It feels like everyone is ill or falling to bits around here.

No 1. – Silver

Symptoms: He has a nasty something growing by his left ear.  About the 1cm in size but not going away.
Diagnosis: Possibly a sarcoid (very prevalent in grey equines) or a eosinophilic granuloma.
Treatment:  Ardene vets (Aberdeen equine vets) are coming next week – he is on their list – and I kissed it better.
Problem: Silver is a bit head shy and nervous. He is not very helpful so will require sedation for anything they want to do.  Other problem – everyone else wants to “help” – so they must be removed.

There is a lot of leaving while I want to look or photograph the offending growth.

No 2. – Mrs Duckie

Symptoms: She is off her legs and can’t walk. She uses her wings to move around.
Diagnosis: Possible crush injury due to rampant sex.
Treatment:  Bedrest in a quiet shed with access to food, water and a wee house.  Wait and see.  This has happened before to other female duckies.  They usually come good.

No 3. – ‘Bert

Symptoms: Hopping lame, can barely walk.  ? front foot problem.
Diagnosis: Maybe foot rot.
Treatment:  Antibiotic injection, painkillers and I trimmed and sprayed his feet.
Problem: He wants to be with his friends but can’t keep up.

No 4. – ‘Ster

Symptoms: Roach backed, lame at times, not very happy. Not himself.
Diagnosis: Not sure.  Maybe neurological.
Treatment:  Antibiotics, painkillers, ammonium chloride treatment, cobalt bolus and I trimmed and sprayed his feet.
Problem: He wants to be with his friends but won’t go under fences.  I am at a loss as to what to do next as he is eating, drinking and is enthusiastic about food so maybe this is just ‘Ster in his later years.

I’m off to sell a kidney and my first born (sorry, Daisy).