Yesterday I was very worried about Albie. He spent most of his day lying down, with his legs stuck out, shallow respirations and sweating. He had two doses of painkillers and I hoped for the best over night.
This morning, OH came in and said he thought Albie was dying. I frantically finished dressing and dashed into the stable to find Albie lying down again, though he did get up when he saw me and ate his breakfast, along with a very generous dose of painkillers.
Daisy suggested a “soft bed” so I split the group up – with Albie and Storm in the smaller stable leaving Tiddles and Waffle in the bigger one. Storm’s walking is not great either. I opened and spread out my last two bales of shavings into the Albie/Storm’s bedroom and that seemed to help hugely.
I put more hay onto soak. There are so many theories on how long to do this – too short and the sugar hasn’t left, too long and all the nutrients have leached out, too too long and it starts to fement! I keep buckets of water on top to weigh the nets down.
I spent time this morning trying to cheer up Albie so I gave him a lovely long brush, which he adored.
And then I thought I ought to brush everyone else too.
Storm and Waffle also appreciated this, but Tiddles walked away.
Tiddles’ walking is much better now. Not perfect, but better.
Anywho, Albie has had a much better day today. Phew! I can’t decide if he just has a very low pain threshold (he can talk himself into a misery) or that he is actually in real agony. It’s hard to say but he is responding to treatment, so that is all that matters.
Eating and drinking is good and has got better during the day. They are all on soaked hay in small hole haynets, so they have to work for it, along with fibre block.
Yes, I am in contact with the vet too about all this.
This is one of those times I would want a Universal Translator, so you could know what was going on with Albie. Little Miss Maine Coon could also use this tool to let me know what is going on with her. Fingers crossed you can figure out the problem.
Really do feel for you, Frances. You’re doing everything possible and it sometimes takes such a long time to reFingers well and truly crossed for them all. xx
It is bloody awful and I don’t know how it happened. Next year, the whole lot go and live in the indoor school for autumn.
Wow, you sure are having a challenging time. I’m so glad the ponies seem to be a bit better. Hopefully everyone will be healthy and happy soon. One thing for sure, they are getting the best of care.
Poor Albie. I am praying that he will be doing much better soon.
Oh Frances, so much to be worried about. Sure hope they are all on the mend.
I know how stressful this is for you. We live in an area that has lots of lush green grass. It’s always been a struggle for me to find the right combination of field grazing and dry lot time. If left on his own, Tobbi would never stop eating (!) and that can reek havoc on his metabolism. So it’s a delicate balance of too much grass or not enough (dry lot is boring), and I worry about until late fall.
I hope today is better for both you and Albie.
Sending Lots of hugs from Cheshire for little Albie (and you). These animals are SUCH a worry at times. He’s in the best hands though. Come on Albie onwards and upwards now and give your mum a break from the worry. Lots of Love.