This message is from: Marge Littleboy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Brian,
I want to thank you for all the information you have provided all of us on the issue of founder. I thought I would pass onto the list an update on Asta and her founder. First a quick history for those new to the list. At the end of April we (my husband Bill and I) had our vet out to give the ponies their Spring series of shots - which both have had in past years without a problem. The first couple of days after the shots Asta seemed a little touchy, we board and were not out to the barn, so we did not know this. The soreness continued and we were informed that Asta was very sore. When we got to the barn, she could not walk, had a fever, and was in very severe pain. Original x-rays showed that there was no rotation of the coffin bone. Treatment included, pain medications, nitroglycerin ointment (applied just below the fetlock area - to dilate the blood vessels), anti-inflammatory medications, and DMSO given through a tube into the stomach. (A treatment used to help get toxins out of the system.) This was not a grass founder, but weight was probably a contributing factor. Since the initial episode she has had 3 more flare ups, each time seeming as bad or worse than the initial episode. She ended up in heartbars, with toe resections done on both front feet. We did get the back x-rayed and they are fine. The fronts are now at about a 15 degree rotation. The last bad episode we began taping 12 degree wedge pads over the heartbars, which did two things: first it relieved some of the tension from the deep flexor tendon pulling down on the coffin bone, and second it provided protection for the sole - which, at the toe on each front foot, had an area crescent shaped about one inch wide by two inches long, that was soft and oozing. She eventually lost a portion of the sole, but with the wedges was comfortable on 1 gram of bute twice a day. Where we stand now. A week ago Monday we had our regular farrier out, and he gave us our first ray of hope in this long process. He removed the heartbars, trimmed down the toe, and he made hospital plates that bolt onto the shoe - so we can remove them to dress the sole. Asta had to stand for some time, as the plates were cut to the shape of the shoe as we waited - an they were cut out of steel - not aluminum - so it took time. She stood barefoot on a dirt floor, and actually feel asleep. She loves the shoes, there is no chance for bruising, so she is very comfortable. Bernie thinks we may be able to do some light driving with her next year. We have been hoping to keep her alive so that we can get her bred, but to be able to drive would be an added blessing. During all of this we have had her on thyroid medication ( her levels were off when tested) and have gotten 250 pounds off of her. She is back out on pasture - mowed short, not much to eat, but she is content. It has been an ordeal, and hopefully we are past the worst. Brian I can not thank you enough for your encouragement and support. That is it for now. Marge Littleboy
