Ok, I need to whine, moan and complain... what better place than here?

This week has sucked... and I mean sucked! My gelding, Patrick, has been a little puffy and stiff on one leg, and my mare, CJ, has been in need of a check up (she's still recovering from a severe inner ear infection from last year). So, I decided to call the vet out. Yeah, gotta pay a ranch call cuz the stupid mare doesn't have the balance to stand up in a trailer.

It just so happens that Patrick went for a run through the barn the evening before... concrete and a barefooted clutz of a horse so not get along well. Apparently he slipped... and after the vet looked at him, apparently he injured his stifle. Oh yeah, it's nice and oozy feeling, big & puffy... he can barely lift the leg. The best part? It's not the leg I was having checked out! The vet couldn't look at that leg cuz the doofus couldn't stand on the other one.

So after that, I figured I had enough bad news to spare me for the rest of the day. Oh no. I was wrong-oh-wrong.

The vet checks over CJ. He had a grim look on his face the minute he looked at her. He points out all these little things to me... things that when all said together can only mean her infection is on its way back. Under normal circumstances, it probably wouldn't be that terrible. But see, CJ is about 28 years old... she's been fighting this infection for a year this month... she was on SMZs from April 2006 until October 2006. THe vet is positive that she's developed a resistance to the SMZs.

This ear infection thing probably doesn't sound that bad to anyone who hasn't had to deal with this problem. But to put it in perspective, when the condition first became overl apparent, CJ couldn't stand up. She'd take a couple steps, then fall and have to work on getting up for about 10 minutes. We aren't sure how long she's had this infection either... it only became obvious after she was trailered into the mountains. We're thinking perhaps the changes in altitude set it off.

Anyways, the first vet I had was positive it was EPM. The symptoms were IDENTICAL. When that came back negative, we tested for EHV and WNV. They all have rather similar symptoms... and a serious inner ear infection can have the same symptoms as well.

Back to this week... CJ won't be able to be ridden again... she just isn't stable enough. My hubby talked to the vet, and I guess they decided to wait a couple weeks and see if it gets worse. There is another antibiotic we can try... I can't remember the name of it... but it would be 10 pills, 4 times a day, for at least 1 month. A 1 month supply would run around $400.

I personally just can't see putting her through any more. There's no guarantee the other meds will help. If they don't, she'll just gradually get worse... the vet said she'd become confused and disoriented, unable to tell if her footing is secure and straight. My hubby is so attached to her... I just know he's going to play this out as long as possible. It just breaks my hear to see her deteriorating like this.

Oh, and one last note... Patrick decided to go for a roll last night and I'll be damned if he didn't cast. Tore up his OTHER leg... the one that I was originally going to have checked. He can't figure out the least painful way to limp now.

Tomorrow's Friday, right????

WOW! What a crazy week! I'd be all curled up under my covers in bed hidding from the world right now LOL. I know what it is like mending a injured horse and they do not do anything, but try and make it worse!! It will get better for you, just keep your chin up!

Oh no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so sorry!!!!!!! I thought I had a bad week it was perfect in comparison! I'll pray for your horses and u! I hope they get better!

I am so sorry amy, It is hard to make those decisions when meds don't seem to be effectively working. I hope CJ gets better so you husband can think about things a little straighter.

Now I have a bat for the other one he needs to straighten up. Either that or you can have your husband come over and use my sodering iron cuz sounds like a wire is loose. He is the one in your Avatar?

I really hope things get going a little better and easier for you. And you husband thinks this through. Thanks for sharing this way we know what to pray for and comfort.

It will get better.