Posted by Karen on September 15, 2002 at 20:38:43:
I just wanted to let you all know that things are once again not looking so good for Max. This am he came down with what appears to be a stroke. He is dragging his left hind hoof when he walks, is weak, does not want to move and his entire left side is somewhat disfuntional. He will eat but is very off balance so the food needs to be brought to him, his breathing also was off although I am not sure to what extream as I was unable to look at him today. Cheryl will be calling the Dr. in the am since he seemed to be stable and in no imediate distress. However upbeat I am trying to be I think we need to come to terms with the fact that he may just be shutting down and I told my sister this. I felt bad but after 30yrs with horses I am going to go with my gut on this one. I think she was ok hearing it from me as I am not a vet and while I may be right, the vet will have the final oppion on what needs to be done. If he is not able to pick up his leg and is weak I fear what the winter will bring for him. We live in a snowbelt in southern Michigan it is not abnormal for us to get a foot or more of snow in a few hours, what would happen if Max got caught outside durring one of our pop up snow storms and was unable to get in out of the cold. We have recently lost a stallion that laid down, got cold(even with a heavy blanket on) and could not get up. It was a very sad way for a wonderful horse to go I truly do not want Max to go through what Bear when through. So again we need your prayers if they cannot heal Max than pray for an easy end and fast recovery to Cheryls heart. Thanks.
Karen, Cheryl, Max and Billie (his goat)