Just A Little Abscess and Sad News
Don’t know that “just” and “abscess” necessarily go together in the same title, but that’s what was wrong with Ace.
When I got home from Thanksgiving travels and went to see him on Saturday morning, he was nearly 100% sound. However, he did have a gunked up heel, and I could tell he had some sort of cut. I got some warm water and a clean towel to clean him up and see what was going on. He was pretty well behaved, seeing as it was the first time I had to treat a boo-boo on him and I didn’t know how he would react. He kicked his foot out to the side just a little to threaten and tell me “ouch, that hurts!” but didn’t actually try to kick me or anything. Once I got the dirt out, I could see this nice, round spot just above his heel. Classic abscess. Fortunately, a small one.
He had only been slightly lame for two days, it burst on its own, and now he’s feeling much better. Dave, Tracie, and I triple teamed him to clean it out with betadine, put a drawing agent ointment on it to make sure all the gunk was out, and wrapped his foot up but good with vet wrap and duct tape. We’ll see how long he manages to keep his “boot” on, and are planning to keep it wrapped up for probably five days or so to make sure it’s completely drained and doesn’t get infected.
On another really really sad note, Dave and Tracie made the incredibly hard decision to put Classic down later this week. For those who don’t know or don’t remember, she’s their 24-year-old thoroughbred mare with bad arthritis in her hocks. Last summer she started going downhill; she’d lay down and wouldn’t be able to get back up. We’ve had quite a few of these incidents throughout the fall, but were always able to get her up, and she never seemed too concerned. But when she gets stuck down, she grinds her hocks into the ground and has really torn them up and they just won’t heal. Over the weekend, she went down again. She was very upset, almost couldn’t get up, and hasn’t been quite the same since. It’s obvious just looking her eyes that it’s gotten bad enough that she is now very uncomfortable. She doesn’t even want to be touched or brushed. Instead of waiting until she finally can’t get up at all, or she injures herself trying to, or is in too much more pain, they’re going to let her die with dignity. It’s a very difficult, sad, decision, but I’m confident it’s the right one.
It’s going to be hard week for all of us as we prepare ourselves and say goodbye, especially for Tracie. We’d definitely appreciate your thoughts and prayers. I’ll be back with a tribute to this wonderful horse later this week.
I’m sure Ace will heal in no time. I hate abscesses but it’s a fact of life.
It’s so sad to hear about Classic, she sounds like a great horse who is loved by all. I agree that ending her time here on earth with dignity is the best thing for her at this point. The decision is always so hard to make though. I’ll be thinking of you all and wishing for the best.
I’m sure she would want you to remember her with joy and not tears. She will be at peace and more importantly she will be pain free and running with her old friends in another place.
Hey Jackie! Spent a bit of time here tonight catching up. You have been busy too!
Ace looks fantastic. What a long ways you guys have come in three months. You should be rightfully very proud of yourself, and him. Love his new digs- looks like a large slice of equine Heaven there.
As to Classic, please let Tracie and Dave, and Classic too, that they will all be in my thoughts and prayers all this week. No one ever said making the right choices for our animals was easy, that’s for sure. But take heart in knowing she will be alive with you in your hearts forever.
Keep on keeping on lady! You guys are really doing fantastic!
I am so sorry to hear about Classic. I knew she was having troubles, but I was hoping that all that was in the past. I am sure that if Dave and Tracie think it it time that well…it really is time. They know Classic and if she ready then they are just going to have to work on being okay with it themselves. It brings tears to my eyes because I know how much she is loved, at the same time that should bring a lot of comfort. I will be thinking and praying with you guys this week. And tell Classic that I know lots of great horses who are having a great time up in heaven that can’t wait for her to come and join them. Send my love and from experiance you also need to buy liqure and chocolate for the last good bye…I am sure Classic wouldn’t mind a party for her send off. And also tell Dave and Tracie to check out Suzanne Storms horse hair jewelry…It is crazy expensive, but if they cut her tail then whey are ready they can always have a physical piece of her with them.
Hi Jackie,
When you get the chance stop by and pick up your award at my blog.
Thanks all for your kind wishes! It’s been a hard week and we’re all dreading tomorrow. Dave, Tracie and I all appreciate your sympathy and prayers.