Meanwhile, back at the ranch.....

Well, we brought her home from the hospital yesterday.  It has been really hard on her because they had us stop all the pain meds so that her kidneys wouldn't suffer.  It has been really hard on all of us because she has to have medicine every 6 hours and my dear friend is taking the midnight shift for me.  I feel guilty about that. She figures that since she lives there it would be easier for her than for me because I would have to drive up the mountain in the middle of the night.  She is such a blessing to me.  I am taking the early morning and the dinner time shift.  Poor Truffles really doesn't feel well.  I know that she is in pain because she isn't being a PAIN.  She is a people horse and is usually in everyone's business and now she just stands there.  We are taking her for walks and trying to figure what method of feeding would work best for her.  Sarina finally decided to soak her hay in a tub and that has made it much easier for her to eat it.  She is getting soaked alfalfa pellets with some Integrity Senior food with molasses.  She likes that better than the other senior feed because it has smaller pieces in it which are easier to chew.  She broke her halter by hooking it on her stall. We usually never keep a halter on a horse but her eye protection mask is attached to it and there is just no other way. She has an irrigation system sewed into her eye because she still cannot blink.   I got a halter today that did not have any hooks on it and that should help. My leather halter is too close a fit to be comfortable on the staples under her jaw.

Sometimes I get really depressed and wonder if I am putting her through unnecessary pain and suffering.  I just look at how pathetic she is. I know she is hurting.  I keep getting reassurance that she will heal but I am such a pessimist that I struggle with that much faith.  I will feel better when my regular vet comes back from his vacation in Wyoming.  Then, I will know if I am doing the best for my little girl.

I sure could use some encouraging words from anyone who has dealt with this.  I feel very alone and am suffering right along with my horse.  Dealing with a problem that I cannot even pronounce.  :(