In my never-ending search for answers or ideas for how to help my damned horse, I put in a google search...
Parlay Heart
Look what comes up!
http://www.parlay.com/p-854-heart-health.aspx
Seriously? What are the odds of THAT??
Just thought it was funny. =-)
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
It's been a long time, huh?
Quite a few people have asked my about this blog and the lack of update. I have to admit, there have been times when I just want to post his P&R, but the truth is I am still floating between dismay and denial.
Parlay has been hanging out. Not doing much of anything at all. He is eating pretty well-- noticeably off of his food when he is uncomfortable breathing or coughing, but for the most part, we seem to be keeping that relatively under control.
I still stay up way too late looking for a miracle or a clue or ANYTHING on-line that could "fix" him, but so far have come up empty handed.
Parlay is back to eating a normal ration of food (for him) I have him switched to Nutrena Compete (like Pennfield Fibergized, but I couldn't find that locally) and Agway Superior 12 pellets, about 3 lbs each, morning and night. He also gets about 1/4 lb of Nutrena Vitality 12, mostly so that I can get some supplements to "stick!"
Today, Parlay is getting a few of those-- He is getting Omega Horseshine for his Omega 3's, Magnesium Oxide, CoQ10 and he also gets some Diatamaceous Earth for good measure.
Bunches of carrots, peppermints, root beer barrels (which are getting harder and harder to find!!) apple wafers, ice cream cones... you know. TREATS!!
Also getting buckets of hugs (which he still hates) and plenty of begging, pleading and tears.
It is as heartbreaking today as it was several weeks ago to see him having a hard time breathing or having a coughing fit. It is hard to see him make a face when I come at him with another injection of Lasix. It is hard to think of all of the things that he was supposed to be doing in his *retirement*, like teaching my son how to canter, doing a couple of team pennings, going to the horsie BBQ's and stuff.
Now, he is kept quiet at home. He hates it. He beats on my other guys when he can. He loves to trot around and flag his tail. He drags me up and down the street when I take him out for his "walks." He screams bloody murder when I take one of his herd away.
I had thought that the cooler weather might have made everything easier, but so far, I see no correlation. He still has his difficulties on occassion and I cannot seem to find a trigger.
BUT, he is eating and in good weight. He is happy to still be the king of the paddock. He still rolls his eye at me when I go and smooch his face or insist on a blanket or urge him to eat that last little bit in his bucket.
He's not done yet.
Parlay has been hanging out. Not doing much of anything at all. He is eating pretty well-- noticeably off of his food when he is uncomfortable breathing or coughing, but for the most part, we seem to be keeping that relatively under control.
I still stay up way too late looking for a miracle or a clue or ANYTHING on-line that could "fix" him, but so far have come up empty handed.
Parlay is back to eating a normal ration of food (for him) I have him switched to Nutrena Compete (like Pennfield Fibergized, but I couldn't find that locally) and Agway Superior 12 pellets, about 3 lbs each, morning and night. He also gets about 1/4 lb of Nutrena Vitality 12, mostly so that I can get some supplements to "stick!"
Today, Parlay is getting a few of those-- He is getting Omega Horseshine for his Omega 3's, Magnesium Oxide, CoQ10 and he also gets some Diatamaceous Earth for good measure.
Bunches of carrots, peppermints, root beer barrels (which are getting harder and harder to find!!) apple wafers, ice cream cones... you know. TREATS!!
Also getting buckets of hugs (which he still hates) and plenty of begging, pleading and tears.
It is as heartbreaking today as it was several weeks ago to see him having a hard time breathing or having a coughing fit. It is hard to see him make a face when I come at him with another injection of Lasix. It is hard to think of all of the things that he was supposed to be doing in his *retirement*, like teaching my son how to canter, doing a couple of team pennings, going to the horsie BBQ's and stuff.
Now, he is kept quiet at home. He hates it. He beats on my other guys when he can. He loves to trot around and flag his tail. He drags me up and down the street when I take him out for his "walks." He screams bloody murder when I take one of his herd away.
I had thought that the cooler weather might have made everything easier, but so far, I see no correlation. He still has his difficulties on occassion and I cannot seem to find a trigger.
BUT, he is eating and in good weight. He is happy to still be the king of the paddock. He still rolls his eye at me when I go and smooch his face or insist on a blanket or urge him to eat that last little bit in his bucket.
He's not done yet.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Hi all...
Yes, I haven't posted much lately. Nothing really new to report, I guess.
Parlay seems to be stable. His heart rate is running from 54-60 and his respiration is running anywhere from 16-26. He is eating pretty well and his weight looks okay. I would love to see him about 50-75 lbs heavier going in to winter, but I am just happy that he is eating what he is eating and not loosing weight. I am still injecting Lasix as needed--6-7 cc's once or twice a day.
I have begun a regular walking program with him that he really seems to enjoy. He prances and flags his tail and pretty much drags me up and down the street. I actually think it would be easier to ride the devil! But, I digress...
A couple of notable things:
1) The nosebleeds have stopped. He hasn't had a bleeder in weeks.
2) I only did 2.5 weeks of Doxy. Didn't really see a huge difference in him, so I decided to just stop it and see what happens next.
3) My son, Justin, is convinced that Parlay is staying here so that he can teach J how to canter... (sigh)
4) Parlay seems very happy to be around. Very angry about not doing anything though. He actually ran me down last weekend when I went out to get one of the others to ride. He truly does not believe that he is retired. AND, he is pissed.
5) The weather seems to have no bearing on his condition. I was kind of hoping that it would, in a positive way. I thought that the cooler air would make it easier on him, but no. No correlation whatsoever. =-(
6) The abcesses on his legs are almost all healed. That was a pretty weird side effect, to be sure.
That is all for now. No news is good news!!
Yes, I haven't posted much lately. Nothing really new to report, I guess.
Parlay seems to be stable. His heart rate is running from 54-60 and his respiration is running anywhere from 16-26. He is eating pretty well and his weight looks okay. I would love to see him about 50-75 lbs heavier going in to winter, but I am just happy that he is eating what he is eating and not loosing weight. I am still injecting Lasix as needed--6-7 cc's once or twice a day.
I have begun a regular walking program with him that he really seems to enjoy. He prances and flags his tail and pretty much drags me up and down the street. I actually think it would be easier to ride the devil! But, I digress...
A couple of notable things:
1) The nosebleeds have stopped. He hasn't had a bleeder in weeks.
2) I only did 2.5 weeks of Doxy. Didn't really see a huge difference in him, so I decided to just stop it and see what happens next.
3) My son, Justin, is convinced that Parlay is staying here so that he can teach J how to canter... (sigh)
4) Parlay seems very happy to be around. Very angry about not doing anything though. He actually ran me down last weekend when I went out to get one of the others to ride. He truly does not believe that he is retired. AND, he is pissed.
5) The weather seems to have no bearing on his condition. I was kind of hoping that it would, in a positive way. I thought that the cooler air would make it easier on him, but no. No correlation whatsoever. =-(
6) The abcesses on his legs are almost all healed. That was a pretty weird side effect, to be sure.
That is all for now. No news is good news!!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
No News is Good News?
A few people have been writing to my email account asking about Parlay. I know--I haven't been posting.
Things here seem to be stable. That is good.
Parlay is coasting along at about 54/26 most days. Even in the heat, he doesn't seem to be really struggling. He is eating. He looks pretty darned good, actually!
So, here is the protocol of the day for the *inquiring minds*
1/2 scoop of Agway Superior 12 pellets
1/2 scoop of Nutrena Compete pellets
1 cup of Purina's Natures Essentials 32 supplement
1 cup of Nutrena Empower Rice Bran Supplement
1/2 cup of Food Grade DE
He is getting this meal 2x a day, down from 4 times a day! Of course, they have hay in front of them at all times and Parlay is out on the grass no less than 5 times a week.
Parlay is still taking the CoQ10 supplement--1200 mg a day (spread out to 2 doses. Still doing the Doxycycline for Lyme's---40 pills a day. I am also giving Lasix as needed, but no less than 7 cc's every 24 hours. In the past couple of days, he has been getting it every 12 hours (it has been really hot and humid here and it seems to affect the way he is breathing). The paste did NOT work at all. Very unhappy about that--the IM shots seem to be the best route at this point.
I supplement electrolytes when I can. Parlay hates them.
I am going to start walking Parlay daily again, as he really needs some sort of activity. He is looking for trouble with all of this time on his hooves. He still is unclear about the "retirement," thing.
I took him out for a walk last night and he was prancing and tail flagging. So much for keeping him quiet!!
When it is really hot and humid, I shower Par when I can. It seems to help him chill out and for a horse who REALLY hated baths, Parlay truly seems appreciative of the cool water on him now! He even lets me squirt his HEAD! Who would have thought it??
The coronary abscesses seem to be healing and although his hooves look a bit atrophied from lack of use, they are holding up fine. The walking will help get the hooves back in order.
I am still doing research on CHF and thinking of other ways to help my old man heal. In between that I am working, mothering, cleaning, laundering, and trying to get a ride in every now and again on my other nags.
(sigh)
Things here seem to be stable. That is good.
Parlay is coasting along at about 54/26 most days. Even in the heat, he doesn't seem to be really struggling. He is eating. He looks pretty darned good, actually!
So, here is the protocol of the day for the *inquiring minds*
1/2 scoop of Agway Superior 12 pellets
1/2 scoop of Nutrena Compete pellets
1 cup of Purina's Natures Essentials 32 supplement
1 cup of Nutrena Empower Rice Bran Supplement
1/2 cup of Food Grade DE
He is getting this meal 2x a day, down from 4 times a day! Of course, they have hay in front of them at all times and Parlay is out on the grass no less than 5 times a week.
Parlay is still taking the CoQ10 supplement--1200 mg a day (spread out to 2 doses. Still doing the Doxycycline for Lyme's---40 pills a day. I am also giving Lasix as needed, but no less than 7 cc's every 24 hours. In the past couple of days, he has been getting it every 12 hours (it has been really hot and humid here and it seems to affect the way he is breathing). The paste did NOT work at all. Very unhappy about that--the IM shots seem to be the best route at this point.
I supplement electrolytes when I can. Parlay hates them.
I am going to start walking Parlay daily again, as he really needs some sort of activity. He is looking for trouble with all of this time on his hooves. He still is unclear about the "retirement," thing.
I took him out for a walk last night and he was prancing and tail flagging. So much for keeping him quiet!!
When it is really hot and humid, I shower Par when I can. It seems to help him chill out and for a horse who REALLY hated baths, Parlay truly seems appreciative of the cool water on him now! He even lets me squirt his HEAD! Who would have thought it??
The coronary abscesses seem to be healing and although his hooves look a bit atrophied from lack of use, they are holding up fine. The walking will help get the hooves back in order.
I am still doing research on CHF and thinking of other ways to help my old man heal. In between that I am working, mothering, cleaning, laundering, and trying to get a ride in every now and again on my other nags.
(sigh)
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Sad and Angry
Yes, Parlay and I are a pair today.
My day started out rough. I woke from a weird dream about riding Parlay in a field hunt.
Parlay was his usual strong willed and strong bodied self in my dream. There was a huge, striking Bay galloping in front of us and Parlay just HAD to get in front of him... So, like always, he was muscling his way up to the front of the pack, totally unimpressed with my feeble attempts to reel him in.
And then it happened.
Parlay started to slow up before he caught the leader---I thought I was winning the "whoa!" battle, but no--it was more like the wind got knocked out of him and he started to fall and we were tumbling down what felt like a steep slope and I saw the ground coming fast...
And then I woke up with a start. Not a great way to start the day.
Of course, I throw on a pair of jeans and run out there immediately. The three jugheads turn my way and give me the look of pleased curiosity. Breakfast comes early...
While they are eating, I do my usual once over of Par. Pulse 50, resp 24. Not awful, I guess. He is eating nicely. I check over all of his *parts*. Everything looks okay. I am still nursing a bunch of abscesses that appeared on his coronary bands a couple of days ago. They are covered in neon pink SWAT. Lovely.
I give him a quick once over with a brush and step back to get the fly spray. I look him over and question what I see. Parlay is not looking so thin anymore (4 meals a day will do that), yet I still see the shadow of his ribs. But, what really draws my attention is his belly. It seems "puffy." Like, bloated maybe. Like, something I should be worried about...maybe. So, I decide to take a picture of it and forward it to the vet.
I stand there and try to get Parlay to pose. In order for him to look at me and maybe prick his ears, I throw the brush that I am holding up into the air. It promptly comes soaring back from the atmosphere and smacks me right in the head. I almost fall to the ground. Good grief, I almost knocked myself out!
Parlay snickered. Drat!
I send the pic and wait for a reply. Nothing. So, I quickly decide to boost the Lasix. It is supposed to be hot anyway and I don't want him having to struggle to breathe. After the Lasix shot, I jamb some Doxy down his gullet. Parlay snarls at me and gives me the *look*. Fine. I have to get the kid to camp and me to work anyway.
On my drive, my son and I are talking about friendship and love. He asks me who my best friend is, after him of course, and I immediately respond, "Parlay." It just came out. And then, so did the tears.
Parlay IS my best friend, after all. I used to whisper it into his ear when we were riding with my dog, Frisko, so it wouldn't hurt the dog's feelings. I used to tell him when I was out at the barn late at night disclosing the days events. I told him when we were out at our last event and he was so feisty and proud of himself.
For as long as we have been together, it seems like the time is too short now. I stand with him outside and he sighs as I scratch him in his favorite spots. I chastise him for beating up his pasture mates. I lecture him about eating properly. I beg him to get better. I listen for any advice that he cares to impart...
Tonight Parlay was crabby. He attacked his food pail and ate aggressively. I took the vitals and they were all in line with the previous ones. He was impatient with my exam and annoyed that I was taking too long to get him out to the hay.
What is he trying to tell me? Is he angry that I am sad? It all seems so unfair.
My day started out rough. I woke from a weird dream about riding Parlay in a field hunt.
Parlay was his usual strong willed and strong bodied self in my dream. There was a huge, striking Bay galloping in front of us and Parlay just HAD to get in front of him... So, like always, he was muscling his way up to the front of the pack, totally unimpressed with my feeble attempts to reel him in.
And then it happened.
Parlay started to slow up before he caught the leader---I thought I was winning the "whoa!" battle, but no--it was more like the wind got knocked out of him and he started to fall and we were tumbling down what felt like a steep slope and I saw the ground coming fast...
And then I woke up with a start. Not a great way to start the day.
Of course, I throw on a pair of jeans and run out there immediately. The three jugheads turn my way and give me the look of pleased curiosity. Breakfast comes early...
While they are eating, I do my usual once over of Par. Pulse 50, resp 24. Not awful, I guess. He is eating nicely. I check over all of his *parts*. Everything looks okay. I am still nursing a bunch of abscesses that appeared on his coronary bands a couple of days ago. They are covered in neon pink SWAT. Lovely.
I give him a quick once over with a brush and step back to get the fly spray. I look him over and question what I see. Parlay is not looking so thin anymore (4 meals a day will do that), yet I still see the shadow of his ribs. But, what really draws my attention is his belly. It seems "puffy." Like, bloated maybe. Like, something I should be worried about...maybe. So, I decide to take a picture of it and forward it to the vet.
I stand there and try to get Parlay to pose. In order for him to look at me and maybe prick his ears, I throw the brush that I am holding up into the air. It promptly comes soaring back from the atmosphere and smacks me right in the head. I almost fall to the ground. Good grief, I almost knocked myself out!
Parlay snickered. Drat!
I send the pic and wait for a reply. Nothing. So, I quickly decide to boost the Lasix. It is supposed to be hot anyway and I don't want him having to struggle to breathe. After the Lasix shot, I jamb some Doxy down his gullet. Parlay snarls at me and gives me the *look*. Fine. I have to get the kid to camp and me to work anyway.
On my drive, my son and I are talking about friendship and love. He asks me who my best friend is, after him of course, and I immediately respond, "Parlay." It just came out. And then, so did the tears.
Parlay IS my best friend, after all. I used to whisper it into his ear when we were riding with my dog, Frisko, so it wouldn't hurt the dog's feelings. I used to tell him when I was out at the barn late at night disclosing the days events. I told him when we were out at our last event and he was so feisty and proud of himself.
For as long as we have been together, it seems like the time is too short now. I stand with him outside and he sighs as I scratch him in his favorite spots. I chastise him for beating up his pasture mates. I lecture him about eating properly. I beg him to get better. I listen for any advice that he cares to impart...
Tonight Parlay was crabby. He attacked his food pail and ate aggressively. I took the vitals and they were all in line with the previous ones. He was impatient with my exam and annoyed that I was taking too long to get him out to the hay.
What is he trying to tell me? Is he angry that I am sad? It all seems so unfair.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Not Looking Forward to Tomorrow
It is going to be HOT and HUMID--
Not the best type of weather for a horse with breathing problems. Or heart problems.
Friends who have horses with COPD are already noticing the breathing issues. Out comes the heavy duty drugs and steroids. I cannot use that stuff with Parlay. He is already maxed out on Lasix and Tri-Hist and Doxycycline. Steroids are not the best course of action for heart patients anyway.
At this point, I am thinking that the best way to help him in high heat and humidity is to nebulize with Albuterol (2x) along with everything else. I hope it helps. I may try to hose him off a couple of times during the day too. Thank goodness I am working locally tomorrow!!
As it is, the change in the weather has made him stop eating AGAIN. I just think that the humidity (not hot here yet) is just making him feel "heavy."
I understand.
If anyone has any other suggestions, please let me know!
Not the best type of weather for a horse with breathing problems. Or heart problems.
Friends who have horses with COPD are already noticing the breathing issues. Out comes the heavy duty drugs and steroids. I cannot use that stuff with Parlay. He is already maxed out on Lasix and Tri-Hist and Doxycycline. Steroids are not the best course of action for heart patients anyway.
At this point, I am thinking that the best way to help him in high heat and humidity is to nebulize with Albuterol (2x) along with everything else. I hope it helps. I may try to hose him off a couple of times during the day too. Thank goodness I am working locally tomorrow!!
As it is, the change in the weather has made him stop eating AGAIN. I just think that the humidity (not hot here yet) is just making him feel "heavy."
I understand.
If anyone has any other suggestions, please let me know!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Too Good to Last
Yeah, my vet stopped by today to check on the old man. I was kind of puffed up about his vital signs from last night and this morning, so I was happy that she was going to view his "turnaround!"
(sigh) It was not to be.
She says that although he seemed cheerful and was happy to have food, he was at 60/60. DAMMIT! Thank God it is not hot and sunny out too, because I am 30 minutes away, chained to my desk!!
I asked her to go ahead and give him 6-7 cc's of Lasix and I would follow up when I got home from work.
So much for turning my frown upside down.
=-(
(sigh) It was not to be.
She says that although he seemed cheerful and was happy to have food, he was at 60/60. DAMMIT! Thank God it is not hot and sunny out too, because I am 30 minutes away, chained to my desk!!
I asked her to go ahead and give him 6-7 cc's of Lasix and I would follow up when I got home from work.
So much for turning my frown upside down.
=-(
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
And Then, Something Weird Happens...
Like, you run out to feed, almost fearing what you will find, and then your jaw drops because the metabolics are...
LOW??
48/22
What?? And the sun is down and EVERYTHING.
This is day 4 of the Doxycycline. I have not given any Lasix today (except what is residual in the bucket from the last 3 combined feedings)
I am so stunned--- I am speechless.
So, I am going to say nothing else for now, except to utter, "Thank you, God!"
=-)
LOW??
48/22
What?? And the sun is down and EVERYTHING.
This is day 4 of the Doxycycline. I have not given any Lasix today (except what is residual in the bucket from the last 3 combined feedings)
I am so stunned--- I am speechless.
So, I am going to say nothing else for now, except to utter, "Thank you, God!"
=-)
It's ALWAYS Worse At Night!
Why is it?
Why, after a long day of being a Mom and a Full Time Employee, along with the weight of worrying about EVERYTHING, do I have to deal with the worst symptoms that Parlay has to offer at NIGHT??
On top of everything else going on, I am now seriously sleep deprived. Why? Because when I have gone out to feed the boys for the past 3 nights, Parlay has been in distress. Pulse 60, Respiration ranging from 25-38+. And the coughing. And the bloody noses. And the ANXIETY--it is written all over his face and body.
I guess I would be anxious too. Imagine what it must feel like if you were desperately trying to breathe-- yet you were limited to breathing in and out through a straw-- all the while your heart pounding away to get your blood oxygenated...ARGH!!
I have determined that the Paste Lasix is just not working at all. I think that trying it may have put Parlay in a down spiral.
I think that the dosage is wrong. Although it is written on the tube that the amount of lasix per dose is higher than the injectable, it comes out of the tube wrong--it's not thick enough to stay put which leads to overdosing at one instance and then, not giving enough at the next. Either that, or the stuff just does not preform when orally given. Maybe it's a combination of both of these facts. In any event, I am giving up on the paste. As much as I hate to do it, the injectable formulation seems to be the way to go.
Of course, with Parlay's stress comes anorexia. No, not mine (God knows that I have GAINED weight trying to put weight back ON him!!) Parlay is pretty much back to not eating. Not really even eating the grass. What a sin too, because I was just getting the weight back on. So? Is it the Lasix, or lack thereof? Is it his belly bothering him? The antibiotics? Is it the supplement addition to the grain feedings? Is it a Parlay thing?
It has been a tough couple of nights. =-(
Today, Parlay seems pretty calm. He hasn't eaten much, but his eye is soft and although he is breathing quickly, it is not with enormous effort. His heart beat is also a bit rapid, but rhythmic and not pounding.
What has changed? Well, the sun is still out...
Why, after a long day of being a Mom and a Full Time Employee, along with the weight of worrying about EVERYTHING, do I have to deal with the worst symptoms that Parlay has to offer at NIGHT??
On top of everything else going on, I am now seriously sleep deprived. Why? Because when I have gone out to feed the boys for the past 3 nights, Parlay has been in distress. Pulse 60, Respiration ranging from 25-38+. And the coughing. And the bloody noses. And the ANXIETY--it is written all over his face and body.
I guess I would be anxious too. Imagine what it must feel like if you were desperately trying to breathe-- yet you were limited to breathing in and out through a straw-- all the while your heart pounding away to get your blood oxygenated...ARGH!!
I have determined that the Paste Lasix is just not working at all. I think that trying it may have put Parlay in a down spiral.
I think that the dosage is wrong. Although it is written on the tube that the amount of lasix per dose is higher than the injectable, it comes out of the tube wrong--it's not thick enough to stay put which leads to overdosing at one instance and then, not giving enough at the next. Either that, or the stuff just does not preform when orally given. Maybe it's a combination of both of these facts. In any event, I am giving up on the paste. As much as I hate to do it, the injectable formulation seems to be the way to go.
Of course, with Parlay's stress comes anorexia. No, not mine (God knows that I have GAINED weight trying to put weight back ON him!!) Parlay is pretty much back to not eating. Not really even eating the grass. What a sin too, because I was just getting the weight back on. So? Is it the Lasix, or lack thereof? Is it his belly bothering him? The antibiotics? Is it the supplement addition to the grain feedings? Is it a Parlay thing?
It has been a tough couple of nights. =-(
Today, Parlay seems pretty calm. He hasn't eaten much, but his eye is soft and although he is breathing quickly, it is not with enormous effort. His heart beat is also a bit rapid, but rhythmic and not pounding.
What has changed? Well, the sun is still out...
Sunday, August 2, 2009
They Keep Coming Back to Me
The words and thoughts from Vicki.
Whether you are a believer in intuitives or not (and God knows, I am still on the fence about it) I think that just speaking with Vicki has helped me to focus on things that I already may have known and may not have been putting together.
And here is where I am today.
The parasite. The problems associated with parasites. The idea that it was NOT an ingested parasite. A fly? A gnat?
My most hated parasite? The tick. The nasty blood-sucking vermin that I loathe above all others.
Parlay has always been allergic to tick bites. The reactions get worse each year, as appears to be customary with most allergies. The result of a tick bite on Parlay leaves an itchy, oozing, painful sore that will eventually turn to a large area of missing hair.
Back in 2006 Parlay had a really bad reaction to multiple tick bites in one area of his chest (Cursed blankets!) After a few weeks of conventional treatment with cold hosing and dressing the wounds, something else came about-- weird lameness issues, a very cranky attitude, highly sensitive skin, and finally, a bout of laminitis. It was so weird and uncharacteristic!
A blood test confirmed what I suspected immediately. Parlay was diagnosed with Lyme's Disease with Elisa value of 413 and Western Blot listed as HIGH. We aggressively treated with 6 weeks of Doxycycline. A huge difference was seen almost immediately.
Parlay has had two recurrences that we have treated with Doxy since then. Each new bout of Lyme's being "announced," by different symptoms. The first reinfection seemed to bring on another round of odd lameness---one leg off, then another, back to being touchy about being handled and girthed. The second relapse found Parlay post-legged lame in all four legs--it was a HORRIBLE sight!
This morning, after a difficult 12 hours of VERY HIGH P&R (60/40 and above), an agitated and cranky horse and a relatively unsteady walk off from a standstill, I made the association. I ran in to my computer and did a Google search for Lymes related congestive heart failure. My screen filled up with articles and medical papers.
Of course there could be a correlation. Lyme's is one of the nastiest diseases around and there is really so little known about the symptoms. I texted the vet. There is no harm in trying a course of Doxycycline, so off we go.
You can hope and you can pray, but in the end you need to THINK and LISTEN to what the universe is saying in answer to your prayers. Maybe this is a breakthrough?
That is MY prayer today.
Whether you are a believer in intuitives or not (and God knows, I am still on the fence about it) I think that just speaking with Vicki has helped me to focus on things that I already may have known and may not have been putting together.
And here is where I am today.
The parasite. The problems associated with parasites. The idea that it was NOT an ingested parasite. A fly? A gnat?
My most hated parasite? The tick. The nasty blood-sucking vermin that I loathe above all others.
Parlay has always been allergic to tick bites. The reactions get worse each year, as appears to be customary with most allergies. The result of a tick bite on Parlay leaves an itchy, oozing, painful sore that will eventually turn to a large area of missing hair.
Back in 2006 Parlay had a really bad reaction to multiple tick bites in one area of his chest (Cursed blankets!) After a few weeks of conventional treatment with cold hosing and dressing the wounds, something else came about-- weird lameness issues, a very cranky attitude, highly sensitive skin, and finally, a bout of laminitis. It was so weird and uncharacteristic!
A blood test confirmed what I suspected immediately. Parlay was diagnosed with Lyme's Disease with Elisa value of 413 and Western Blot listed as HIGH. We aggressively treated with 6 weeks of Doxycycline. A huge difference was seen almost immediately.
Parlay has had two recurrences that we have treated with Doxy since then. Each new bout of Lyme's being "announced," by different symptoms. The first reinfection seemed to bring on another round of odd lameness---one leg off, then another, back to being touchy about being handled and girthed. The second relapse found Parlay post-legged lame in all four legs--it was a HORRIBLE sight!
This morning, after a difficult 12 hours of VERY HIGH P&R (60/40 and above), an agitated and cranky horse and a relatively unsteady walk off from a standstill, I made the association. I ran in to my computer and did a Google search for Lymes related congestive heart failure. My screen filled up with articles and medical papers.
Of course there could be a correlation. Lyme's is one of the nastiest diseases around and there is really so little known about the symptoms. I texted the vet. There is no harm in trying a course of Doxycycline, so off we go.
You can hope and you can pray, but in the end you need to THINK and LISTEN to what the universe is saying in answer to your prayers. Maybe this is a breakthrough?
That is MY prayer today.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Sometimes you have to go beyond what is logical
So, through a friend, I contacted an *equine intuitive*.
Yup, a good old fashioned animal communicator. Naturally, when conventional methods don't seem to be so hopeful, you go ahead and look elsewhere for help and support.
Enter "Vicki" from Colorado.
Now, for the record, I am not a firm believer in this kind of thing. However, I have also not had any previous success with it either. Mostly, I have been told that Parlay is "not social," and "very stubborn about communicating." Why not? He is so difficult about other stuff, why should THIS be any different?!? LOL!
Anyway, I had heard at a seminar recently that it will work better if the horse's person gives the animal *permission* to speak to a stranger. I went ahead and did that this morning over breakfast. I would like to say that I gave permission, but honestly, I think I really just DEMANDED that he comply with this effort!!
After 89 minutes on the phone, I think I came away with some really interesting ideas about my old man and other avenues of treatment and additional diagnosis theories. I learned a bit about Vicki, I became more aware of some things that I had observed with Parlay, and I even learned a little bit about myself.
I have a huge page of notes that I took while she was speaking to me. We bantered back and forth about what has transpired up until this point and what course of action I am currently following. We talked a bit about Parlay's past and about the professionals that I have chosen to work with. We chatted about the diet and the supplements and the environment that Parlay lives in.
Vicki was sweet and thoughtful and kind. She is a horsewoman and an animal lover and it was very evident in the way that she tackled my request. She "read" Parlay and pinpointed some areas in which to focus. She suggested some things to check and recheck and encouraged me to continue plugging along.
Most noteable was her thoughts on Parlay's digestive tract and more specifically, his intestines. She seemed to think that perhaps he is having trouble with parasites. Interestingly, Vicki thought was this was NOT an ingested parasite, but perhaps one that had gotten "in" through a bug or fly bite.
Belly aching. Hmmm... I will say that it IS weird that Parlay has 1) gone off of his beloved Senior feed cold turkey, 2) is looking at his sides immediately following each meal, 3) has minimized gut sounds since this all went down, 4) and now totally abhors molasses after a life long love affair with the sticky, sweet stuff!
As for the vector? A bug or fly? It brought to mind a recent incident. About a month or so ago, Parlay developed a very odd looking mark on his eye, just outside of the iris. It looks as if a small circle had lost some of the pigmentation. I sent a picture of it to my Vet via cell phone for her to think about(thank goodness for modern technology!) Initially concerned about it, we both kind of shrugged it off as it never really amounted to anything.
During this time, I did quite a bit of research on the potential causes of depigmentation of the eye and found only one thing that seemed plausible--- a parasite carried by a fly of some sort. I mentioned this to the vet, but we both kind of wrote it off. Pish posh... what kind of weirdness is THAT!
Naturally, because I really want to find that article again, I can't, but I do remember that the treatment was Ivermectin. The horses were due for a wormer anyway, so what could it hurt? They all got Zimectrin Gold in the first week of June. Weird? Coincidence??
Next, Vicki mentioned Parlay's sinuses. Since I just had them scoped mid May and found nothing I am not sure about that, but Parlay DOES have some allergy issues, is still having nose bleeds (the reason for the scoping back then), and he HATES to have them tapped on, so maybe there IS something there. I also did have to stop the antihistimine treatment due to his lack of eating and have not re-established it yet. Something to think about.
She also thought that another physical factor could be found in Parlay's back (2 places) his left hip and his poll. She asked if we had mud (and do we EVER) and thought that he may have slipped and hurt himself recently. She advised a chiropractor and perhaps an accupuncture/accupressure specialist.
From here, we began to explore Parlay's mental and emotional state. Notice what is missing? There was no mention of his heart issues or his trouble with breathing! Does this mean that what I am looking at is just a symptom of something else? It is a question that I have been asking myself for days/weeks! How does a very fit and healthy horse decline in such a rapid fashion?? But I digress...
Back to Vicki's analysis of Parlay's extrinsic nature. I KNOW that Par is stressed, anxious and agitated. I can see it every day. Vicki picked up on it and told me something that I probably already knew--Parlay is mirroring me. Guess what? I AM STRESSED, ANXIOUS AND AGITATED!! Darn it!
But, what am I to do? I am trying desperately to hold on to my best friend---I want to prolong his life, to make him more comfortable, to play with and ride him again... And these negative feelings and emotions that I am harboring are carrying over to my guy according to Vicki. Curses!!
The prescription? Take a pill and chill. Yup, that is the prescription for ME.
Vicki feels that Parlay is not ready to leave me. He is a strong willed and stoic creature, to be sure. He has something left to teach me, she says. I hope it's not a lesson about death, but ultimately, isn't that the lesson learned from every long term relationship? I am THANKFUL for the character that this horse posesses. Honestly? Without these qualities I think Parlay would have left me way back before this blog got started...on that fateful Saturday---when he had his internal, heart racing, lung pounding race and won.
So I better save my energy for more writing---I think that this final journey may be of epic proportions!
One can hope!
Stay tuned....
Yup, a good old fashioned animal communicator. Naturally, when conventional methods don't seem to be so hopeful, you go ahead and look elsewhere for help and support.
Enter "Vicki" from Colorado.
Now, for the record, I am not a firm believer in this kind of thing. However, I have also not had any previous success with it either. Mostly, I have been told that Parlay is "not social," and "very stubborn about communicating." Why not? He is so difficult about other stuff, why should THIS be any different?!? LOL!
Anyway, I had heard at a seminar recently that it will work better if the horse's person gives the animal *permission* to speak to a stranger. I went ahead and did that this morning over breakfast. I would like to say that I gave permission, but honestly, I think I really just DEMANDED that he comply with this effort!!
After 89 minutes on the phone, I think I came away with some really interesting ideas about my old man and other avenues of treatment and additional diagnosis theories. I learned a bit about Vicki, I became more aware of some things that I had observed with Parlay, and I even learned a little bit about myself.
I have a huge page of notes that I took while she was speaking to me. We bantered back and forth about what has transpired up until this point and what course of action I am currently following. We talked a bit about Parlay's past and about the professionals that I have chosen to work with. We chatted about the diet and the supplements and the environment that Parlay lives in.
Vicki was sweet and thoughtful and kind. She is a horsewoman and an animal lover and it was very evident in the way that she tackled my request. She "read" Parlay and pinpointed some areas in which to focus. She suggested some things to check and recheck and encouraged me to continue plugging along.
Most noteable was her thoughts on Parlay's digestive tract and more specifically, his intestines. She seemed to think that perhaps he is having trouble with parasites. Interestingly, Vicki thought was this was NOT an ingested parasite, but perhaps one that had gotten "in" through a bug or fly bite.
Belly aching. Hmmm... I will say that it IS weird that Parlay has 1) gone off of his beloved Senior feed cold turkey, 2) is looking at his sides immediately following each meal, 3) has minimized gut sounds since this all went down, 4) and now totally abhors molasses after a life long love affair with the sticky, sweet stuff!
As for the vector? A bug or fly? It brought to mind a recent incident. About a month or so ago, Parlay developed a very odd looking mark on his eye, just outside of the iris. It looks as if a small circle had lost some of the pigmentation. I sent a picture of it to my Vet via cell phone for her to think about(thank goodness for modern technology!) Initially concerned about it, we both kind of shrugged it off as it never really amounted to anything.
During this time, I did quite a bit of research on the potential causes of depigmentation of the eye and found only one thing that seemed plausible--- a parasite carried by a fly of some sort. I mentioned this to the vet, but we both kind of wrote it off. Pish posh... what kind of weirdness is THAT!
Naturally, because I really want to find that article again, I can't, but I do remember that the treatment was Ivermectin. The horses were due for a wormer anyway, so what could it hurt? They all got Zimectrin Gold in the first week of June. Weird? Coincidence??
Next, Vicki mentioned Parlay's sinuses. Since I just had them scoped mid May and found nothing I am not sure about that, but Parlay DOES have some allergy issues, is still having nose bleeds (the reason for the scoping back then), and he HATES to have them tapped on, so maybe there IS something there. I also did have to stop the antihistimine treatment due to his lack of eating and have not re-established it yet. Something to think about.
She also thought that another physical factor could be found in Parlay's back (2 places) his left hip and his poll. She asked if we had mud (and do we EVER) and thought that he may have slipped and hurt himself recently. She advised a chiropractor and perhaps an accupuncture/accupressure specialist.
From here, we began to explore Parlay's mental and emotional state. Notice what is missing? There was no mention of his heart issues or his trouble with breathing! Does this mean that what I am looking at is just a symptom of something else? It is a question that I have been asking myself for days/weeks! How does a very fit and healthy horse decline in such a rapid fashion?? But I digress...
Back to Vicki's analysis of Parlay's extrinsic nature. I KNOW that Par is stressed, anxious and agitated. I can see it every day. Vicki picked up on it and told me something that I probably already knew--Parlay is mirroring me. Guess what? I AM STRESSED, ANXIOUS AND AGITATED!! Darn it!
But, what am I to do? I am trying desperately to hold on to my best friend---I want to prolong his life, to make him more comfortable, to play with and ride him again... And these negative feelings and emotions that I am harboring are carrying over to my guy according to Vicki. Curses!!
The prescription? Take a pill and chill. Yup, that is the prescription for ME.
Vicki feels that Parlay is not ready to leave me. He is a strong willed and stoic creature, to be sure. He has something left to teach me, she says. I hope it's not a lesson about death, but ultimately, isn't that the lesson learned from every long term relationship? I am THANKFUL for the character that this horse posesses. Honestly? Without these qualities I think Parlay would have left me way back before this blog got started...on that fateful Saturday---when he had his internal, heart racing, lung pounding race and won.
So I better save my energy for more writing---I think that this final journey may be of epic proportions!
One can hope!
Stay tuned....
One day up? The next day, down.
Well, it has been a couple of up and down days for me and Parlay.
On the positive side, Parlay is eating better. Wow, it is such a relief to see him eat. I guess it's the Mom in me that makes me so damned anxious when he would just stand and stare at me or the food like I was starving him. That, and the fact that I was pretty sure that Animal Control was going to be banging on my door any day... =-(
He is now eating 3-4 times a day (thank GOD for horse loving neighbors! I have a wonderful relationship with a woman down the street... she loves Parlay!!). Parlay is getting about 3-3.5 lbs per feeding of Superior by Agway 12% pellets and Strategy Ovals. I am mixing into that about 1/2 cup of corn oil, 2x a day. He also gets FatCat (when he doesn't blow it out) Platform Electrolyte pellets (that, more often than not, end up as the last thing at the bottom of the bucket--how does he DO that?!?) and Omega Horseshine, which he had been getting before this whole mess (and, like some of the other stuff, sometimes gets left behind--*sigh*) Today, I am going to start adding back in the Nutrena Empower.
More good news... my vet has come up with a paste form of Lasix. What a relief honestly, because my poor horse was looking so dejected about getting injections from me 2x a day. That does NOTHING for either of our morales! Yeah, I have been almost in tears over the "yes! Got the vein!--- um, no, lost the vein." Some goes in IV, some IM, usually more than one prick at a shot... CURSES, I hate the shots.
So we have the paste. Now, does it work? Well, I started with the max dose on the syringe--3 CCs. Seemed okay and even better? PARLAY ATE IT OFF OF A TREAT. What are the odds of THAT?? I tasted it (and peed for hours---just kidding) and it is pretty innocuous. Par made a face, but he ate it and looked for something else--to me that is a good sign!
BUT, last night I found a problem. Pulse, 54, Respiration 34. Yup, he was breaking through. Of course, I hem and haw about what to do until I text my vet at midnight (and that crazy woman is STILL working!!) Even before she replied, I prepared a syringe of Lasix to give internally. Parlay was scaring me--he looked anxious and agitated again and he was breathing so shallowly.
I tried to give the stuff IV with no luck. Just didn't appear to be enough blood volume to puff up the vein for me to get it. 3 tries and in it went--IM. 45 minutes later, the respiration was only down to 30, but he looked better. Calmer. Didn't do much for me, because I didn't sleep well AT ALL.
So, this am I ran out to see how he was doing. Better. 25 respiration and seems a bit less stressed. However, the coughing returns... not good.
I will have to write more later. There is just too much going on and my work phone is ringing off the hook...
On the positive side, Parlay is eating better. Wow, it is such a relief to see him eat. I guess it's the Mom in me that makes me so damned anxious when he would just stand and stare at me or the food like I was starving him. That, and the fact that I was pretty sure that Animal Control was going to be banging on my door any day... =-(
He is now eating 3-4 times a day (thank GOD for horse loving neighbors! I have a wonderful relationship with a woman down the street... she loves Parlay!!). Parlay is getting about 3-3.5 lbs per feeding of Superior by Agway 12% pellets and Strategy Ovals. I am mixing into that about 1/2 cup of corn oil, 2x a day. He also gets FatCat (when he doesn't blow it out) Platform Electrolyte pellets (that, more often than not, end up as the last thing at the bottom of the bucket--how does he DO that?!?) and Omega Horseshine, which he had been getting before this whole mess (and, like some of the other stuff, sometimes gets left behind--*sigh*) Today, I am going to start adding back in the Nutrena Empower.
More good news... my vet has come up with a paste form of Lasix. What a relief honestly, because my poor horse was looking so dejected about getting injections from me 2x a day. That does NOTHING for either of our morales! Yeah, I have been almost in tears over the "yes! Got the vein!--- um, no, lost the vein." Some goes in IV, some IM, usually more than one prick at a shot... CURSES, I hate the shots.
So we have the paste. Now, does it work? Well, I started with the max dose on the syringe--3 CCs. Seemed okay and even better? PARLAY ATE IT OFF OF A TREAT. What are the odds of THAT?? I tasted it (and peed for hours---just kidding) and it is pretty innocuous. Par made a face, but he ate it and looked for something else--to me that is a good sign!
BUT, last night I found a problem. Pulse, 54, Respiration 34. Yup, he was breaking through. Of course, I hem and haw about what to do until I text my vet at midnight (and that crazy woman is STILL working!!) Even before she replied, I prepared a syringe of Lasix to give internally. Parlay was scaring me--he looked anxious and agitated again and he was breathing so shallowly.
I tried to give the stuff IV with no luck. Just didn't appear to be enough blood volume to puff up the vein for me to get it. 3 tries and in it went--IM. 45 minutes later, the respiration was only down to 30, but he looked better. Calmer. Didn't do much for me, because I didn't sleep well AT ALL.
So, this am I ran out to see how he was doing. Better. 25 respiration and seems a bit less stressed. However, the coughing returns... not good.
I will have to write more later. There is just too much going on and my work phone is ringing off the hook...
Monday, July 27, 2009
Working on "THE PLAN"
Today was a weird day for Parlay. His P&R were on the high side (58/22) and he had the bloody nose trickle. (which is TOTALLY perplexing because honestly, it's only the right nostril (and always has been) and I never know when he will have one--I can't seem to find the trigger!)
I gave 4 cc's of Lasix IV and then had to resort to IM because I could not seem to keep the needle in the vein. =-( Parlay was pretty agitated in general, so having him bounce around makes him a bit of a moving target!
He has gotten 3 meals today so far and I plan to give him one more before I go to bed. Interestingly, he already appears to be a bit less ribby from just 3 days on this plan of "molasses-free-many-meals." I am trying to work him up to about 10 lbs a day of the 12% pellet, along with hay, grass, and a multitude of treats. This is actually DOWN from what he USED to eat, which was as much as 12 lbs of Senior over the course of a day (I told you he was a hard keeper!!)
I decided to start to add corn oil tonight. It's a bit risky, I know, but he really needs those calories! A friend sent me an interesting article on picky eaters and I may try a couple of the ideas listed, such as using teas for flavoring (masking), adding some different herbs for variety and to stop trying so hard.
The other part of my *plan* is in full swing... that is the supplementation of the CoQ10. I have yet to find the appropriate dosage for a horse online or from a vet, but I am going to go with what my own doctor prescribed for me, and that would be about 1.5 mg per lb. I am going to continue upping the dosage until I hit about 1200 mg per day. So far, so good with the Entenmann's Bars. Highly recommend!
I also decided to hold off on the hawthorn supplement for the moment---I want to see how one thing works at a time and the CoQ10 is my main focus. At this point, it appears that God is giving me a little leeway to play with my treatment plan, so I am going to take advantage of it and space things out.
One thing that has been working like a charm is Horse Quencher. Thank Heaven for that stuff (Heaven and HARRY that is, who donated about 4 tubs of it to the cause--THANK YOU!!) I have been giving about 4 gallons of the mix and have taken to adding "Apple a Day," electrolyte and FatCat supplement to it. Parlay loves his afternoon tea. I get such a feeling of satisfaction when he slurps it down. I am probably going to keep on adding stuff to it as long as he keeps on drinking it! My next additive will probably be some additional rice bran. I am also toying with the idea of adding beet pulp shreds and eventually turning it into a mash of sorts.
The extra fluid and calories along with the replacement electrolytes can't be anything but good, so I am pleased with how that is working out.
I am hoping that the humidity dies down a bit. I am sure that it is making breathing a bit more of a challenge for my boy. I inquired about better dosages of albuterol to nebulize, but of course, I am not sure that the nebulizing does very much for him anyway. I would really have to do it consistently to assess that---right now, I am doing it when he appears to be struggling for breath (like heaving) but that has been pretty infrequent. More often I see him breathing rapidly in short, shallow breaths when he is distressed.
Of course, PARLAY doesn't think he is distressed. He is LOVING all of the attention, that is for sure!!
I gave 4 cc's of Lasix IV and then had to resort to IM because I could not seem to keep the needle in the vein. =-( Parlay was pretty agitated in general, so having him bounce around makes him a bit of a moving target!
He has gotten 3 meals today so far and I plan to give him one more before I go to bed. Interestingly, he already appears to be a bit less ribby from just 3 days on this plan of "molasses-free-many-meals." I am trying to work him up to about 10 lbs a day of the 12% pellet, along with hay, grass, and a multitude of treats. This is actually DOWN from what he USED to eat, which was as much as 12 lbs of Senior over the course of a day (I told you he was a hard keeper!!)
I decided to start to add corn oil tonight. It's a bit risky, I know, but he really needs those calories! A friend sent me an interesting article on picky eaters and I may try a couple of the ideas listed, such as using teas for flavoring (masking), adding some different herbs for variety and to stop trying so hard.
The other part of my *plan* is in full swing... that is the supplementation of the CoQ10. I have yet to find the appropriate dosage for a horse online or from a vet, but I am going to go with what my own doctor prescribed for me, and that would be about 1.5 mg per lb. I am going to continue upping the dosage until I hit about 1200 mg per day. So far, so good with the Entenmann's Bars. Highly recommend!
I also decided to hold off on the hawthorn supplement for the moment---I want to see how one thing works at a time and the CoQ10 is my main focus. At this point, it appears that God is giving me a little leeway to play with my treatment plan, so I am going to take advantage of it and space things out.
One thing that has been working like a charm is Horse Quencher. Thank Heaven for that stuff (Heaven and HARRY that is, who donated about 4 tubs of it to the cause--THANK YOU!!) I have been giving about 4 gallons of the mix and have taken to adding "Apple a Day," electrolyte and FatCat supplement to it. Parlay loves his afternoon tea. I get such a feeling of satisfaction when he slurps it down. I am probably going to keep on adding stuff to it as long as he keeps on drinking it! My next additive will probably be some additional rice bran. I am also toying with the idea of adding beet pulp shreds and eventually turning it into a mash of sorts.
The extra fluid and calories along with the replacement electrolytes can't be anything but good, so I am pleased with how that is working out.
I am hoping that the humidity dies down a bit. I am sure that it is making breathing a bit more of a challenge for my boy. I inquired about better dosages of albuterol to nebulize, but of course, I am not sure that the nebulizing does very much for him anyway. I would really have to do it consistently to assess that---right now, I am doing it when he appears to be struggling for breath (like heaving) but that has been pretty infrequent. More often I see him breathing rapidly in short, shallow breaths when he is distressed.
Of course, PARLAY doesn't think he is distressed. He is LOVING all of the attention, that is for sure!!
It's the Molasses!
Who would have thought?
It appears that the hunger strike *may* be over!!
For whatever reason, Parlay has decided that he doesn't want molasses. Maybe it is some sort of weird reaction from the Lasix?? Who knows-- but he seems to be much more interested in any feed or treat that does NOT contain molasses, so I am eliminating it from everything.
Sooooo... over the next couple of days/weeks I am going to try and get Parlay plumped up a bit with regular 'ole pellets. I am using Agway Superior 12 and the Strategy Ovals. I will attempt to get him to eat about 3-4 times a day. I am hoping to also introduce some rice bran or Cocosoya oil to beef him back up, but first I just want him to continue being INTERESTED in food--something he has not been in weeks.
Tonight, heart rate was a bit high at 54, but the respiration was normal (YAY!) at 12. So strange!
It is humid (rainy) and Par HATES to get wet. However, it is so balmy out that he is going to have to deal with it. The atmosphere outside is better than it would be inside, I think. Hopefully the rain is over for tonight.
In the meantime, we had a little chat over his molasses-free meal. I explained that he really needs to communicate better so that I can do what he needs me to do. You know, a little telepathy or something?? I also told him that it would be okay by me if he wanted to stay here on Earth for a couple (10-15) more years...
He sighs. Nudges me for a carrot or some other tasty morsel. He then looks out to the paddock to see if anyone is at "HIS" hay pile. I give him a hug (much to his chagrin) and off he goes to kick some butt, pelting me with a bit of mud on his way for good measure.
I sigh. Another day in the life!
It appears that the hunger strike *may* be over!!
For whatever reason, Parlay has decided that he doesn't want molasses. Maybe it is some sort of weird reaction from the Lasix?? Who knows-- but he seems to be much more interested in any feed or treat that does NOT contain molasses, so I am eliminating it from everything.
Sooooo... over the next couple of days/weeks I am going to try and get Parlay plumped up a bit with regular 'ole pellets. I am using Agway Superior 12 and the Strategy Ovals. I will attempt to get him to eat about 3-4 times a day. I am hoping to also introduce some rice bran or Cocosoya oil to beef him back up, but first I just want him to continue being INTERESTED in food--something he has not been in weeks.
Tonight, heart rate was a bit high at 54, but the respiration was normal (YAY!) at 12. So strange!
It is humid (rainy) and Par HATES to get wet. However, it is so balmy out that he is going to have to deal with it. The atmosphere outside is better than it would be inside, I think. Hopefully the rain is over for tonight.
In the meantime, we had a little chat over his molasses-free meal. I explained that he really needs to communicate better so that I can do what he needs me to do. You know, a little telepathy or something?? I also told him that it would be okay by me if he wanted to stay here on Earth for a couple (10-15) more years...
He sighs. Nudges me for a carrot or some other tasty morsel. He then looks out to the paddock to see if anyone is at "HIS" hay pile. I give him a hug (much to his chagrin) and off he goes to kick some butt, pelting me with a bit of mud on his way for good measure.
I sigh. Another day in the life!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Small Successes
54/20
Still giving Lasix at 6 cc, IV, 2x a day
So, I have finally had some success with the CoQ10 supplement. ENTENMANNS!
Yup, Entenmanns had these apple cinnamon bars on sale, so I figured I would give then a try. They are soft cookie like bars with a sticky apple-cinnamony goo in the middle. When cut in half they make a little, sticky pocket! PERFECT for jamming 2-3 pills into! So far, this is WORKING!! Parlay is eating them (not with much gusto, but whatever! He is EATING them!)
Par also ate 80% of his dinner tonight! Woo HOO! He is seriously looking like a rescue horse at this point, so I am letting him eat anything he will--which happens to be the Purina's Strategy Ovals--No accounting for taste, I guess!
It seems as if Par seems pretty comfortable tonight. The humidity let up a bit and the cooler air appears to be agreeing with him. He certainly has his ups and downs. Going out to the paddock these days is always a bit nerve wracking. I feel like I never know what I am going to find. I will say, however, that over the past couple of days I feel like I am relaxing a bit more about it.
Yesterday morning he had that anxious look about him-- the wild eye, the jerky body movements... He also had a bit of a cough which always makes me nervous too. I gave the Lasix and hoped that it would quickly help him to breathe and relax. It is pretty disconcerting and eerie to see his heart beating in his chest and in his neck. A "jugular pulse," is the term for that pulsation in the neck. Parlay has always had a bit of a pulse there, but now it is quite visibly strong and that is a bit scary.
The coughing and the bloody noses keep me alert, to be sure--Par seems unfazed by it all, but to me it is upsetting. I keep hoping and praying that we can all settle into a bit more of a "normal," life, but the curve balls keep on coming!!
Anyway, I am pleased about the CoQ10 and hopeful that the program that we are following will keep Parlay as comfortable as he can be for as long as he can.
Headed off for prayer and bed.
Still giving Lasix at 6 cc, IV, 2x a day
So, I have finally had some success with the CoQ10 supplement. ENTENMANNS!
Yup, Entenmanns had these apple cinnamon bars on sale, so I figured I would give then a try. They are soft cookie like bars with a sticky apple-cinnamony goo in the middle. When cut in half they make a little, sticky pocket! PERFECT for jamming 2-3 pills into! So far, this is WORKING!! Parlay is eating them (not with much gusto, but whatever! He is EATING them!)
Par also ate 80% of his dinner tonight! Woo HOO! He is seriously looking like a rescue horse at this point, so I am letting him eat anything he will--which happens to be the Purina's Strategy Ovals--No accounting for taste, I guess!
It seems as if Par seems pretty comfortable tonight. The humidity let up a bit and the cooler air appears to be agreeing with him. He certainly has his ups and downs. Going out to the paddock these days is always a bit nerve wracking. I feel like I never know what I am going to find. I will say, however, that over the past couple of days I feel like I am relaxing a bit more about it.
Yesterday morning he had that anxious look about him-- the wild eye, the jerky body movements... He also had a bit of a cough which always makes me nervous too. I gave the Lasix and hoped that it would quickly help him to breathe and relax. It is pretty disconcerting and eerie to see his heart beating in his chest and in his neck. A "jugular pulse," is the term for that pulsation in the neck. Parlay has always had a bit of a pulse there, but now it is quite visibly strong and that is a bit scary.
The coughing and the bloody noses keep me alert, to be sure--Par seems unfazed by it all, but to me it is upsetting. I keep hoping and praying that we can all settle into a bit more of a "normal," life, but the curve balls keep on coming!!
Anyway, I am pleased about the CoQ10 and hopeful that the program that we are following will keep Parlay as comfortable as he can be for as long as he can.
Headed off for prayer and bed.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
It's a heavy day
50/30
6 cc Lasix IV 2x a day
A quick update as I have got to get to work. It is SUPER HUMID and warm today and it seems to be making breathing a bit more difficult for Parlay. Either that, or I am just carrying on in my crazy ways. No comments, please!
Parlay seems pretty quiet and content, despite the heaviness of the air. He is loosing weight so rapidly it is almost scary. I would say that he has probably lost about 50 lbs in 2 weeks. It is driving me crazy.
I have had some success finding something he will eat. So far it has been Strategy Ovals. Don't ask me why--I feed them as treats typically, but they ARE feed and I figured, what the heck?
As bland and as boring as they appear, he seems to be eating them. A trick? Maybe. Maybe he thinks that he is just getting a couple of pounds of treats. Whatever!
I am also in the testing stages of treat *vessels* for the supplements. Today we tried an apple cinnamon cookie. Parlay ate it, but gave it the shrug. I am trying some home made treats that are soft and squishy with the hopes that I can *Trojan Horse* a bunch of gel caps into them, once I find one that is too good to pass up. So far, he hasn't cared for anything that I have slaved over.
Meanwhile, the other two "Air Ferns," are reaping the rewards. They get treats, leftover feed, whatever hay that Par doesn't eat... holy cow are they getting FAT!!
Of course, the total lack of riding could be contributing to THAT as well. =-(
(sigh)
Oh well, off to make the donuts (and next round of treats--oat and raisin next)
6 cc Lasix IV 2x a day
A quick update as I have got to get to work. It is SUPER HUMID and warm today and it seems to be making breathing a bit more difficult for Parlay. Either that, or I am just carrying on in my crazy ways. No comments, please!
Parlay seems pretty quiet and content, despite the heaviness of the air. He is loosing weight so rapidly it is almost scary. I would say that he has probably lost about 50 lbs in 2 weeks. It is driving me crazy.
I have had some success finding something he will eat. So far it has been Strategy Ovals. Don't ask me why--I feed them as treats typically, but they ARE feed and I figured, what the heck?
As bland and as boring as they appear, he seems to be eating them. A trick? Maybe. Maybe he thinks that he is just getting a couple of pounds of treats. Whatever!
I am also in the testing stages of treat *vessels* for the supplements. Today we tried an apple cinnamon cookie. Parlay ate it, but gave it the shrug. I am trying some home made treats that are soft and squishy with the hopes that I can *Trojan Horse* a bunch of gel caps into them, once I find one that is too good to pass up. So far, he hasn't cared for anything that I have slaved over.
Meanwhile, the other two "Air Ferns," are reaping the rewards. They get treats, leftover feed, whatever hay that Par doesn't eat... holy cow are they getting FAT!!
Of course, the total lack of riding could be contributing to THAT as well. =-(
(sigh)
Oh well, off to make the donuts (and next round of treats--oat and raisin next)
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Trying a Smorgasbord
56/18
6 CCs of Lasix 2x a day, IV.
It was quite rainy here, so I opted to leave all the boys inside. I thought that maybe dry and fluffy would be better than wet and sloppy. Plus, I felt like I could put out a bunch of food for Parlay and see what he might eat without being separated from his buddies or having to fight them off (which he just doesn't even do anymore--he just lets them eat whatever they want).
I am trying everything--Today he had in front of him...
1) Beet Pulp with Molasses
2) Equine Senior from Nutrena
3) Agway Superior Pellets
4) Nutrena XTN and Ultra
5) Hay and Hay Cubes
It's just not going well. He just looks at me with a sad face like nothing tastes good. I fed him several carrots (which he does like) and a few apple wafers(which he eats to be polite, but about 3 is the limit). I have to wonder if he is REALLY just holding out for carrots. Tons of them.
So, with all of those buckets lined up along a stall wall, I had to run to work. Leaving has been so difficult for me. I hate leaving Parlay home alone. I keep thinking that he might need something and I won't be around. That something terrible is going to occur when I least expect it. The anxiety is taking its toll on me and everyone around me, I am sure.
I ran down to the barn to check on things as soon as I got home. Parlay nibbled here and there, but there was nothing finished. He did, however, drink 5 gallons of Horse Quencher with some electrolyte in it. I am sure that there must be SOME caloric value to that stuff, right? I am thinking of adding FatCat to that concoction... I wonder if you can get a horse to drink Ensure? (kidding)
Parlay, of course, is taking it all in stride. I go out to see him with treats or a syringe of meds or yet another bucket of food and he just sighs. I check his pulse and respiration over and over again. I swear he is rolling his eyes at me. I am acting like a freak and even my HORSE knows it.
In other news, I have done quite a bit of research on the CoQ10 and Hawthorn supplementation and am ready to give it a try. Problem? The way that the product is delivered is in a gel capsule. The most effective way for the enzyme to work is in this delivery method. How do you give a horse a gel cap, much less 4-6 of them? My friend Gayle says try to hide it in a treat. I guess that is where I am headed. Now, I just need to find the perfect treat vessel! If this horse stops eating treats I am going to need some sort of meds myself!
Rain has slowed and I am getting the ESP message that the boys would like to be outside.
I'll be back...
6 CCs of Lasix 2x a day, IV.
It was quite rainy here, so I opted to leave all the boys inside. I thought that maybe dry and fluffy would be better than wet and sloppy. Plus, I felt like I could put out a bunch of food for Parlay and see what he might eat without being separated from his buddies or having to fight them off (which he just doesn't even do anymore--he just lets them eat whatever they want).
I am trying everything--Today he had in front of him...
1) Beet Pulp with Molasses
2) Equine Senior from Nutrena
3) Agway Superior Pellets
4) Nutrena XTN and Ultra
5) Hay and Hay Cubes
It's just not going well. He just looks at me with a sad face like nothing tastes good. I fed him several carrots (which he does like) and a few apple wafers(which he eats to be polite, but about 3 is the limit). I have to wonder if he is REALLY just holding out for carrots. Tons of them.
So, with all of those buckets lined up along a stall wall, I had to run to work. Leaving has been so difficult for me. I hate leaving Parlay home alone. I keep thinking that he might need something and I won't be around. That something terrible is going to occur when I least expect it. The anxiety is taking its toll on me and everyone around me, I am sure.
I ran down to the barn to check on things as soon as I got home. Parlay nibbled here and there, but there was nothing finished. He did, however, drink 5 gallons of Horse Quencher with some electrolyte in it. I am sure that there must be SOME caloric value to that stuff, right? I am thinking of adding FatCat to that concoction... I wonder if you can get a horse to drink Ensure? (kidding)
Parlay, of course, is taking it all in stride. I go out to see him with treats or a syringe of meds or yet another bucket of food and he just sighs. I check his pulse and respiration over and over again. I swear he is rolling his eyes at me. I am acting like a freak and even my HORSE knows it.
In other news, I have done quite a bit of research on the CoQ10 and Hawthorn supplementation and am ready to give it a try. Problem? The way that the product is delivered is in a gel capsule. The most effective way for the enzyme to work is in this delivery method. How do you give a horse a gel cap, much less 4-6 of them? My friend Gayle says try to hide it in a treat. I guess that is where I am headed. Now, I just need to find the perfect treat vessel! If this horse stops eating treats I am going to need some sort of meds myself!
Rain has slowed and I am getting the ESP message that the boys would like to be outside.
I'll be back...
Monday, July 20, 2009
I couldn't keep it to myself anymore...
I had to tell my son about our horse.
It was hard. It was horrible. But my son was awesome. Sad, yet supportive and thoughtful.
I felt that I needed to tell him because Parlay had a couple of bad readings over the previous 24 hours. Heart rate as high as 62 and respiration back at 28-30 with intermittent coughing and a nosebleed thrown in for good measure. Way to keep me on my toes, Parlay.
Anyway, having someone you live with "in the know," makes it a little bit more *real*. J keeps asking me about what comes next--funerals, gravestones, memorials-- he IS 9 after all... Answering questions about death and dying is like giving yourself permission to explore those things for yourself. You hate it, but know you have to face it. The questions come innocently and with very little preconceived notion--I guess that helps to ease the pain of the answer at times. However, now I have constant reminders of impending fate---not just visually from my observations of Parlay, but verbally from my ever-so-verbal son.
So, my weekend did revolve a bit around coddling everyone--Parlay, my son, my BF, my other pets and ME. It is a lot of work!! Physically and emotionally draining, I would say. Thankfully I did have some reprieve with a ride out on my Big Guy with a friend and some time at our local water park. Those were the longest two periods away from my home and horse for quite a few days. It worked out fine and I *think* I was not outwardly anxious about it.
Another cool event that occured was that my friend Beth came over to shoot some pictures on what turned out to be a glorious summer Saturday. J and I gave Parlay a bath and beautified him. He did look quite terrific. I have to figure out how to post some pictures on here... it's on the list!
We had fun chatting with Beth, snapping pictures and enjoying the day. My son explained, quite perfunctorily, that these might be some of Parlay's last photo opportunities due to his condition to Beth. It was interesting to observe how mature he was about it. It was wonderful to see Parlay striking a pose here and there and enjoying the attention.
This week I will be really working on my *alternative* nutrition plan along with dosing the Lasix. Par is totally off of the Dex at this point and I am quite glad about that. Not sure that whatever benefit it might have been providing was worth the risk.
I have been managing to get some electrolytes into him each day without too much forcing. I found a pelleted electrolyte from Platform that he seemed to eat (1x). I will have to see how that keeps up. He has also been getting some electrolyte in his afternoon "tea," of Horse Quencher, which I think he is actually enjoying.
Even with Parlay not eating as much of his grain as usual, he still appears to look "OK." He is such a hard keeper and I worry about him fading away to skin and bones--that is the LAST thing that I want to have happen! There is nothing as miserable to look at as a skinny horse! So, I am doing my research, gathering the suggestions and trying to keep him motivated to eat.
Last night P& R was at a more reasonable 56/18. The predicted weather this week may be hard on all of us. More to come...
It was hard. It was horrible. But my son was awesome. Sad, yet supportive and thoughtful.
I felt that I needed to tell him because Parlay had a couple of bad readings over the previous 24 hours. Heart rate as high as 62 and respiration back at 28-30 with intermittent coughing and a nosebleed thrown in for good measure. Way to keep me on my toes, Parlay.
Anyway, having someone you live with "in the know," makes it a little bit more *real*. J keeps asking me about what comes next--funerals, gravestones, memorials-- he IS 9 after all... Answering questions about death and dying is like giving yourself permission to explore those things for yourself. You hate it, but know you have to face it. The questions come innocently and with very little preconceived notion--I guess that helps to ease the pain of the answer at times. However, now I have constant reminders of impending fate---not just visually from my observations of Parlay, but verbally from my ever-so-verbal son.
So, my weekend did revolve a bit around coddling everyone--Parlay, my son, my BF, my other pets and ME. It is a lot of work!! Physically and emotionally draining, I would say. Thankfully I did have some reprieve with a ride out on my Big Guy with a friend and some time at our local water park. Those were the longest two periods away from my home and horse for quite a few days. It worked out fine and I *think* I was not outwardly anxious about it.
Another cool event that occured was that my friend Beth came over to shoot some pictures on what turned out to be a glorious summer Saturday. J and I gave Parlay a bath and beautified him. He did look quite terrific. I have to figure out how to post some pictures on here... it's on the list!
We had fun chatting with Beth, snapping pictures and enjoying the day. My son explained, quite perfunctorily, that these might be some of Parlay's last photo opportunities due to his condition to Beth. It was interesting to observe how mature he was about it. It was wonderful to see Parlay striking a pose here and there and enjoying the attention.
This week I will be really working on my *alternative* nutrition plan along with dosing the Lasix. Par is totally off of the Dex at this point and I am quite glad about that. Not sure that whatever benefit it might have been providing was worth the risk.
I have been managing to get some electrolytes into him each day without too much forcing. I found a pelleted electrolyte from Platform that he seemed to eat (1x). I will have to see how that keeps up. He has also been getting some electrolyte in his afternoon "tea," of Horse Quencher, which I think he is actually enjoying.
Even with Parlay not eating as much of his grain as usual, he still appears to look "OK." He is such a hard keeper and I worry about him fading away to skin and bones--that is the LAST thing that I want to have happen! There is nothing as miserable to look at as a skinny horse! So, I am doing my research, gathering the suggestions and trying to keep him motivated to eat.
Last night P& R was at a more reasonable 56/18. The predicted weather this week may be hard on all of us. More to come...
Saturday, July 18, 2009
The Follow Up Visit
After I posted yesterday, the vet came out to look at Parlay and see how things were going. She also came to give me new supplies for the injections which I find that I am quickly running through. Three needles a day at this point. I am going down to two this week.
Parlay had a heart rate of 54 and a respiratory rate of 28. "High," she commented.
She obviously didn't need to tell me. Historically, Parlay has always been on the upper end metabolically, even when quite fit, with a resting pulse of about 28-30 and a resting respiratory rate of about 12-14. I always just chalked it up to his *handicap* that both he and I decided long ago to basically ignore and to carry on doing what we did.
The vet bought out an assistant with her. She asked the assistant if she wanted to listen to the heart and lungs. Not surprisingly, after listening to Parlay's heart and lungs, the reaction followed suit with the many before. Not surprisingly, it didn't have the same effect of making me laugh out loud to observe that reaction like it had so many times before.
So, the vet was quiet and observant and noted that Par looked happy and bright (the handful of peppermints in my pocket probably had something to do with it). She listened to my thoughts about CoQ 10 and Hawthorn to be added to the diet (the diet of air, but more on that later) She agreed that we needed to figure out the lowest doseage of Lasix that he could exist comfortably on and reminded me of the electrolyte imbalance. She was gentle and kind to him AND to me. She is a great vet on many levels.
I asked her to go ahead and give him his next shot of Lasix since it was that time anyway. Parlay, of course, had just rolled in the nastiest, smelliest, soggiest part of the paddock--only on one side--so when he ambled up to me to be caught and I discovered this, I was appalled. However, I did get a chuckle about it because the vet is a total sanitary FREAK and was carefully scrounging around looking for a clean-ish spot to inject! Okay, I have a weird sense of humor, but it was nice to smile about soemthing. Parlay had a bit of a grin on too. I am sure of it.
As she was packing up to go, I talked to her quickly about the eating issue, or rather, the NON eating issue. Parlay has not completed a meal in a week. I think that he is living on treats with a few nutritious moments thrown in for good measure. She basically told me what I already know. He just doesn't feel good. I need to do what I can to encourage him to eat, so if it's treats he wants? Treats he gets! Carrots and Cones and Candy, OH MY! He is drinking okay and that is important, because dehydration on top of electrolyte imbalance would definitely be a wrench in the spokes.
The vet had one last comment before she drove away, "Why not feed him some Cheerios--they're Heart Healthy!"
Hmmm... not a bad thought.
Parlay had a heart rate of 54 and a respiratory rate of 28. "High," she commented.
She obviously didn't need to tell me. Historically, Parlay has always been on the upper end metabolically, even when quite fit, with a resting pulse of about 28-30 and a resting respiratory rate of about 12-14. I always just chalked it up to his *handicap* that both he and I decided long ago to basically ignore and to carry on doing what we did.
The vet bought out an assistant with her. She asked the assistant if she wanted to listen to the heart and lungs. Not surprisingly, after listening to Parlay's heart and lungs, the reaction followed suit with the many before. Not surprisingly, it didn't have the same effect of making me laugh out loud to observe that reaction like it had so many times before.
So, the vet was quiet and observant and noted that Par looked happy and bright (the handful of peppermints in my pocket probably had something to do with it). She listened to my thoughts about CoQ 10 and Hawthorn to be added to the diet (the diet of air, but more on that later) She agreed that we needed to figure out the lowest doseage of Lasix that he could exist comfortably on and reminded me of the electrolyte imbalance. She was gentle and kind to him AND to me. She is a great vet on many levels.
I asked her to go ahead and give him his next shot of Lasix since it was that time anyway. Parlay, of course, had just rolled in the nastiest, smelliest, soggiest part of the paddock--only on one side--so when he ambled up to me to be caught and I discovered this, I was appalled. However, I did get a chuckle about it because the vet is a total sanitary FREAK and was carefully scrounging around looking for a clean-ish spot to inject! Okay, I have a weird sense of humor, but it was nice to smile about soemthing. Parlay had a bit of a grin on too. I am sure of it.
As she was packing up to go, I talked to her quickly about the eating issue, or rather, the NON eating issue. Parlay has not completed a meal in a week. I think that he is living on treats with a few nutritious moments thrown in for good measure. She basically told me what I already know. He just doesn't feel good. I need to do what I can to encourage him to eat, so if it's treats he wants? Treats he gets! Carrots and Cones and Candy, OH MY! He is drinking okay and that is important, because dehydration on top of electrolyte imbalance would definitely be a wrench in the spokes.
The vet had one last comment before she drove away, "Why not feed him some Cheerios--they're Heart Healthy!"
Hmmm... not a bad thought.
Friday, July 17, 2009
And almost a week later...
This past week has been difficult with it's ups and downs and the emotional and physical toll that it takes.
Parlay is "stable," I guess. He is comfortable and quiet on the Lasix and now it is up to me and my vet to work out the details of keeping him this way for as long as is possible. Lasix will work--until it doesn't. I am guessing that when that time comes, that will be the end of my blog.
So, the work begins. Trying to devise a program that will keep Parlay happy and comfortable for as long as I can, until I can't. A weird thing to comprehend. But, it begins...
Lasix, being a strong diuretic, will completely devestate the electrolyte balance within his body. Electrolytes help to maintain heart function. Crazy, huh? The drug that is basically saving his life can also kill him by virtue of it's side effects. So an effective and palatable electrolyte supplement must be found.
Lasix also seems to be impacting his appetite. Never an easy keeper and somewhat of a picky eater, Parlay is pretty much not eating. No hiding supplements in grain, that is for sure. Definitely a wrench in the works.
What Parlay is getting is as much Nutrena Senior as he will eat, with some Empower and XTN to keep his weight and energy up. He finishes about 1/2 of his regular ration, but I show it to him several times a day. He *picks*.
Parlay is also out on the grass as much as is possible. He gets a tub with fresh water and a full bucket (about 4.5 gallons) of Horse Quencher with an electrolyte called "Apple A Day," added into it (THANKS SO MUCH LAUREN FOR THE DONATION!). He seems to pick away at it through the day and I am happy to see an empty bucket.
Parlay seems to be eating hay at night and in between feedings and pasture. He is also enjoying treats, like carrots, apple wafers, peppermints and rootbeer barrels... Not with a lot of vigor, but again, he never DID scoff down ANY food like he was starving. He obviously has lived a charmed life!
Speaking of charmed lives, I have to say that it is amazing how people have reacted to my news and have come to the rescue. My friend and her husband dropped by with their kids to bring me some hay to get me over the hump. They have no idea how much that helped me out, as I was within flakes of running totally out. Unfortunately, I had made plans to go and get hay last weekend when all of this tumult went down! I am still not sure how I would have managed without their help.
Quite a few people have sent me articles to look at, suggestions for feeding issues and generally a lot of support and prayer. I am so thankful for you all. It is a difficult time for me, watching my friend and partner declining, and having a support group is what is going to pull me through, I am sure.
So,in between panicked runs out to the paddock when I hear a cough or a sneeze--I can tell you that I have not had much luck leaving my house which is making working, living and being a Mom awfully difficult--I am doing quite a bit of research on the internet and phone about medications,supplements and nutracueticals that could possibly have a positive impact on things.
I am hoping and working towards a miracle. Why not? Parlay has beaten the odds on several other occassions---maybe he's still got it in him. Time will tell...
Parlay is "stable," I guess. He is comfortable and quiet on the Lasix and now it is up to me and my vet to work out the details of keeping him this way for as long as is possible. Lasix will work--until it doesn't. I am guessing that when that time comes, that will be the end of my blog.
So, the work begins. Trying to devise a program that will keep Parlay happy and comfortable for as long as I can, until I can't. A weird thing to comprehend. But, it begins...
Lasix, being a strong diuretic, will completely devestate the electrolyte balance within his body. Electrolytes help to maintain heart function. Crazy, huh? The drug that is basically saving his life can also kill him by virtue of it's side effects. So an effective and palatable electrolyte supplement must be found.
Lasix also seems to be impacting his appetite. Never an easy keeper and somewhat of a picky eater, Parlay is pretty much not eating. No hiding supplements in grain, that is for sure. Definitely a wrench in the works.
What Parlay is getting is as much Nutrena Senior as he will eat, with some Empower and XTN to keep his weight and energy up. He finishes about 1/2 of his regular ration, but I show it to him several times a day. He *picks*.
Parlay is also out on the grass as much as is possible. He gets a tub with fresh water and a full bucket (about 4.5 gallons) of Horse Quencher with an electrolyte called "Apple A Day," added into it (THANKS SO MUCH LAUREN FOR THE DONATION!). He seems to pick away at it through the day and I am happy to see an empty bucket.
Parlay seems to be eating hay at night and in between feedings and pasture. He is also enjoying treats, like carrots, apple wafers, peppermints and rootbeer barrels... Not with a lot of vigor, but again, he never DID scoff down ANY food like he was starving. He obviously has lived a charmed life!
Speaking of charmed lives, I have to say that it is amazing how people have reacted to my news and have come to the rescue. My friend and her husband dropped by with their kids to bring me some hay to get me over the hump. They have no idea how much that helped me out, as I was within flakes of running totally out. Unfortunately, I had made plans to go and get hay last weekend when all of this tumult went down! I am still not sure how I would have managed without their help.
Quite a few people have sent me articles to look at, suggestions for feeding issues and generally a lot of support and prayer. I am so thankful for you all. It is a difficult time for me, watching my friend and partner declining, and having a support group is what is going to pull me through, I am sure.
So,in between panicked runs out to the paddock when I hear a cough or a sneeze--I can tell you that I have not had much luck leaving my house which is making working, living and being a Mom awfully difficult--I am doing quite a bit of research on the internet and phone about medications,supplements and nutracueticals that could possibly have a positive impact on things.
I am hoping and working towards a miracle. Why not? Parlay has beaten the odds on several other occassions---maybe he's still got it in him. Time will tell...
But not today...
This past weekend, God tried to call one of His horses home.
I use the word “tried,” because my beloved Parlay was pretty close to leaving me for his place in Heaven when modern medicine came to my rescue and helped me to keep him here… for now.
Parlay has (and always has had) 2 significant heart murmurs. I have known about them since he was very young. It has never stopped us from doing EVERYTHING together—from long distance trail riding, to shows, to dressage, to horse camping---in the past 23 years, Parlay and I have covered a lot of ground, heart murmurs and all. Several vets have concurred that it has been his activity level that has kept him so fit and strong, even WITH the level of dysfunction within his heart.
It’s funny, because every time a new vet or vet tech takes out a stethoscope, I have to stifle my own laughter at the faces that they would make. They would get very pale; Most were speechless—horrified that they had discovered something that they would need to tell me about! Each would breathe a sigh of relief when I would confess that yes, I know all about it. The vet students at MidAtlantic usually line up to have a listen to the extraordinary heart sounds and Parlay is usually quite patient about the whole thing.
Anyway, this past spring was hard on my 25 year old man. He was having recurring nose bleeds and coughing and sneezing quite a bit. Rather than just chalking it up to allergies I chose to have him 'scoped. Nothing showed up that was out of the ordinary, except that he seemed to be having some major inflammatory response to the allergens this year. Maybe the rain and the mold? It seemed logical. Long story short, we went home with some steroids, antibiotics and instructions to monitor the hay and grass closely.
I don’t know when it began to worsen, but I become acutely aware of the fact that Parlay was breathing more rapidly and a bit more shallow than normal. And that heart of his really seemed to be working overtime. I took his pulse and respiration and found it to be high for him---46/32. Hmmm… not right. Not at rest. So, a quick call to the vet and some Deximethisone and Trihist, and he seemed to improve.
Over the next couple of days, the pulse and respiration were up and down. Wetting the hay and feed, changing him to pasture... no huge change for the better, but some hints of improvement. Odd, but then again, it’s just allergies, right?
Then came this past Friday night. Parlay was just not right during the day. He seemed overly anxious. Downright spooky. I brought him out to eat his dinner and while he was eating, I found that his heart rate was at 56 and his respiration at 54. I was in a panic. I gave him an IM shot of Dex at this point and watched him through the night. Not much improvement, although he did seem relieved to have me at his side. OH, and to eat as many carrots as he could scoff up, all the while making naughty faces at his pasturemates.
A call to Mid A in the morning and I was advised to triple the dose of Dex as an IV shot. I followed the directions and still found that Parlay’s vitals were now at 68/72 (pulse/respiration) A follow up dose of Banamine. Nothing was bringing the vitals under control. And, most distressing, the rythym of the heartbeat was off. Missing beats and fluttering at times. My heart and my head were now pounding too.
I was quickly coming to the realization that I was not doing combat with allergies. This was definitely not a reaction to mold spores or spring grass. The vet at Mid A said it aloud and my local vet all but confirmed my fear---Parlay’s heart appears to be failing. What we were experiencing was fluid build up around his heart and within his lungs. His anxiety was probably due to the feeling of constriction in his chest and the feeling of suffocation. As stoic as he can be, it took more than a day of struggling to finally take it's toll enough for him to ask for help!
Thank God for modern medicine and a drug called Lasix. Lasix is a heavy duty diuretic that helps the body to remove excess fluid. It is keeping my old man comfortable and alive… for now. I feel so blessed to have more time to spoil him and remind him of how much I love him. He is restful and relaxed and back to his old antics of bossing everyone around. I now have more time to prepare myself for what is coming.
I know that he is slipping away now, as the prognosis is quite grave for congenital/congestive heart failure.
But I also know that when it comes to heart Parlay has given me his in every way. For now, I will cherish each Doctor-given moment that Par remains here with me on Earth, knowing full well that God is continuing to prepare a place in His pasture for one of the most wonderful horses that has ever graced this planet.
So, with 23 years of partnership behind us, we are still counting the breaths and the minutes. I had always liked to believe that Parlay would live forever…LONG LIVE THE KING! And, I guess that he will--in MY heart.
Thanks for letting me vent. Keep us in your prayers.
All the Best,
Melissa and Parlay
I use the word “tried,” because my beloved Parlay was pretty close to leaving me for his place in Heaven when modern medicine came to my rescue and helped me to keep him here… for now.
Parlay has (and always has had) 2 significant heart murmurs. I have known about them since he was very young. It has never stopped us from doing EVERYTHING together—from long distance trail riding, to shows, to dressage, to horse camping---in the past 23 years, Parlay and I have covered a lot of ground, heart murmurs and all. Several vets have concurred that it has been his activity level that has kept him so fit and strong, even WITH the level of dysfunction within his heart.
It’s funny, because every time a new vet or vet tech takes out a stethoscope, I have to stifle my own laughter at the faces that they would make. They would get very pale; Most were speechless—horrified that they had discovered something that they would need to tell me about! Each would breathe a sigh of relief when I would confess that yes, I know all about it. The vet students at MidAtlantic usually line up to have a listen to the extraordinary heart sounds and Parlay is usually quite patient about the whole thing.
Anyway, this past spring was hard on my 25 year old man. He was having recurring nose bleeds and coughing and sneezing quite a bit. Rather than just chalking it up to allergies I chose to have him 'scoped. Nothing showed up that was out of the ordinary, except that he seemed to be having some major inflammatory response to the allergens this year. Maybe the rain and the mold? It seemed logical. Long story short, we went home with some steroids, antibiotics and instructions to monitor the hay and grass closely.
I don’t know when it began to worsen, but I become acutely aware of the fact that Parlay was breathing more rapidly and a bit more shallow than normal. And that heart of his really seemed to be working overtime. I took his pulse and respiration and found it to be high for him---46/32. Hmmm… not right. Not at rest. So, a quick call to the vet and some Deximethisone and Trihist, and he seemed to improve.
Over the next couple of days, the pulse and respiration were up and down. Wetting the hay and feed, changing him to pasture... no huge change for the better, but some hints of improvement. Odd, but then again, it’s just allergies, right?
Then came this past Friday night. Parlay was just not right during the day. He seemed overly anxious. Downright spooky. I brought him out to eat his dinner and while he was eating, I found that his heart rate was at 56 and his respiration at 54. I was in a panic. I gave him an IM shot of Dex at this point and watched him through the night. Not much improvement, although he did seem relieved to have me at his side. OH, and to eat as many carrots as he could scoff up, all the while making naughty faces at his pasturemates.
A call to Mid A in the morning and I was advised to triple the dose of Dex as an IV shot. I followed the directions and still found that Parlay’s vitals were now at 68/72 (pulse/respiration) A follow up dose of Banamine. Nothing was bringing the vitals under control. And, most distressing, the rythym of the heartbeat was off. Missing beats and fluttering at times. My heart and my head were now pounding too.
I was quickly coming to the realization that I was not doing combat with allergies. This was definitely not a reaction to mold spores or spring grass. The vet at Mid A said it aloud and my local vet all but confirmed my fear---Parlay’s heart appears to be failing. What we were experiencing was fluid build up around his heart and within his lungs. His anxiety was probably due to the feeling of constriction in his chest and the feeling of suffocation. As stoic as he can be, it took more than a day of struggling to finally take it's toll enough for him to ask for help!
Thank God for modern medicine and a drug called Lasix. Lasix is a heavy duty diuretic that helps the body to remove excess fluid. It is keeping my old man comfortable and alive… for now. I feel so blessed to have more time to spoil him and remind him of how much I love him. He is restful and relaxed and back to his old antics of bossing everyone around. I now have more time to prepare myself for what is coming.
I know that he is slipping away now, as the prognosis is quite grave for congenital/congestive heart failure.
But I also know that when it comes to heart Parlay has given me his in every way. For now, I will cherish each Doctor-given moment that Par remains here with me on Earth, knowing full well that God is continuing to prepare a place in His pasture for one of the most wonderful horses that has ever graced this planet.
So, with 23 years of partnership behind us, we are still counting the breaths and the minutes. I had always liked to believe that Parlay would live forever…LONG LIVE THE KING! And, I guess that he will--in MY heart.
Thanks for letting me vent. Keep us in your prayers.
All the Best,
Melissa and Parlay
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