Equestrian Life

EquestrianLife.com

Sunday, July 8, 2007

Can I get a new Mustang? This one is defective!

If it isn't one thing, it is another! Pate has decided, or rather, Pate's foot has decided to pop an abscess. Now, if you are not a horse person, this may sound pretty bad. But actually, I would have taken an abscess over his poor ripped open face any day! An abscess is basically a blister or pocket of blood inside the tough exterior of the horses hoof. Once drained, the horse usually heals up quick and stops being sore on that foot. They can be caused by a number of things, but most likely it was caused by stepping down hard on a stone.

Once again, Dr. G, as I affectionately call him, was called out to the homestead. After much probing, pinching and nerve blocking, it was determined that Pate's right front foot was brewing a horse blister of epic proportions. Well, maybe I exaggerate a little, but he sure thought it was painful. The best part? That Dr. G could handle his feet, without a sedative and Pate actually picked them up for him! Hey! All this horse training is actually working!! LOL

The doc wrapped his foot in a poultice and it is my job to keep it wet until he stops moving lame and the abscess comes to the surface. Well, with his foot wrapped in several layers of cushion, he almost immediately walked sound. Goodie for me, as the good doctor ordered him back into light training. He will survive! No rest for the wicked around here, as we have a contest to win!

Since I am a softee at heart, I gave him another day off to frolic with the herd in the pasture. Tomorrow is another day.

2 comments:

Tracey said...

I'm not envious of the abcess, but I sure am of the fact you can handle his feet! Sunny'll be going down for the count, no doubt, when I have both the vet and the farrier out tomorrow...

Cadista said...

... about split a gut when I read "I am a softee at heart".
Good one!