26 February 2010

Horse Flu?

My poor Buckshot is sick. All the years I've had him, I've never had to call the vet....that is until today. Jack noticed that Buckshot didn't come in for his oats yesterday afternoon and had to be coaxed to come in and eat. The minute I heard that, I threw on my shoes and coat and headed out in the rain to check on him. (He is my "dog" afterall.) Sure enough, he was just not his normal self, rather lethargic.

This morning, I headed off for work and stopped to feed the horses and check on Buckshot. He was stumbling over his own feet and could hardly move and did NOT want to eat. Now that is the sign that he is VERY sick since he is the little piggy in the "group".

I came back home, called work and said I'd be late, then called the vet. Jack promised me he would meet the vet and call me once they knew what was up.

Long story short, the vet thinks he has symptoms from a tic bite that causes flu symptoms. He gave three shots, poured a gallon of water down and 1/2 a gallon of mineral oil. With a promise to return tomorrow morning, he left.

I got home and had to gather Buckshot up from the field. Something I never have to do. He always comes when I call him. He stood out there and whinnied at me as if to say, "I want to join you but I can't." So I locked them both in the paddock and hope he will drink water and be better tomorrow morning when the vet returns.

I'll let y'all know how he is doing.

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