Ace has gone over a very significant tipping point in the last 24 hours. His back this morning is as good as it ever was pre the steroid/anaesthetic injections. It's malleable, giving and stretchy. He shows no sign of pain anywhere. The last of the swelling has gone down and you can see clear pits on either side of his spine where the surgeon has removed the fibrous tissue that he found. My job now is to make sure that never joins up again, because he can currently flex his spine sideways like one of those toy wooden snakes, which is all any horse needs to be able to do.
It's now 17 days since the operation was done, and progress is so far ahead of what I expected that I am amazed, both by him and by the effectiveness of the operation. Still one big, big hurdle to go, of course, which is actually being allowed to ride him. I keep reminding myself that it does not cure one in twenty, but in that figure are many with other body issues too, which I do not think he has. And we also know that he has a wonderful, forgiving nature too.
The only downside is that he has begun to get cracked heels and one of them is causing his leg to fill a little. I will keep my eyes on that today and get him on antibiotics if it looks like it may turn into cellulitis. I think I caught it in time, but he does seem to be a horse who infects easily. I can see myself testing him for Cushings some time next year, it is so common and under-diagnosed.
Radar is resting today in anticipation of hunting tomorrow. No scent again, but we don't
plait when they don't lay scent, which is a bonus :-)
C
Its sounding so good am really pleased for you. As you know J gets cellulitus with every blinking abscess yet tested neg for Cushing's. Interestingly he's looking much better since being on chasteberry.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy tomorrow!
Lyndac
Lynda I've heard of so many now who test heavily positive after six to nine months following a definite negative :-(
ReplyDeleteI have a gruesome xray just arrived that I'll post tomorrow of Ace's back with a screwdrivercstuck in it !!!!!
C
The news is just better and better. While riding will be the final test, I have a feeling it's going to go well too. Ace has already shown you more than once that he does have a truly giving temperament when he is not in pain.
ReplyDeleteToby is doing well so far on the Cushings meds. But I do suspect his slow recovery from the eye injury was due to the disease. So, I'd say it's worth testing a "suspicious" horse if you have one.
Love not having to braid (plait) for a ride out. Even when I did schooling shows where it was not required, I did it anyhow, just because it's so "proper" and makes a good impression in the arena. But when you are out cross country--especially hunting and jumping--a nice hank of mane to hold on to in certain circumstances can be a definite asset.
Go out and enjoy the hunt. Hope you have a good course to ride.
Will do Jean, :-)
ReplyDeleteC
The leg filling was down tonight so I got it in time.
ReplyDeleteC
is there a "thumbs up" smiley?
ReplyDeleteIt's a big blogspot flaw having no smilies . :-)
ReplyDeleteC
Good to hear. I strongly suspect that his excellent progress is due, at least in part, to your common sense rehab.
ReplyDeleteAnd being a bit of a gruesome sort, looking forward to that x-ray.
:-)