It’s been quite a weekend…on Thursday Dodger had several vaccinations–two shots on each side of his neck–and from his reaction to them, I’d have to say he had two shots too many. At least it was two more than he’s had before at any one time. On Friday I came to get him for my afternoon lesson, but when I walked into his stall, his head was at half mast, eyes droopy. He walked straight to me, buried his face in my chest, and stood still. That sweet act just about broke my heart and told me to go find a thermometer.
His temp climbed from 101.7 in the afternoon to 102 that night. Since he had eaten everything, was drinking water and was pooping just fine, the vet suggested banamine and mash and to call him in the morning. That seemed to do the trick because on Saturday morning, his temp was back down to 98.4 and he was bright, head up, and eager to get out and do something. I let him loose in the arena without putting any pressure on him to move more than he wanted then put him back in his paddock, looking forward to our postponed lesson for today.
But this afternoon, I walked into his stall, saw food spread over the floor after 5 hours of being fed and knew he was worse. His temperature was back to 102 so I made another call to the vet. More banamine. His neck hurt so much he couldn’t reach the floor to eat. He had to compensate by spreading his front legs almost into a bow in order to eat. While the banamine kicked in, I made sure I gave him plenty to eat and drink, mash-wise, in his bucket hanging on the wall. It just made me too sad to see him strain to reach the food on the floor.
The amazing part of this experience was the bond I realized we shared. His standard independent, teenage aloofness completely disappeared and he was clearly looking to me to help him. With someone else who was trying to help, he had no patience, pinned his ears and offered to bite, but to me he was expectant, eager, gentle, light as a feather, and willing to do whatever I asked. He trusted me completely, doing everything I asked on a verbal command only.
Seeing him in pain is really hard, but the realization of the bond we have built has been nothing short of amazing. He actually looks to me and trusts me. That is huge.