I took full advantage of the nice weather we've been having and saddled up my horse, Scotch.
That first ride after winter is so incredibly filled with joy. This year was extra special.
A few months ago, Scotch suddenly stopped eating. So, a veterinarian call and x-rays led us to believe there was an issue with his TMJ joint, commonly known as the jaw joint, which would explain his trouble in being able to eat.
The vet suggested four weeks of antibiotics. I also mixed up a wet, soaked feed mash twice a day and chopped up hay in small pieces to make it easier for him to eat.
It wasn't looking great for him. I thought I was going to have to say goodbye.
It was the middle of winter, and he was losing weight and could hardly eat.
The antibiotics did not improve the situation, but he had great spirit and tried his best.
I told myself, and him, that as long as he continued to try, I would too. The vet sent the x-rays to the University of Wisconsin-Madison for a second opinion. They suggested injecting the joint with a type of steroid. My local vet had not done that before but was willing to give it a try. So, we did, and each day after that procedure, Scotch made improvements.
He is now eating hay without it being chopped up and continues to improve each day. After all that commotion, and unsureness, you can imagine my excitement to sit in the saddle again and enjoy springtime and my favorite hobby.
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