Sunday, April 5, 2009

Leisurely Sunday

Sunday the weather was beautiful. I wish I could have been out riding. A grooming shall have to do... the family accompanied me out to the barn and while Levi chased cats, I gave Sinwaan his spring cleaning. Now that spring has sprung, he is shedding out, I could have made a sweater with what came off of him from just a quick brushing. He was looking good today, no more signs of gas or whatever that problem was a couple days ago. His mane was all in knots again but came out easier this time. His feet looked good but he will be needing a trim shortly. I trimmed his bridle-path as his mohawk was getting quite unruly. Having only scissors it doesn't look fantastic but it will have to do for now.

My mom had given me two boxes of apples so we took one out to the barn for everyone to enjoy. Sinwaan does love apples. It was nice to spend some time with him again, though limited.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

False alarm?

Had a bit of a scare last night. I went out and tossed Sinwaan some hay and he was in his usual spot, behind his shelter socializing with the stud colts. He came around and took a bite, so I went to the opposite run and looked for Norman. In the time it took me to do that I noticed that Sinwaan was acting strange. He was turning around in circles and his tail was lifted slightly. He was obviously agitated and not eating (not like him).

I went and fed the stud colts and Garreth, and came back to check on him again. He was down on his knees with his rear up in the air. He was acting like he wanted to lay down but couldn't. So I went into the tack room and called the vet. My first concern was colic and the sooner we could get him help the better his chances would be. Well it was after hours and there was another number to try. That was an answering service but I had to leave a message. I do not have a cell phone and do not answer the owner's phone at the barn so I left a message that I would try back again in 10 minutes. I went to check on Sinwaan again and he was backed into a corner next to his water tank and the railing, standing still. Hmmm.

I knew I still had chores to do so I went out and fed the other six horses on the other side of the property. I was looking around for Jen because I had seen her going out on a ride as I pulled in. She works at the vet clinic that I frequent and perhaps would have some advice, or at least a stethoscope so I could listen for gut sounds and heart rate. Checking on Sinwaan again he was quiet now but still not eating. So I got back in the truck and told Matt to drive around and look for Jen (it was dark out by now). Just as we made the turn around the driveway I saw her coming in. She came over with me to take a look at Sinwaan and what do you know, he is acting normal as ever, eating away on his hay pile. Jen said she would be out there another 20 min and would check on him again before she left.

I went home and then at midnight before bed, we drove back out to check on him. He was standing in his shelter, sleeping. I tossed him a little more hay and he dove into it with his usual gusto. I am not sure what to make of this mystery.

This morning when I went out to feed he was his usual hungry self and acting as normal as could be. I am relieved that he did not need treatment last night but wish I could have had some answers to what was going on with him. :-/ ...puzzled....