I haven't posted much about Rusty lately - mostly because I didn't have time leading up to Christmas to do much of anything and partly because I was a bit worried about him...
He is having eye problems. I noticed the weekend before Christmas that his eyes were running and that he was rubbing them. I asked the barn owner and she wasn't quite sure if it was something to worry about. By Monday, she was noticing that he was sensitive to light when outside and that made her nervous.
So, on the 23rd, I called the vet and he was able to fit us in. Keep in mind I was due to leave town on first thing on the 24th, not to mention being tired and exhausted from work, so all of this only added to my stress. I was quite worried about Rusty and his eyesight...uveitis (ERU) is a big threat, especially with Appys. Uveitis often causes blindness in one or both eyes if not treated right away.
I left work early to meet the vet. He stained Rusty's eyes and noticed some corneal ulceration ( the picture isn't Rusty)
From the Paragon Veterinary Group web site: corneal ulcers "are defects in the surface of the eye (cornea) often caused by infection, they cause inflammation, pain and irritation. Initial presentation is a closed, swollen eye, often running with tears. Your vet will diagnose corneal ulceration by putting a fluorescent dye into the horse's eye. Affected areas will take up the dye and appear green. Infection may have started by a piece of grit or other direct injury such as a thorn.
Even with the diagnosis of corneal ulcers, he couldn't quite rule out uveitis, but was pretty sure that wasn't the problem. He prescribed some eyedrops and bute and that seems to be helping. Rusty is still rubbing his eyes a bit - but there is some improvement. So that is good. His left eye is painful - you can tell by the way he is acting. It doesn't appear that there is any vision loss at this point, but we aren't sure how this will affect him long term.
He is having eye problems. I noticed the weekend before Christmas that his eyes were running and that he was rubbing them. I asked the barn owner and she wasn't quite sure if it was something to worry about. By Monday, she was noticing that he was sensitive to light when outside and that made her nervous.
So, on the 23rd, I called the vet and he was able to fit us in. Keep in mind I was due to leave town on first thing on the 24th, not to mention being tired and exhausted from work, so all of this only added to my stress. I was quite worried about Rusty and his eyesight...uveitis (ERU) is a big threat, especially with Appys. Uveitis often causes blindness in one or both eyes if not treated right away.
I left work early to meet the vet. He stained Rusty's eyes and noticed some corneal ulceration ( the picture isn't Rusty)From the Paragon Veterinary Group web site: corneal ulcers "are defects in the surface of the eye (cornea) often caused by infection, they cause inflammation, pain and irritation. Initial presentation is a closed, swollen eye, often running with tears. Your vet will diagnose corneal ulceration by putting a fluorescent dye into the horse's eye. Affected areas will take up the dye and appear green. Infection may have started by a piece of grit or other direct injury such as a thorn.
Even with the diagnosis of corneal ulcers, he couldn't quite rule out uveitis, but was pretty sure that wasn't the problem. He prescribed some eyedrops and bute and that seems to be helping. Rusty is still rubbing his eyes a bit - but there is some improvement. So that is good. His left eye is painful - you can tell by the way he is acting. It doesn't appear that there is any vision loss at this point, but we aren't sure how this will affect him long term.
"Lemme guess - you're here to stick more stuff in my eyes??"
The barn owner and I looked at his eyes again today. We are fairly sure that it isn't uveitis - which is really good news. He has been a good sport - he was good for the vet and calm and quiet as we have been examing his eyes. Even though he is in a bit of pain, he hasn't reared, pulled back or done anything bad. He really has the temperment of a big lab puppy or something.
Needless to say, he is getting better, but I'm still worried. I feel terrible for not calling the vet sooner and also since I board, I wasn't able to give him his medication myself. The barn owner has been great in treating him, so that isn't a problem. I just wish I had more time to get out there and take better care of him.I'm trying not to be too hard on myself - he is getting the best care that we are capable of. I'm trying to be positive and not worry too much about the long term "what-ifs" with regards to his vision. The barn owner feels it will be ok to keep riding him after this week when the pain subsides a bit.
On a funny note - I had to get his eyedrops from a regular pharmacy. I had hoped to just get the eyedrops and go...but the lady kept asking questions and I couldn't help but be a bit difficult - it was too funny to pass up.
Tech - so this prescription is for your son?
Me - ummm yes. *smirks*
Tech - and your son's name is Rusty?
Me - ummm sure. I'm a big fan of Christmas vacation - Chevy Chase's son in the movie was nick-named Rusty...
Tech - blank look
Me - *smirk*
Tech - I need your name address and your son's age
Me - He's 17.
Tech - um ok. Could you also verify the doctor's name that prescribed this medication?
Me - *sigh* Dr. X.
Tech - are you sure this person is a doctor? What does "DVM" mean?
Me - Yes, he's a doctor.
Tech - So, could I also get your son's birthday?
Me - trying not to laugh...
Tech - I really need his birthday for the file.
Me - I have no idea when his birthday is. He's 17 - put in January 1, 1991.
Tech - You don't know your son's birthday???
Me - Look - he is a horse. Rusty is a horse. The doctor that called is VET. That's what DVM means.
Tech - oh.
Me - could I just get my prescription now?
9 comments:
Get Better Rusty!!! I didnt realize he was 17 Laura. He looks great! (Its an Appy thing ;) )
Dear Husband and I both LOVED your talk with the pharmacy tech...hehehe... Too funny!
Happy HAPPY NEW YEAR to you guys!!!! Big kisses to Rusty from us, and may 2009 bring you all The Best!!!
Oh man. Every time I go to the pharmacy for anything, they screw it all up, so I'm glad you gave her a bit of a hard time. I've switched pharmacies multiple times, but it seems there is at least one incredibly stupid person working the counter at every one of them. Well, I hope Rusty improves quickly. Happy New Year!
Great conversation with the pharmacist, LOL! :)
I was worried about eye issues last year with My Boy, too! I was really stressed. He was doing a weird headshaking thing and had sensitivity to light. It turned out it had something to do with the fly mask he was wearing. It was really strange. I still think it was some kind of spring allergy. We'll see if it comes back this year. But I was googling uveitis too. I am glad Rusty seems to be improving,that is a good sign. Keep us posted and happy new year!
Hope Rusty will recover soon. Be careful with him but do not worry or be angry against yourself. We do the best we can. It's not always the best it could be but we are not Superwomen. You do well with Rusty. Just keep on
Happy New Year to both of you.
As soon as you started talking eye problems I was thinking "pleeeease don't be uveitis!"
I'm so worried about eye issues in the first place and now that we are Appy owners I REALLY worry.
Hope the Rustinator is doing better. :)
Oh and you are BAD Laura... that poor pharmacist! lmao
What a funny conversation, Laura!
Glad to hear Rusty is on the mend and that it doesn't seem to b as serious as first thought. Poor guy, though. He looks like he needs a cookie and some lovin' :)
Happy New Year, my Canadian friend,
~Lisa
New Mexico
LOL about the pharmacist! You really had her going! Too funny.
Poor Rusty and you:-( I hope his eye drops did/do the trick! Lester gets a runny eye like that a couple times a year it seems.
~Jingles for Rusty's eye~
Ahhhh... I have treated that before.
Yeah its a pain to treat and for a while afterwords they are all suspicious of you, but it could be worse.
Cute conversation!
Such drama at the drug store! I think i would have said, "Mrs. Nosy, are you writing a book?"
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