Prayers for Patrick…
It’s been a solemn here at the farm, and to say we
that are heart broken doesn’t even begin to describe our emotions. Recently,
Pat went lame, and since has been diagnosed with DSLD - an incurable,
inherited, disease of certain horse breeds that causes the breakdown of tendons
and ligaments throughout the entire body, showing first as hind or front leg
lameness. Unfortunately, it is not a survivable disease, but in some cases, it
can be managed for a long time. Each horse is different, and some live on for
days or months, while others can hold on comfortably for years.
In Pat’s case, our veterinarian decided to forgo western
medicine and began treating his whole body rather than the just the pain– she
feels that managing the pain with drugs does not help the body fight the
disease, but if she treats the body so that it fights the disease, that in
itself will relieve the pain and allow him a longer, comfortable life. With
this in mind, she immediately put him on gut buffers, nutrients, etc, and a
rice bran/ linseed meal feed mix (she plans to add canola to it soon) - no
grain, no sugar, no meds. She also started chiropractic sessions and is working
with our farrier on his hooves to move his toes back. She also recommended giving
him as much turnout as possible, saying that “movement is life”.
Because there is no cure, what we are working for is to keep
him moving and out of pain for as long as possible. Our hopes for him are
optimistic but guarded…he has been doing well since the treatment plan started
(with the understanding that the damage already done can’t be repaired), yet
there is no way of knowing if, or how long, this might continue. We have made
the decision that we won’t let him suffer, live without dignity, or without
quality of life. Sadly, we know that we will have to act on this decision some
time in the future. With DSLD, all time is borrowed. All time is a gift.
Many of you may know Pat from visits to the farm, through
the blog, or from posts I’ve made on face book. Pat has always been the horse
our friends are drawn to first when they come to see the farm. He has always
been the most outgoing, laid back, and friendliest. Some of you may have had
the chance to ride him. Some of you may have even gotten ‘lipped” by Pat, as he
has always greeted people by working his lips across their hand to say
“hello”…and if you were brave enough to lean in with your lips, you most likely
got kissed. Even now, I can lean in and get a kiss anytime, every time.
It doesn’t seem possible that this horse, who is the leader
of our small herd, the youngest, and the gentlest, could be struck so hard and
so fast. It doesn’t seem fair at all. It is said that everything happens for a
reason…and I have to believe that it is true, even if I don’t see it or
understand it now.
No comments:
Post a Comment