You may be aware that I’ve been sucking my teeth about Vitamin.
Well, today she came inside, along with Fivla for company. Vitamin was just not coping very well on the hard-standing. In fact, she could barely walk and it was horrid to watch. I am pretty sure she has laminitis and I feel awful. I have let her down.
I am not popular with the old ladies but I’m sorry, that’s the way it has to be, for the time being.
They get a measured amount of hay-replacer and even some soaked hay, which they seem to be managing, albeit Fivla can’t share with Vitamin and they pull awful faces at each other.
Regular buckets are the way to go along with a myriad of vitamins, minerals, plants and TurmerAid.
Fivla can’t see the point of staying inside. She looks out – I keep the big doors open if possible – and whinnies at the Minions.
Luckily, Fivla’s a wee bit on the fat side and so can’t get through the bars. I expect you can see the van and a horsebox parked in with them. At the moment, I haven’t sectioned the vehicles off with hurdles as I trust Fivvie and Vitamoo not to make dents. Yes, I trust them. I may regret that. If they Minions were in there, I would put up a fence with an armed guard. I just feel so sorry for Vitamin. I don’t want this to be the end for her.
Poor old Vitamin and Fivla. At least they’ve got each other for company. I don’t think it is your failing, Frances. It’s just how life is for those who are getting a tad elderly. My husband is thinking of locking up the breakfast cereal and making me walk along our road a few times a day, but thinks I might complain!
It’s tough. End of season flush is a nightmare. I also had to be very aware around November too as that seemed to be when the hormonal laminitis seemed to kick in. Don’t blame yourself it’s a juggling act of the highest order trying to keep ponies happy fed laminitis free and your own sanity. Sending healing vibes to Vitamin Sending huge hugs to you.
Sending hugs and keeping my fingers crossed.
Frances, don’t ever see yourself as a failure. A failure would be someone who gives up easily.
Nobody could ever accuse you of giving up easily.
I’m so sorry that you’re having to deal with this miserable condition again. I really do sympathise. Your ponies are so lucky to have you caring for them. You always notice quickly when things are not quite right and that gives the ponies the best possible chance of recovering. The steps that have to be taken are hard when it involves a change of routine for one or more of your tribe but your ponies have companionship and care so definitely don’t feel that you have ever let any of them down. I can’t remember whether Vitamin has been tested for Cushings. If she hasn’t, it might be worth having the test. If she does have Cushings, the medication might make a huge difference for the future. As usual, fingers well and truly crossed. xx
You, of all people, could never be considered a failure.
If only more individuals had as much empathy, concern, love and determination, we would all be living in a better world.
You are not letting anybody down. You have been hypervigilant. No one could have done any differently.
A failure would be the person who did not notice or take action. When our animals become elders, it is hard to make the right choices for them. But that is our job. To take any means necessary to ensure a good life. And you are doing just that. Little Miss Maine Coon sends purrs from her heating pad.