The Green Horseman

I know its been some time since I posted about Mr. Stanman, see Stanley Doesn’t Feel Well. Since then we have gone to Maryland, said goodbye to Arnie, and more. So how’s the handsome man doing?

Stanley was very obstinate about taking oral doxycycline. Even using a syringe I tried to use maple syrup to entice him and he refused to swallow. He stood for minutes on end clenching his teeth, and when I was tired of holding his head he spat it all over the floor.

I finally found that a mix of molasses and applesauce provides the right consistency to stop him from spitting the medicine out, but after a few days, he still wasn’t eating his meals.

We have an amazing woman at the barn who is also a vet. She saw me struggling and wondering what to do, also stressed about whether I should even go away to Maryland with him still ill. She offered to administer IV medicine if my vet would dispense it.

Luckily my vet was very understanding and was happily to oblige. She gave us 7 iv bags and catheters with detailed instructions. We began Stanley on the oxytet that night.

Stanley began to eat a bit the following day. I also began him on omeprazole and upped his probiotics. I think the doxy upset his tummy a bit.

I went to Maryland confident that he would be well cared for. When we returned, he greeted me with a smile and kisses. He was back to eating his normal meals.

I received the results of his Lyme titer and it was negative for current infections and positive for chronic….suggesting he’s had Lyme longer than 5 months. If it wasn’t a flare up than I would say it was likely anaplasmosis. Blade presented the exact same way and IV oxytet was what helped get him back to normal.

Earlier this week I was cleaning stalls when I heard hoofbeats. Tiger and Stanley were tearing across the field and playing.

It’s safe to say that Stanley has returned to 100%. Now I just need to get the screws removed from my foot and we can go back to work. We did take a brief ride while we had good weather. Just a walk. Saddle, but no stirrups. He was so happy.

I really owe it to my amazing vet and our generous and kind vet friend. Both of them really helped us get Stanley back to good health while allowing me to go out and have the experience in Maryland. If they are reading this, I hope they know how much they mean to me.