I have talked to the physio where Jazz is going tomorrow. This is the woman who got the diagnosis completely correct, when my vet was wrong. She didn't even have to see Jazz walk. She's a star. From now on I will be having Ace checked out on a regular basis. I cannot face years of gradual training again only to find that I can't go any further because of something that was always present. I want to know in advance this time round.
She has said that there is no real hope of her being able to do anything for him. Not because of the congenital narrowing of the vertebrae, but because of the level of disintegration which can clearly be seen on the xray. He has four separate bone chips inside the tube in which his spinal cord should be running freely. They are in a cluster, and more is looking likely to break away. Basically, it's falling apart.
He goes to her yard tomorrow. Very slowly! How we will get him up the ramp into the lorry I do not yet know. This will upset him but I can't leave a house-sitter with the resonsibility of looking after him while we are on holiday for a few days. I could cancel the holiday but that would be pointless as there is nothing we can do until we give him some intensive physio to prove to ourselves that he cannot be got right again.
But I fully expect to have him put down in the week after we return from holiday. If he is strong enough to go out into the field for a holiday of his own first, then he can have the summer with his friends. From the level of lack of control he has over his back legs at the moment I think that is very unlikely to happen.
I am in a daze. I do not understand how we got from where we were this time last week, to now. Thank heavens I have Ace and Radar who need looking after to keep me sane.
C
Heartbreaking!
ReplyDeleteNeedless to say, this is dreadfully upsetting. Unfortunately, as you've already noted, it does explain a lot about Jazz, including his problems in traveling. So you really will need to take it slowly.
ReplyDeleteThere are surgeries for wobblers, but I don't know how expensive they are or how effective.
Again, what is amazing is how wonderful he has been for you over the last year or so, progressing in his dressage despite his physical problem. What a great boy he actually is. It's a blessing that you found him and gave him such a quality life with true respect for his talent and truly giving nature.
I'm still wishing for a miracle, but one thing I know for sure--you will do everything in your power to only do what's best for Jazz.
Tears and hugs from afar. Wish I could do more.
The words from this, and your recent posts, have been circling in my head. I know that you want to push on and try every avenue but I also hear that you have a good analysis of the situation. If you trust your physio's opinion, (a given) and if the transportation issue risks being a disaster, consider calling a halt now.
ReplyDeleteGutted for you and Jazz.. I hope I will be able to match your level headed courage when I have to.
ReplyDeleteSomehow we come up with the courage and level headedness when it's necessary.
ReplyDeleteI too am amazed at how much Jazz has been able to do all these years given his condition. It's been a quality life. I am sure that you have learned a lot from him that you will be able to use on your other horses. More hugs
ER we are of the same mind and we have considered it carefully. We think he deserves one week to see if there are any miracles out there. He does not seem to be unhappy or in pain, so he can have the chance. If at the end of the week he is not improved, then we will know that we did out best.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone.
C.
How incredibly sad.
ReplyDeleteMust admit to shedding a few tears here, but I bet not nearly as many as you.
You have given him such a loving home, and got him so far along with his training, and coped with his antics - he was born under a lucky star to have you as an owner.
Thankyou Judith. In hindsight, I would have treated him very differently, but hindsight is just destructive in this situation.
DeleteI'm off to Brussels through the Chunnel for the first time now, bye!
C.
I'm sorry to read this, but I know you will take the right decisions for him at the appropriate time.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if all this had something to do with why he was such a difficult horse to travel in the lorry in the early years? Ah well, its all history now.
Tracey B