Rashad

[shewasmyshadow]

Rashad is not doing the greatest. He's not eating much today and not drinking near enough for our 90+ degrees. His skin is tenting. He's unusually social. Not pooping regularly. Seems slightly depressed.

I called the vet and he said we should have Rashad checked again asap. So, we're doing another check today at 3:30pm. I'm getting electrolytes on the way down and going to try those too.

Generally, I'm a complete wreck. The emotional ups/downs are really getting to me. I could tell it was getting to Faith too.

He's just such a great horse. This isn't some dead-head horse. This is THE HORSE. The horse that every girl dreams of. The horse that fulfills every fantasy. The horse that makes your dreams reality. He's sweet, kind, patient and loving.

What will we do without him? No one can fill his shoes. Who will teach my son to ride? Who will finish teaching Faith's kids to ride?:cry:

Most of all I wonder how we will know when to let him go?

[prissy18]

aww hunny im sorry your going through this. Bell was the same way. She was my dream. But she got sick one day wouldnt eat or drink and she had coliced three days before. She was 28. My parents didnt tell me but they were gonna put her down but she let herself go peacefully. If it comes down to you guys having to if he is suffering to much it wouldnt be fair to let him suffer. It may be hard but he will never be gone. I can promise you that. I am here for you guys. (((HUGS))) If you cant get on or just wanna talk call me. Ill pm ya the number.

[Horseaholic]

I'm sorry. I'm hoping for a good report from the vet. Hang in there Rashad.

[WashingtonBay]

I think you'll know when there is no more you can do.

Is a bad day or a bad week enough to call it quits? No... but a bad life, with no hope of it getting better, is. And then it's sad, but you know it's inevitable and you can come to peace with that.

Did you run a blood panel last time? I would run one this time. It can tell you a lot about what's happening inside, and, in turn, what to do about it. I think it's $60 for this from my vet.

[shewasmyshadow]

Oh, I would never let him suffer. I just wonder about letting him go before it gets to that point. He's AMAZINGLY stoic and doesn't show pain. He seems happy still, but knowing him he could be in great pain and never show it.

[shewasmyshadow]

I'll ask the vet about the blood panel. Thanks for suggesting it.

[WashingtonBay]

Oh, I would never let him suffer. I just wonder about letting him go before it gets to that point. He's AMAZINGLY stoic and doesn't show pain. He seems happy still, but knowing him he could be in great pain and never show it.

I know you wouldn't let him suffer.

My pony never had pain. Pain makes it easier to decide. But she stopped having joy. She was enduring life, not living it. She wasn't interested in anything any more. That's when we knew.

[Gypsy Rose]

I'm so sorry Rashad's taken a turn for the worse!

Hopefully, you'll be able to find out what's going on. I think knowing is half the battle, even when it comes to having our beloved animals put down. It's the not knowing whether you should or shouldn't have done something that will drive you nuts.

Keeping my fingers crossed for him!

[pandorasmom]

Ditto to GR! I'm keeping my fingers crossed and you'll all be in my thoughts and prayers!

We're rootin' for you Rashad!

[Toodlestoo]

I'm praying!

[shewasmyshadow]

Thanks everyone. I don't know why, but I have this awful feeling...

[lovesfortune]

My pony never had pain. Pain makes it easier to decide. But she stopped having joy. She was enduring life, not living it. She wasn't interested in anything any more. That's when we knew.

well said WB.

[WashingtonBay]

Well, if you expect the worst, you can't be disappointed, right?

Except I do know that the roller coaster of emotions, ups and downs, does take it's toll. It's exhausting, no question. But I guess when we love something or someone for life, we agree to ride that coaster. You can't get off it till it's over, no matter how bad you want to. ;)

When it's really over, I hope you can feel pride and relief that you were there to oversee the whole story that was the second half of Rashad's life. Living and loving is the good parts, and the sad parts. Whether that's now, or five years from now, after a few more summers and winters and ups and downs.

[PaintedDreamer_0110]

Prayers for you, FW and especially Rashad. (((HUGS))) :grouphug:

[JackieB]

WB is offering great words of wisdom, SWMS. Based on the time of the appt., I can see that you must be with Rashad right now. So, we'll just be thinking of you, him, and Farmers until we hear from you a little later.

[natisha]

Rashad is so beautiful. I'm sorry this is happening. Hoping for the best.

[miatapony]

Ill keep him in my thoughts and love FAITH and SHESMYSHADOW hang in there girls.. ok

[Mountain Creek]

Sending vibes and hugs!

[vicklynn]

Oh hon, I am sorry you are going through this. I know you must be hearting with knowing what the possibility is. Big hugs to you both.
((HUGS))

[SedonaThunder]

I'm so sorry to hear that Rashad didn't bounce back like we'd all hoped. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

[Gliderider]

Prayers and hugs

[shewasmyshadow]

UPDATE:

Can I just say one thing... "I LOVE MY VET!" He got there before me and called me right away. Said, "Where are you!!" The minute I pulled into the driveway he was hustling into Rashad's pen like one of his family members was dying in there!! You can tell he really likes Rashad. He did the exam real quick and then said, "Well, I feared the worst... But, Rashad seems pretty good!" After he knew Rashad was okay, then he went over him again slower. He said his gums looked good for hydration. His skin tenting is not as good of a measure of hydration as checking the gums he said. He said in foals it works, but with adult horses gums are more accurate. Then, he took blood for another blood panel. He gave Rashad a shot of Banimine (sp?) and said it might perk him up enough to get him eating/drinking. If Rashad could eat/drink then he might be able to spring back easier. He said continue the antibiotic meds and the ulcer meds just in case. He's running the blood into the lab tonight and will have the results by morning. That way we can change the regiment if needed. I got Rashad started on a kibble electrolyte and made sure he has access to 2 water sources.

After the vet left I let Rashad out in the big grassy fenced area by the barn. My son and I just sat in the shade and let him graze. He ate steadily for probably 2 hours. When we put him back in he starting eating his grain!!

So, he did seem sluggish and not himself when we got there, but when we left he seemed in good spirits. :)

[vicklynn]

Good to hear that he was feeling better when you left.
Hopefully the blood work will help with what ever the issue is.

[Toodlestoo]

Oh, wonderful news. Can't wait to see what the blood panel shows. Hopefully, you're on the right track with meds. Good work SWMS--you're giving him the best care available and you can't do much better than that! Still praying for the old guy.

[prissy18]

So glad he is doing better!

[cyb]

Hope he continues to feel better!

[WashingtonBay]

Good... when you get the results back, do you have a way to copy or scan them so they can post?

I have looked at a lot of blood reports lately, and I'd like to see his. Sedona gave me a nifty document I can try to figure out how to post, that explains what each measurement ~means~

[JetLagaside]

I'm so glad he was feeling better by the time you left.

[Gypsy Rose]

Glad Rashad seems to be perking up!

Hopefully, the bloodwork will explain what's going on.

[Ranger44]

Glad to hear things are better again. Faith and I talked about him and yes she is worried. I'm hoping she got into cell phone coverage when she was riding and got to call you. If I see her in the morning I'll fill her in if you haven't.

Good luck. Sending thoughts and prayers to you.

[shewasmyshadow]

I talked to Faith. Was on the phone with Vicklynn when she called, but she kept calling!! I was afraid she thought Rashad was dead or something. So, I said goodbye to Vick and called her back. She did seem worried. A good vet check made us all feel better I think. Rashad continues to steal hearts, though. I set my little boy up on him while he grazed and for the first time Ethan didn't ask to get down. In fact, he didn't want to get off!! There is something magical about Rashad. :)

[lovesfortune]

looking forward to more good news tomorrow, or at least some answers with the blood test results.

[~*Domino*~]

Sending good thought and prayers!

[Remali]

Oh gosh I was worried when I first saw this thread..... I'm so glad Rashad is doing better. It's tough when they keep going up and down. My mare Kara did that, for about four months she'd get worse, then better, then worse....it about killed me from worrying about her so much. That's nice you've got such a good vet, that means everything. Hoping Rashad continues to improve.

[JackieB]

That's terrific news. The blood panel is very important. You'll have a lot of information about how the organs are functioning when he gets the results. As WB suggested, I would definitely ask for a copy for yourself and scan and post it here. You'll get a lot of valuable advice.

[shewasmyshadow]

I will ask for a copy. I know my vet can be a little scatter brained, but he is very good and he really gets attached to his "patients". I feel so blessed that he is as concerned with Rashad as we are. The other vet didn't seem to care at all. He would not come out in the middle of night and basically said, "Let it run it's course..." which to me means, "Let the horse die."

[shewasmyshadow]

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs173.snc1/6493_121211300951_514475951_2877544_2404157_n.jpg
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6493_121211325951_514475951_2877548_979183_n.jpg
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6493_121211330951_514475951_2877549_3188912_n.jpg

And this is why he is great with kids...
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6493_121211375951_514475951_2877556_3776314_n.jpg
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6493_121211395951_514475951_2877560_3522943_n.jpg
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs173.snc1/6493_121211420951_514475951_2877565_8346486_n.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6493_121211445951_514475951_2877568_402783_n.jpg

Here's the album link if you want to look at them all...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=114853&id=514475951&l=8c84753d95

[lovesfortune]

what sweet pictures of your son and Rashad. :)

[oursarge]

I hope all will be well, my Dommie was my dream horse, I have never met such a good horse since and I've met alot of them. I hope all will be well for awhile more, a good vet means everything and the blood panel can help alot. Good Luck, only thinking good thoughts.

[Steelhorserider]

Sending good thoughts and vibes for Rashad. Thanks for keeping us posted.

[Gypsy Rose]

Rashad reminds me so much of a gray Arab stallion I used to know. You had to keep telling yourself he was a stallion, because unless there was a mare in heat around, he sure didn't act like it!

Just like Rashad has done for you and your family, he taught me a lot about being around horses and even riding (under controlled conditons, of course!). I was a bit older, but I do remember kids being able to be around him, and he actually enjoyed it.

Horses like Rashad are one in a million, and have your heart for life. Hopefully, he'll bounce back entirely to his old self, and will be around for many years yet.

[MyMia]

What a great picture of your son grinning on Rashad's back!

Any news on the blood work yet?

I hope he continues to bounce back and feels like his old self again!

[Remali]

Your son is just so darn cute. Makes me wish I'd had kids....seriously, he's adorable!

Rashad is looking good!

[shewasmyshadow]

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6493_121211395951_514475951_2877560_3522943_n.jpg

Thanks. We think he's pretty special, too. :) We framed this one and it's on our mantle.

[shewasmyshadow]

I plan to wait until noon until calling the vet about the results.

[farmers_wife]

Rashad is doing good today. He is eating and drinking. Lets hope he keeps that up. the test will not be there till tomorrow. I hope they come back good. But I so hope they can tell us something.

[WashingtonBay]

OK. We'll keep waiting on the results.

I'm glad he's feeling well today :)

[PaintedDreamer_0110]

Thats great news:)hopefully Rashad is on the mend

[doc_western]

Glad he's doing better today. :) You guys are all in my thoughts... Rashad is such a special horse- those pictures are precious. Please give him an extra hug for me, okay?

[farmers_wife]

I know SWMS will post also but the blood work came back and the white bloods cells were good but the red blood cells were not. So I believe he said it is not cancer but could be an bleeding ulcer or tumors. He ate all his food again today and he is out grazing with Dolly and Buttercup. So hopefully it is ulcers and we can take care of thet with meds.

[Gypsy Rose]

Are there going to be any more tests done to try and determine which it is? Or just treatment for ulcers and see how he does?

[Jump The Moon]

*hugs* I hope he's okay, we're here for you :(

[shewasmyshadow]

You can tell I'm stressed when I can't remember to post the blood work results on my thread. :rolleyes: I guess I'm in an emotional haze.

Yes, the results came back. He said the CBC (?) came back normal and the blood panel came back pretty good. White blood count is normal, kidney and liver functions look fine. However, red blood count is down. He said, to him that means bleeding ulcer or possible tumor. He said there was no signs of anything infectious.

I asked him for a copy for the blood results and there shows the main flaw of my vet. He is hopelessly unorganized and a request like that is almost impossible for him to grant. I asked him to please bring it with next time he came and said, I would remind him.