For your viewing pleasure

I finally found a video of Danny doing his back leg strengthening exercises...AND got it to upload to You Tube.

It is very exciting  Okay not really but it is something to post.

You can really see that he exhibits symptoms in both legs.

Vet Visit

My vet was out yesterday for our spring check up and shots n stuff.   He checked Danny's toofies and said they look great.  He had them done 2 years ago and apparently they are maintaining their shape.

He says that Danny looks fantastic, except for the shedding, of course, but his weight is perfect and he seems to be in as good of health as a horse much younger than him.  Of course his sway back is getting worse, but we all know that is due to lack of being ridden.

A week or so ago I noticed a lump on Danny's neck, well throat actually. I remembered to show it to Bruce, and he (once again) was surprised.   I guess what is, is a fracture of one of the tracheal rings.  He asked how long it has been there, and I told him I just noticed it a week or so ago when I was loving on him.  It isn't really visible, I just felt it as my hands went around his neck.

Bruce says it appears to be an old injury, perhaps from a kick. He said if he ever seems to have trouble breathing, then it will need attention. He does cough sometimes, and it could be caused from that, or it could just be hay cube dust.

Once again, Bruce informed me that he sees the strangest things at my house!

Oh Danny

Hey Lady, wanna see what I can do?

I just lean down and put my nose here...

And open the gate...now if you would just get that
pesky chain off of there, I could help my self to
some yummy grains. 

Danny's former life

Shannon's  post about Spider watching "Man From Snowy River" one too many times, reminded me of something.

Sure does look like him. 

This is what Danny did as a youngster.
Okay so not really (as far as we know anyways)  But hey, it could happen!?!? LOL

Danny's Debut

Yesterday I got an email from the Western Horse Review (here is a link) out of Canada, asking if they could use some pictures of Danny for an article on Stringhalt.  Wow!  So Danny is gonna hit the big time.

I sent them some of the pics I have on here, plus I took these last night.

Some serious high stepping

He is a rare case who has it on both rear legs, although his RR is not as bad as his left

Look how high up his rear end goes at a trot

These two show how he has to push off to move faster than a walk

I just like this picture, he looks handsome. 

Left Rear is the worst

Right Rear almost as bad.

Now, I want to clarify that Danny does not always exhibit his condition in both legs, but it was about 20 degrees out when we took these and cold affects his condition quite a bit.  It is highly unusual for a horse to have it in both legs, but then Danny has always been special.

When I sent the pictures I gave them his history and what I have learned about his condition. Most importantly that exercise is vital for horses with Stringhalt.  I don't know if they can use any of my findings since I'm just an old gal figuring things out as I go, but I gave them the info anyway, and I sure hope I can be of some help.  When it comes out I will post a new link.

An update on his condition, the exercise he has been getting daily along with the Equine Senior seems to be helping alot, and he is doing fine after getting beat up by Killian.  You can read that story here.  Since the clinic and show have been canceled this weekend, I think it is time to go back to riding him at the arena.  Perhaps I can get some good video of that.

Photo update- Chilly morning

Since I know that Danny did not hurt himself now, I feel much better about life.
Of course he is full of energy when it is chilly out.

This pic really shows how high is leg goes up

he has to "Jump start" to get running

It sure doesn't stop him from rolling though

He really runs funny

The rear view of his full condition

I wish I had had my camera with me Saturday.  I let all the horses out at once, they all raced around the pasture as fast as they could go. Danny included. A few times Killian went after Danny, but just chased him, never really tried to hurt him.  It was so nice to see them all out together for a change.

Since I know for sure that he is not swollen and did not hurt himself I will go back to his exercising and start him back with some light riding.

Vet Check

Dr. Bruce Connely came down this week to look at two of my other horses. While he was here he took a quick look at Danny. 
He said he looks great, he did not see any swelling in his bad leg at all.  I was told to continue on with what I am doing, but to make sure that if I ride him, to keep it on soft ground in case he lands toe first again.  Less likely for permanent damage.
So with that in mind we will go back to our weekly outings to the arena.