Plain Jane

Yesterday we did a lot of odds and ends. I got to watch a neurologic horse exam, help the farrier put shoes on an uncooperative mare, and practice my suturing. This morning I watched a bilateral hock arthroscopy surgery, and in the afternoon I met Plain Jane, or PJ as her owner calls her. She is a 20 year old Quarter horse mare with laminitis in both of her front legs. I posted pictures in a previous blog that showed what a normal hoof should look like and what a laminitic hoof can look like http://suchatimeasthis-rachel.blogspot.com/2012/05/laminitic-horse-and-mysterious-bull.html . Poor PJ is very uncomfortable and we are doing the best that we can to try to treat this difficult disease. We put foam padding on all four of her feet and she is getting her front feet iced 24/7 for the next 2-3 days, which is an intensive treatment as the ice often needs to be changed every hour. She is also on pain medications. I wish we were allowed to take pictures of patients in the hospital. She is such a sweetheart and has stood still for everything I've needed to do--a rare patient indeed. I was at the hospital until 7:00 tonight taking care of her and I'll be back in at 7:00 tomorrow morning. I would love to see this mare pull through. Her owner has had her for 18 years and adores her, and rightfully so. I don't think you will find a more docile horse anywhere. Keep your fingers crossed for PJ! Hopefully we can turn her around.