It’s Buddy
Buddy has basically been a fixture at our barn for years. He has quite the reputation for kicking the stall and rattling his feed pan. When he was younger he was super aggressive in the herd.
Buddy and I go back a long time. I started him under saddle and was the reason he ended up at Dun-Pikin, where Megan fell in love with him and bought him.
He Was Always A Sturdy Pony
Throughout his eventing and dressage career Buddy was sturdy as could be. Rarely even having a hoof abscess. He worked hard in his younger days, so now that he is older (24), he definitely is showing signs of wear and tear.
Buddy has been intermittently lame and basically retired for the last few years. He has been living out his life and enjoying retirement.
Injury
Buddy injured himself in his stall last week on Thursday, he most likely was kicking at the walls and hurt himself that way. Buddy has been know to kick the stall walls, he has been doing it for years but it finally caught up with him.
Thursday morning he could hardly move around his stall and was totally non weight bearing on his left hind. We wrapped his legs, gave him some bute and decided we would give it a day to see how he (hopefully) improves.
Time For The Vet
On Friday, Buddy was shaking and sweating. He was obviously very anxious. Which was telling to us in how bad he must have felt because this behavior is not typical of Buddy.
The vet X-rayed is leg fearing he had fractured something. They hoof tested his feet to see if perhaps it was a deep hoof abscess. No fractures and no signs of abscess.
The Treatment
They decided to treat for a bacterial infection. We came home from the vet with a treatment plan of medication. Doxycycline and Dexamethasone. And of course, bute, the go to horse anti-inflammatory.
He is to be on stall rest. No turn out. If he is up to it he can be hand walked a few minutes during the day.
Buddy has been on this treatment plan since Friday, and unfortunately we have not seen that much improvement.
I Will Spare You The Yucky Pictures!
We have been taking pictures of his leg everyday to make it easier to track his progress. Also, we could always send them to the vet if she wanted to see how he was and couldn’t come out.
I have a feeling that the vet will be back out for Buddy.
Lots Of People Taking Care Of Him
Besides his owner, Buddy has a lot of us taking care of him, monitoring him and doing our best to keep him comfortable.
Aside from Kemerton, Buddy is the only other horse I would consider the “King” of the farm. He is getting the royal treatment! And will continue to until he is better!
I will keep you posted on his progress!
January 24 Is ….
National Beer Can Appreciation Day
National Compliment Day
National Peanut Butter Day
Video Of The Day