Thursday, July 11, 2019

Update on Ranger

Ranger was sick a few days ago.  Since Ellen was going to have the vet our a few days later, she decided to move the appointment up.  Before the vet even got there, we could see some improvement, but once he had some banamine, he was just fine.

It wasn't colic, but just a lot of discomfort.

The vet took some follow up bloodwork.  He had been on antibiotics for a month to help with his liver issues.  We assumed that was still the problem, and he would have to go back on the antibiotics.  The results from the Cushings test had come in, and he is starting to get it--but the vet said that would have nothing to do with what was making him sick--it was his liver.

She was wrong.  When she got the bloodwork, it showed that his liver was fine.  The antibiotics worked.  What was wrong was his sugar level had skyrocketed--and that would be due to the Cushings.  It is time to get him started on medication.

He is at least 29 years old, so it is no surprise the Cushings caught up with him.  It is very common in older horses.  We will just deal with it.  When you have a horse as special as Ranger, you don't give up easily.

On the bright side, the vet said that for his age, Ranger looks phenomenal. 

I will keep you updated.

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