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...