To say this has been an emotional roller coaster is as inadequte as saying WWII was a minor scuffle. I had agonized over my decision to remove Farletta's eye for months. I finally made the decision and made peace with it knowing I had found a way to end Farletta's suffering. When I received the call from Dr. Shaarda all I could think about is the way I found to help my horse was being taken away from me. I felt so helpless and guilty knowing I had failed to keep my promise to Farletta that she would feel no more pain from that uveitis eye.
It has been two days now and I am able to take a less emotionally charged look at what is going on. Farletta is back home and she looks and feels great so far. Upon cancelling the surgery, Dr. Shaarda suggested a two month trial of a new medication called previcox. Previcox has been used to treat pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis in small animals and recently has been used on horses with uveitis. Dr. S feels there is a good chance Farletta will be able to have a normal quality of life with significant reduction of flare-ups and faster response to treatment if she does flare-up. The previcox is gentle on her stomach and has low risk of side effects.
It sounds perfect and I want to be excited but I am scared to hope, scared to believe this medication could be the answer that will allow Farletta to have the most ideal outcome of all: two eyes and a normal life.
The new medication arrived today and Farletta has had her first dose. Within a couple weeks, Farletta will be outside during the day for the first time in almost two years. Two years of never napping in the sunshine or feeling the warm sun on her back as she relaxed in the pasture or played with her buddies.
I believe in miracles and I want to believe Farletta has received one. Only time will tell.
Meds: 57mg Previcox