 pm: | |
Sandra, Estrella sounds like she had a wonderful life and you will give her the peace of a quiet ending. She will need your strength now more then ever, and when it's over, she will walk beside you until you meet again. Losing a beloved horse is one of the hardest things to go thru. I lost my 21 month old in February. Everyday I think of him and everyday I remember a moment of our 21 months together. Take it one day at a time. |
leslie christian
Member
Username: leslie1
Post Number: 141
Registered: 8-2006
| | Posted on Monday, May 14, 2007 - 10:44 pm: | |
Oh Sandra, I am so sorry. I just lost my 2 year old filly to wobbler's syndrome also. As I read your description of her syptoms hair stood up on my neck.
One of the amazing things about your mare is that she lived a healthy life till it was her time. Thats a wonderful testimony to your care. Be strong and if you need us we'll be here.
Sincerely, leslie
Ps. Dont worry my Keira will meet her at the pearly gates with a carrot and a smile. |
Sara Wolff
Member
Username: mrose
Post Number: 2768
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Monday, May 14, 2007 - 11:02 pm: | |
Sandra, I'm so sorry. I can only echo what the others have said; your care for her must have been excellent for her to have lived so well for so long, and I'm sure the bond the two of you shared was strong. It says a lot that you were willing to take care of her last need. I think it's the most difficult thing we have to do for our animal friends, and yet the most responsible. You will always miss her; I still miss my first Arab that died at age 30 more than 16 yrs ago. He will always hold a special place in my heart. We have lost several of our old brood mares over the last few years, and one sweet gelding. Many of these I foaled out and had all their lives. When they go, they each leave a hole in your heart, but as Holly said, death is a part of life and we must accept it as such.
Have a good cry, go for a walk, hug your other animals if you have them, and be grateful for the privilege of having Estrella share your life for so long. |
Julie Masner
Member
Username: juliem
Post Number: 182
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 - 12:37 am: | |
Sandra, sorry I confused the names in my earlier post. Just wanted to add one thing my vet said to me after I lost my horse at 16 to a tortion. He told me to keep in mind that my gelding had 16 great years and only one really bad day. That's not a bad ratio. Julie |
Lee
Member
Username: paul303
Post Number: 888
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 - 12:53 am: | |
The part of your life that you and Estrella shared will exist forever. How lucky we all are to have had our friends for however long we get. The memories those friends created will enrich us for the rest of our lives.
And Sandra? On any clear night, you can go outside and look up and see your "star". |
LL
Member
Username: frances
Post Number: 437
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 - 9:13 am: | |
So very sorry, Sandra, to hear that Estrella's condition has worsened and you're facing the final farewell. I'm hoping against hope that the vet's "outside chance" action will in fact turn her around, but if not I salute you for your decision to ease her as gently as possible out of her suffering, and to be with her as she goes, just as you have been through all the good times.
Thinking of you ... |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: dro
Post Number: 18459
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 - 9:30 am: | |
Estrella, my condolences. Though certainly neurological the exact disease is hard to pin down from the symptoms but a traumatic impingement of the spinal cord in the neck area is consistent with everything above.
DrO |
estrella99
Member
Username: estrella
Post Number: 8
Registered: 5-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 - 10:26 am: | |
Good morning
I thought I would be the brave one that would be by her side when her time came, it turned out she was the one that made it easier for me.
We fretted about how would we know when it was time? She was eating, drinking, the stager got a little better, I mean a little better, it could have been only in our minds.
Of course I checked on her often, she was OK and didn't look like she was in distress.
I had just checked on her, 20 minutes later, she was laying down in her run. She was peaceful, and relaxed. We called the vet, he came right away...it seemed as if she was just sleeping, I got to pet her and talk to her, she never thrashed, she was just tired. He gave her the drugs, she never tried to get up, she went peaceful.
I am so fortunate to have found this web site, if it wasn't for her I wouldn't have. I have never been through this, I guess I am lucky and she is the first horse in 27 years I have ever lost. I guess that in it's self is a blessing.
I thank you all for guiding and helping me through it. The kind words helped me get through this. I read the stories of horses you have all lost that were just as dear to you as Estrella was to me. I'm sure when you read the first post, most already knew what the end would be. Understanding that frantic attempt to save her, to make it better.
Now I will be the one that will answer the post for someone that is heading down this path, I hope I have the words of wisdom that you all have had.
She was my friend, I will miss her. My world will be different now. For 27 years I have cared and loved her, and she for me.
I can't believe through the tears, I told myself, do the right thing when you have to...but she did this for me. I always questioned about our bond, did I look our for her, or was it always she looked out for me? I think this morning I know, in the end, she looked out for me.
Thank you all, I will keep in touch, and be there to help someone like me. |
Karen Trojnar
Member
Username: karent
Post Number: 92
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 - 11:02 am: | |
Very nice words Sandra, she knew it was time to go. You had 27 years with this amazing mare, what a wonderful relationship and bond you two shared. Alot of good memories..... |
Norman MacLeod
Member
Username: gaelwolf
Post Number: 5
Registered: 7-2000
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 - 11:13 am: | |
When we lost our young filly, Wonder, we were offered the story of Rainbow Bridge. I put together a version of that with her picture. You can see it at:
http://www.gaelwolf.com/wonder.html
Others we've forwarded the link to when they have lost their four-foot friends have told us that it helps a bit. |
Fran C
Member
Username: canter
Post Number: 1015
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 - 11:19 am: | |
Sandra,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope you are comforted knowing that she died with dignity and in peace.
Fran |
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