July 29, 2005- 

I couldn't journal and care for him at the same time. After several frustrating attempts to get clear films of his legs here at the farm, the vet asked me to trailer him to the clinic so he can use different equipment. Racer loaded like a dream which was surprising because not only were we loading against a busy trucker's highway but he hasn't been in a trailer for over a year! I was so proud of him, but when we arrived at the clinic and unloaded him, he was so nervous he was soaking wet.

They kept taking films of this horse and this is the fourth time he had been sedated for this (but I was told it wouldn't hurt him). Hmm- where have I heard that before? But at any rate, the end result was not pretty. I was told Racer was "sinking". The coffin bone has pulled away from the hoof wall and made it's way down to where it is just so close to breaking through the hoof. :(  I was told the films would be rushed to OSU to be read- and that I needed to go get some builder's foam and make makeshift platform shoes for my horse until he stablizes. This morning he was really bad, and my regular vet was unavailable so I decided to bring in another vet on the case and he was out today. His findings were different (prior to reading the x-rays) He does not believe this is founder, he suspects a chemical caused this.  He did not shut me down every time I asked a question. He listened to my concerns, he was kind to my horse and he was gentle and thorough and I was extremely impressed.  After he left, he called me several times with more questions and to pick my brain (what's left of it anyway) Yesterday after the vet clinic, I was in tears for the entire day. I was so upset because again, I had no answers, just more questions.

At any rate, after the new vet read the x-ray he called me. The coffin bone has not sunk, but it has rotated to a dangerous degree and is indeed getting ready to slide out the bottom of the foot. :( I was told to get him on padded ground, so he is in his stall with a lot of bedding and his turnout has sand in it. The new vet believes he has bruised his feet and this is not founder. The vet and the farrier will be coming back sunday morning at sunrise to sedate this beautiful horse and then reverse shoes will be put on. In the meantime, Racer stays stalled and I hope that we have caught this in time and nothing further will happen to him-