Relative Something

Progress is slow, but at least it’s progress in a direction of improvement. Saturday morning, as I was about to serve feed to the three horses, Cyndie showed up to help after flying to Minneapolis from Chicago at around midnight, sleeping about 4 hours at her friend’s home, and driving for an hour to Wintervale.

Mix has been receiving pain medication and was served a salty soup of mostly water and a little of her senior feed. I was feeling upbeat about her progress; however, a short time later, we found her lying down in the small paddock. 

Normally, the horses lie down to nap in a deep sleep for 5-10 minutes at a time, but they will get up if someone comes close. Mix showed no interest in getting up, similar to the way I found her out in the hay field Friday morning. Even though Cyndie and I showed up to encourage Mix, and Light came over to persuade her, Mix stayed on the ground for at least 45 minutes.

We feared the worst again. Patience is helpful in times like this, as I am learning once more. When Mix was finally ready to stand up, she gave the appearance that the rest had done her good. The front leg that seems to be the primary source of her pain does not present a visible problem in the hoof, but her knee looks pretty swollen.

The time on the ground had reduced the swelling, and she was showing good interest in eating.

We were happy to find Mix upright this morning, but she didn’t want to do much walking. It’s funny that she makes the huge effort to limp her way toward the feed station, but then stops one step short and strains her neck to reach.

Cyndie gladly rearranges things to make things as easy as possible.

I suggested she try some energy healing on Mix’s knee, and Mix seemed more than happy to let her. Cyndie has also been focusing on the hoof, but there is no evidence of an abscess yet, beyond a little warmth felt externally.

We are making extra effort to keep Mix drinking because we fear the sore leg is keeping her from walking to the waterer, which triggers the problems with digestion from dehydration. 

It will be nice to get her past this leg/hoof problem so we can see the 3-horse herd normalize in adjustment to the departure of Mia. Last night, when it was time for another dose of pain medication, we found all three horses out in the far end of the hay field, so there are hints of normalcy emerging.

I just need to remain patient and remember that healing will happen slowly.