Friday, 29 January 2016

Rough Day

The vet came to visit today, and the report wasn't great. It turns out Ms Bridget has COPD (heaves). An unexpected diagnosis given her age (6) and her living conditions, not to mention the lack of symptoms beyond a little cough during warmup the past couple of weeks. Since the vet was happy with Bridget's environment and feed, we're starting ASAP with some meds to help her out a bit. The good news is we've caught it early. The bad news is, as anyone familiar with COPD knows, the long term prognosis as a competive horse isn't good and there is no cure. Honestly, I didn't feel like the vet was overly positive about long term quality of life. Neither were the million internet searches I obviously couldn't resist doing, even though I knew I shouldn't. I don't have words for all the emotions I'm experiencing right now, mostly mad at the world for being unfair to a really good pony.  I remain positive we'll get a handle on this and find a management solution to keep best pony happy for a long while yet. 

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19 comments

  1. KateRose29 January 2016 at 21:22

    I'm so sorry to hear this :( doesn't seem fair at all. I will pick the brains of my horsey friends who know about copd for some tips.

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  2. Unknown29 January 2016 at 21:36

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  3. Del30 January 2016 at 03:56

    COPD comes in a range of severities and is not necessarily a disaster. Inhaled meds have made treatment much better. Horses can be desensitised to the allergens that trigger the inflammation.

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    1. T30 January 2016 at 07:38

      Thank you! I think the vet was being negative because B is young and our management practices are pretty ideal. I'm hopeful though that we can keep it at a mild state for a long time!

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  4. TeresaA30 January 2016 at 04:12

    It's not the end of the world. Irish always coughs at the beginning of the ride. He has for years. After that he's fine. it's never worsened but I've always been careful.

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  5. Kalin30 January 2016 at 05:48

    :( I'm so sorry!

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  6. emma30 January 2016 at 06:40

    Oh no I'm so sorry T! What an unexpected outcome... Hopefully Bridget responds well to treatment and is more or less unaffected by it (also I'm a little curious about the diagnosis process etc given how asymptomatic she is...). Good luck!

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    1. T30 January 2016 at 07:44

      Diagnosis was very thorough - they did a few different tests and induced a cough, measured her breathing, listened to her chest...long story short she's struggling a little to breathe and her right side in particular sounds "rattle-y" I'm hoping the meds will help and we will be able to manage it well.

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    2. emma1 February 2016 at 05:56

      my fingers are crossed that you're right and management proves to be simple and easy !! :(

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  7. Amanda30 January 2016 at 08:11

    Oh, I'm so sorry. That's so young to have to cope with that diagnosis. I hope you find many good management techniques once you've moved past the sorrow of discovery.

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  8. Erika30 January 2016 at 08:38

    I'm really sorry to hear this, but you're a wonderful owner to her so I know she's in the best hands possible.

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  9. Anonymous30 January 2016 at 14:53

    Sending hugs and healing thoughts to Miss Bridget. :(

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  10. Piccolopony30 January 2016 at 19:36

    Sending positive healing thoughts and more hugs. Katai is sending sassiness because that's always helpful for ponies.

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  11. LoveLaughRide1 February 2016 at 06:55

    I'm so sorry. On the positive side? My team penning horse had heaves and with careful management and medication he continued on being a performance horse for many years.

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  12. Stephanie1 February 2016 at 09:19

    Aw, I'm so sorry to hear this. I'm glad you're staying positive, though- I'm sure you and your vet will be able to come up with a solution that lets Bridget have a competitive life!

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  13. L.Williams1 February 2016 at 11:59

    Ugh! Sorry to hear this :(

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  14. Anonymous1 February 2016 at 12:35

    Oh no. Sorry to hear this. Glad you caught it early.

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  15. lytha3 February 2016 at 02:24

    I'm so sorry! I hope the treatment works and you won't have to worry about her.

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