Black Friday

This was a dark day, and not because of any shopping-related shenanigans.

As we have mentioned, there has been little improvement in Sally Ann’s lameness, despite farrier care, lots of rest, good footing, and excellent nutrition. If this were just a question of an injury needing time to heal, we would have expected to see some improvement by now.

So, Sally Ann went to the vet today.

The good folks at Central Veterinary Services took their time with her exam. A number of x-rays were taken, and we were treated to a wide range of views of the bone structure of the equine foot. I was fascinated – it is truly amazing that such a relatively small array of bones and ligaments and tissue can support and propel such a large animal.

That structure, however, is not working for Sally Ann, who was diagnosed with Navicular Disease.

Tragically, there’s no real positive outcome to this situation. She will always be lame, and, worse, in chronic debilitating pain. Her condition will continue to deteriorate over time. Even when sedated in order to help us get her into the range of positions needed for the x-rays, she was still clearly very sore when moving.

Long term, this is unacceptable for her. So, the difficult decision was made to euthanize her. I am very sad. She was a sweet girl, and I became very fond of her in the short time I knew her.

Given her gentle nature, I am sure she forgives the people who dumped her at the auction – even if I never will.