My Horse Is Healing But It’s Been Slow Going…

Sunset1

March 30, 2016

I want to thank all the wonderful readers of this blog for your kind words of support concerning my horse. I can’t tell you how much it means to me.  Please know your encouragement and well wishes boosted my spirits tremendously!

Howls to all,

Nabeki

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Hello Warriors,

Finally, after 2 1/2 months, my horse’s wound is finally healing. I hope the picture doesn’t gross you out but wanted to share with you how devastating a wound it was. It’s been a long road, I didn’t know if he would recover from such an injury but hoped with good vet and nursing care he would heal. With every 3-4 day dressing changes, that were quite involved and antibiotic therapy he finally turned the corner. It’s really a miracle he was able to come back from this.

Then

Initial wound 1_16_16

Dressed Wound 1-31-16

Dressed wound 1_31_16

Three Weeks Ago

Injury March 2016

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Unfortunately today he ripped the scab off for the second time ):

Will keep everyone posted when it finally heals.  At least he’s not lame but he’ll definitely have a scar.

Many Howls,

Nabeki

Published in: on March 28, 2016 at 12:57 am  Comments (48)  

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48 CommentsLeave a comment

  1. On March 28, 2016 at 1:23 am Pat said:

    so sorry – I know taking care of sick animal is really difficult BUT rewarding – requires a lot of love! what happened to him?

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    • On March 28, 2016 at 1:46 am Nabeki said:

      Pat, Thanks for the kind words. Nobody is quite sure how he did it. No sharp places anywhere or barbed wire. The theory is he somehow got his leg stuck between the metal fencing and gate, then spooked and pulled it out fast, ripping his leg open. So it remains a mystery.

      Howls,
      Nabeki

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  2. On March 28, 2016 at 1:38 am Giovannoni Claudine said:

    Each sentient being need us to care about them… They all deserve our deep respect and love. You did an act of pure beauty! :-)c

    Liked by 1 person

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    • On March 28, 2016 at 1:48 am Nabeki said:

      Giovannoni Claudine, thanks so much. I’ll tell you those dressing changes were really tough. He did NOT like anyone messing with his leg, especially in the beginning, so I still can’t believe we got through it. Now if he would stop knocking off the scab we’d be in business!

      Howls,
      Nabeki

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  3. On March 28, 2016 at 3:18 am tristtan said:

    Your love and dedication is amazing. I had to nurse my horse through a nasty wound too. It is tough but rewarding. I suggest you put your horse on probiotics to counteract the antibiotics. Healthy gut flora is essential to health whatever species you are.

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    • On March 30, 2016 at 1:36 am Nabeki said:

      Hi tristtan, I’m a big believer in probiotics, so I use them regularly for my horses. I actually take them myself. Thanks so much for your kind words.

      Many Howls,
      Nabeki

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  4. On March 28, 2016 at 3:54 am natureinverse said:

    I am so happy for your and your horse. Good karma!

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    • On March 30, 2016 at 1:38 am Nabeki said:

      natureinverse, thanks for sending good karma our way, it’s much appreciated.

      Howls,
      Nabeki

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  5. On March 28, 2016 at 4:08 am CM said:

    Good to see, you have come so far. Hearty Get Well-wishes from Denmark/Europe.

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    • On March 30, 2016 at 1:40 am Nabeki said:

      CM, so glad to hear from you all the way from Denmark!

      Howls from the Northern Rockies,
      Nabeki

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  6. On March 28, 2016 at 4:09 am Joseph Iannuzzi said:

    I am confident your horse will be fine, happy and healthy once again. Keep up the good work. Animal lovers obtain great satisfaction whenever we nurture and care for those we love so much.

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    • On March 30, 2016 at 1:41 am Nabeki said:

      Joseph Iannuzzi, Thanks so much for your kind words. It’s been rough going but we’ve finally turned the corner. Now if I can just get him to stop knocking off his scab (:

      Howls,
      Nabeki

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    • On March 30, 2016 at 2:22 am Nabeki said:

      Thanks so much Joseph (:

      Lots and lots of howls to you,
      Nabeki

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  7. On March 28, 2016 at 4:16 am joan daniels said:

    I just know your horse will be fine with your TLC, love and great vet care. I nursed a llama with a 12″ wound that opened after surgery to remove dead fetus. She had a 50/50 chance, but she and I got through it.

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    • On March 30, 2016 at 1:43 am Nabeki said:

      joan daniels, what an amazing feat you accomplished with your llama. Thank goodness you both got through it. Love and dedication are the key.

      Many howls and best wishes,
      Nabeki

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  8. On March 28, 2016 at 5:07 am lindabadham said:

    Poor horse , am so happy the wound is healing , my goodness it was Nasty and looked so painful . Sending healing thoughts x

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    • On March 30, 2016 at 2:21 am Nabeki said:

      lindabadham, It was one nasty wound and he also had a sprained tendon which is why it swelled so much. But we’ve turned the corner thank goodness. Much appreciate your healing thoughts!

      Many howls,
      Nabeki

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  9. On March 28, 2016 at 5:13 am Lynne stone said:

    The scab itches so he wants to scratch it. At least that was the case with the horses I had. Not sure how to prevent it. Good to hear there is no barbwire around. Sending my best.

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    • On March 30, 2016 at 2:20 am Nabeki said:

      So great to hear from you Lynne. I think he keeps knocking it off when he rolls. The other day I was spraying the aluminum bandage on his wound and he spooked and took off, using my foot as a spring board, so now I need a bandage…lol.

      Many, many howls to you,
      Nabeki

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  10. On March 28, 2016 at 5:16 am Anne said:

    Heart felt prayers to you. Can’t tell you how deeply I feel for you because of the pain you are feeling. I wish there was a way that could prevent him from removing his bandages and opening his wound. I’m sure if there was a way your vet would know.
    I just looked up ways to stop a horse from removing his bandages. Some people suggested putting hot sauce on the outside of the bandage, but I think I would give this other idea a shot first. Somebody has a horse that had a severe leg injury that wouldn’t heal because…the horse kept removing the bandages. So, this is what he did, which in his case did work;
    “After I wrap them I put Sunlight dishliquid on the velcro of the bandages.”
    Please, keep us posted. Our love and prayers are with you.

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  11. On March 28, 2016 at 6:02 am Amy said:

    I am so sorry ! ! It was so terrible the wound! Really hope he will have fully recover!!

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  12. On March 28, 2016 at 6:14 am Linda Brunner said:

    The body is a miraculous thing and with a bit of support and caring, often will come out of inconceivable challenges.

    My best to you and your beloved equine.

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    • On March 30, 2016 at 1:47 am Nabeki said:

      Linda Brunner, We were not sure he would ever heal, I can tell you there were moments when the wound was so nasty looking I thought he may be lame for life. But with lots of TLC and work we made it through. We now use Aluspray on the wound to keep it covered and clean but no dressings are allowed, otherwise proud flesh will grow and the scar will be very bumpy. That’s the tough part right now, caring for it without the bandage.

      Thanks so much for caring,
      Nabeki

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  13. On March 28, 2016 at 7:19 am Paul Handover said:

    You are demonstrating the power of love, commitment and devotion. Wonderful. Please give (name?) a hug from us.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • On March 30, 2016 at 1:48 am Nabeki said:

      Paul Handover, Thank so much for your kind words, it means a lot to me that so many people took the time to respond with love and kindness.
      My horses nickname is Sunset (:

      Many howls,
      Nabeki

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  14. On March 28, 2016 at 7:27 am Allan Booyjzsen said:

    Hi Nabeki, that is quite a gash on your horses leg, and must have been very sore. Can’t you keep it bandaged so that he doesn’t scratch the scab off? If you don’t mind me asking, what is his name? I am glad he is getting better and hope that it won’t be too long before he is galloping-fit!

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    • On March 30, 2016 at 1:52 am Nabeki said:

      Allan, His leg was bandaged until several weeks ago but the vet wanted it open to the air because proud flesh or extra tissue was growing above the surface which would make the scar very bumpy and could cause adhesions. So I have to use the Aluspray, which looks like an aluminum bandage. It keeps the wound clean but allows it to scab over. Hope that helps to explain it.

      Many howls to you Allan (:
      Nabeki

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  15. On March 28, 2016 at 9:47 am Paul V. said:

    Sending many healing and positive energy and thoughts to the both of you.

    I hope he feels better soon.
    Howls for you Nabeki.

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    • On March 30, 2016 at 1:54 am Nabeki said:

      Paul, thanks so much for sending healing and positive energy our way. He’s doing pretty well now, I’m just waiting for it to finally close.

      Howls to you Paul,
      Nabeki

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  16. On March 28, 2016 at 10:46 am Brooks Fahy said:

    This is really good news. I’ve been through similar stuff growing up around horses. Their ability to come back from bad injuries is remarkable. I’m really happy for you.

    Best, Brooks

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

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    • On March 30, 2016 at 1:59 am Nabeki said:

      Brooks, Horses are truly amazing and usually healthy animals but when they do injure themselves, as you know, it can be quite dramatic. Thanks so much for your kind words and well wishes!

      Many howls to you,
      Nabeki

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  17. On March 28, 2016 at 3:03 pm Shelley McKee said:

    good job!! scars are nothing as long as his leg is usable!!!

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    • On March 30, 2016 at 2:00 am Nabeki said:

      Shelley, that is so true. I’ll take a scar any day over a lame horse. He’s doing pretty well. I just hope the wound scabs over quickly.

      Many howls to you and yours,
      Nabeki

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  18. On March 28, 2016 at 5:16 pm idaursine said:

    Glad to hear this, Nabeki!

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    • On March 30, 2016 at 2:01 am Nabeki said:

      Thanks so much ida, you’re the best (:

      Howls to you,
      Nabeki

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  19. On March 28, 2016 at 5:53 pm jerry black said:

    I know that he couldn’t possibly be in more loving hands…lucky to have you to care for him.
    Jerry

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    • On March 30, 2016 at 2:03 am Nabeki said:

      Jerry, so sweet of you to say that. We do love our wonderful animals and I know you will do anything for yours as well!

      Many howls,
      Nabeki

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  20. On March 28, 2016 at 6:22 pm Rosemary Lowe said:

    Best wishes to your lovely horse, may he heal completely very soon!

    http://www.foranimals.org

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    • On March 30, 2016 at 2:04 am Nabeki said:

      Rosemary, so nice to hear from you and thank you for taking the time to send good wishes to us!

      Many, many howls,
      Nabeki

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  21. On March 28, 2016 at 7:02 pm makingwavesoutreach said:

    I’m sorry to hear about your baby! That did look very bad I’m just glad he is on the healing path to be well soon. Bless his heart!

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    • On March 30, 2016 at 2:06 am Nabeki said:

      makingwavesoutreach, Thanks so much, it was a very nasty wound, it made it doubly hard because it couldn’t be sutured so it had to heal by second intention, meaning from the inside up. But we made it and thanks again for taking the time to send such kind thoughts!

      Many howls,
      Nabeki

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  22. On March 28, 2016 at 8:14 pm Exposing the Big Game said:

    Reblogged this on Exposing the Big Game.

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    • On March 30, 2016 at 2:08 am Nabeki said:

      Jim, thanks for reblogging (: Love your blog!

      Howls,
      Nabeki

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  23. On March 28, 2016 at 10:18 pm Nikki Nafziger said:

    SO HAPPY for you both that you will have more time together…that your horse will walk just fine with a scar of strength, courage and endurance.

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    • On March 30, 2016 at 2:11 am Nabeki said:

      Nikki, I actually think his coat will grow over the scar, it’s come a long, long way. But I’m just happy he made it, I was always worried about infection. Thanks again for your well wishes and kind words.

      Howls,
      Nabeki

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  24. On March 29, 2016 at 10:14 am Mak said:

    That’s looking good. Many wounds of this depth and more do heal in wild ungulates, but since your horse is your valued companion, utmost care is in order:

    I have been thinking long of the issue and entries to the idea of expanding our individual and cultural sphere of compassion.
    We do have to cease to morally elevate and demean Earth’s species; the necessity for us is to return to unconditional love, and to focus on this for the earliest waking moments, so that we can actually see and experience compassion for every individual of every species we encounter.

    We DO have to begin with those we already love unconditionally,, in order to find the right mental state, and your traveling companion, your horse is perhaps number one for you.
    I hope that you both will be able to range-ride or other activity helping you to continue your efforts for wolves, bears, prairie dogs, and every other neighbor in this community of life.

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    • On March 30, 2016 at 2:12 am Nabeki said:

      Thanks so much Mak, really appreciate your kindness.

      Many howls,
      Nabeki

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  25. On March 31, 2016 at 4:14 pm John d. said:

    The creatures in our care are family members and we should treat them as we would our children. While they are not unique to our species, mercy and compassion are the true strengths of the human race.
    Hope he’s going ok.

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