[When Weekends Go Wrong] Milton’s medical tribulations begin
[When The Poop Emoji Is Your Favorite, Patient Report #1] Day one thru Tues 10 Jan
[Welcome Home, Patient Report #2] Wed 11 Jan thru Mon 16 Jan
Tuesday 17 Jan
Now that Milton is home (yay!), I will still try to update every day. However, missing a day now and then should not be cause for alarm. Either there is nothing to add because the whole point of the next two months is for nothing exciting to happen. You hear that Milton? Or I omit a day due to waiting until the end of the day and then falling asleep. Because this sh*t is exhausting. Even when nothing happens. Seriously Milton, are you listening? No drama!
Short hand walk around run-in area.
(Note. This was back when Milton Updates were a separate page. Not any more. Begin)
Wednesday 18 Jan
With a horse on stall rest, theses are our Daily Tasks.
15-20 minutes of handwalking, maximum
More stall cleaning than usual
Feed hay in several snacks to spread out the entertainment
Minor wound care
That’s it. Otherwise, wait and watch. When there is this level of crisis, one expects to have to DO something. Not complaining. It’s just weird.
Morning. Short handwalk outside! Lots of stopping and staring.
I keep having to remind self that vet said handwalks were for Milton’s mental benefit. It is not an exercise regimen. If he wants to graze – or stare – instead of walk, that’s his choice.
Evening. Opened gate to give Rodney time off from babysitting. Not interested in leaving where hay & cookies where happening. Took him for a walk. Cut it short bc Milton got agitated. Took Milton for a short walk. Went fine. Better to be the leaver than the leavee.
Thursday 19 Jan
Last night, I was stressing that Rodney’s duties as babysitter might mean he ends up on stall rest as much as Milton. A) Milton’s minder said it would be a week to 10 days at most. At some point Milton has to get over himself. (Color me dubious.) B) Recalled the many (many!) times Rodney noped out of turn-out after breakfast. He really is a stall lovin’ horse. C) This morning, took Rodney for a walk to the corner. Had to drag him. Must. Not. Leave. My. Wingman. Milton screamed, despite a snootful of alfalfa to keep him occupied. And finally D) Greg took Milton for a short walk/graze. Milton had no problem leaving his wingman. Rodney had no problem being in the stall eating the rest of the alfalfa.
Evening. Same program, except I walked Rodney to the ring & let him go, giving him the option to stroll about &/or graze. He cantered back to the barn. Okay then, not gonna feel bad about keeping you up as Milton’s emotional support horse.
Friday 20 Jan
Took Milton for morning airing. Left Rodney in stall with doors open. He chose to leave the stall and come along at liberty as escort. It was cute.
10 minutes seems short, but he’s tired after.
Evening walk, with dog escort instead of horse. Rodney stood at stall door waiting for Milton to come back. He’s taking his companion role seriously. Milton doing great. Incision looks good. Needs weight, but he’ll be happy to work on that.
Saturday 21 Jan
Morning walk. Milton’s escort chose to cavort. Milton was very good about not joining in. Rodney’s rations have been reduced.
No evening airing due to activity in the cow pasture.
Sunday 22 Jan
AM. Rodney has a slightly puffy right ankle. Either from yesterday’s antics or from not moving the rest of the time. Seriously, the poop pile forms 6 feet behind the hay pile. Took both for a walk. Rodney felt like he would have been goofy if given the chance. Milton walked and grazed and mostly ignored him. After, Rodney was given an open gate and he chose to graze on the patio for a few minutes. Milton kept an eye out and ate hay. Rodney returned of his own volition. Ankle down a bit. Good boys.
How did Milton’s stall rest become all about Rodney?
PM. Walk. Put Rodney out & closed off access to barn. Be at liberty! Go Graze! You do you! He stood outside and looked in. He walked back and forth. We let him in a few minutes later when he started to get frantic. This is why we can you a dork!
Monday 23 Jan
Week two of phase one.
From left, large, medium (mini), & small flake shavings for stall bedding. Bought one of each to see which Milton & his minions prefer.
Sent photos of Milton’s incision to vet. Looks as expected. Tele-vet medicine. Photos not included. You’re welcome.
Onwards!
Katherine
Virtual Brush Box 
Thank you. As a non-large animal person, I am fascinated with the personalities these horses have and how clearly they express themselves to you.
I read something once by a noted horse authority – don’t remember her name – who said that horses couldn’t show expression because they didn’t have enough muscles in their face. Don’t think I agree with that, their face isn’t the only way to express themselves. And sometimes, they use those muscles to clearly show what they want you to know….
“couldn’t show expression…” ?!?! Has this Noted Horse Authority ever seen horses move their ears? or flare their nostrils? or wave their hoofs? or … or … I need to go find a patch of dandelions to sit in.