I've ridden Farletta twice since the surgery and she is doing Fantastic! The change in the way she holds her self and the obvious improvement in comfort is amazing! She is riding just as great as ever and has adapted amazingly well to the loss of vision on her right side. She has been able to longe and free longe walk-trot-canter and is able to turn 360 degree pivots both directions with confidence. The great relationship we've built over the years has definitely been evident in these first rides. My promise to Farletta is I will be her "right eye" when we ride and will keep her safe on that side -- she is alright with that!
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It's been two weeks! No more green hood and tomorrow she gets to go out into the big pasture! Farletta is doing FANTASTIC! We can still hardly believe the change in her...she is so calm and happy! Here she is on the longe line for a light workout. If all goes well I'm hoping to ride tomorrow! CLICK the photo to see Farletta longeing! Farletta's recovery period is almost over...just 3 more days until she gets to go out in the big pasture with her friends! I removed her suture today and she looks great. I can't believe how beautifully she healed! All the swelling is gone and the shape of her face is normal and symetrical. I'll have more pictures soon!
Farletta is doing great and looks better every day. Today is Day 9...five more days until she can go out with her buddies in the big pasture! Click the picture below to see a short video showing her progress...
Farletta's eye looks really good again today. It looks like there is a bit of swelling over the upper lid and she is sensitive there (doesn't want me to touch). Farletta is getting better about tying as long as I leave the rope long so she can get a good look around. Today I noticed a softness to Farletta's body. It was especially noticeable in her flank and barrel areas. Her belly seems to have dropped a bit and there is less definition in her hindquarters...she must have been holding a lot of tension in her body for a long time. The barn owners have noticed a very definite change in Farletta's behavior...she is relaxed and confident. :) Farletta is looking GREAT and seems to feel quite good! The biggest change I see is how she carries herself when she moves about the arena...looks more fluid and comfortable! Click the picuture below to see a short video I made:
Farletta is home today! She is doing GREAT! As you can see there is very little swelling. She has a silver "paint" on the eyelids to protect from infection and keep the area clean. She has 10-12 sutures inside and only a single suture on the outside of her eye. The inner sutures will disolve and the outer suture can be removed in 10-14 days. Farletta already seems happier and more comfortable. She is taking it all in stride! Below are a couple pictures of her getting reaquainted with her small paddock and run-in stall. She must stay confined for two weeks. Farletta had her eye removed today (enucleation). Dr. Shaarda called to say she did great and is recovering well. They are going to keep her tonight for observation and if all goes well Farletta will be coming home tomorrow! I am so excited for her to be pain free! I'm going to buy her some extra special treats on the way to the vet tomorrow!
Dr. Shaarda took one look at Farletta's eye and agreed it was time to let it go. Honestly, I am very relieved. Farletta has suffered with this awful disease for nearly three years. She is in constant pain and is having difficulty getting colicky when she is medicated. It has gotten to the point where I try to decide which is the bigger risk; medicating her to relieve her pain but risk colic or don't medicate her eye to hopefully stave off colic but then she suffers and is stressed. This is clearly the best answer. Above is the prosthetic eye "globe" which will be placed in the empty socket and the eyelids will be sewn shut over the globe. This will prevent the sunken-in look of the empty socket and give Farletta the appearance of having her eye closed rather than missing. |
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