It's a tumour of the connective tissue, destroying bone and thus the reason why some of Bertie's teeth directly under the lump were wobbly.
There is nothing we could have done to prevent it, it's an random thing that occurs apparently and no reason or rhyme why it occurs.
As it is fast growing, it will continue to grow and may advance into his other nostril interfering with his breathing which is something I will need to look out for.
When I asked about how much pain he might be in, it was described as a dull throbbing pain as opposed to a sharp unmanageable pain and signs that the pain has increased is loss of interest in life, reduced interest in eating and sudden weight loss.
Bertie standing guard while Stoney rests
At the moment he is very interested in eating and when I came home today he came trotting over when I entered the paddock and he enjoyed a lovely scratch on his whither. At dinner time he also came trotting up from where he was eating to get his hard feed so he appears to be in good spirits. He has been having fun rolling once or twice a day and enjoying grazing with Stoney his paddock mate. 
Stoney and Bertie enjoying a rest ( risk of lions, tigers and bears at an all time low)
Stoney and Bertie enjoying the sunshine naked.
ok i don't want to sound horrible but I have to ask, but what time frame do they give him and did they give an indication when when the 'best time would be to put him down?
ReplyDeleteI feel terrible for you, I remember when Max was so sick I was worried he was going to die.
Not sure how much it cost for a horse but I suggest to cremate him and scatter him in the paddock, or keep him somewhere safe. Thats my plan with my lil man.
Yes I know I sound morbid and its a horrible though but I know he is your best friend and losing him will be hard so maybe preparing now will ease it but like 1 millionth of a degree.
:( love you baby girl
Ellen xxoo
The time frame is dependent on Bertie, when his bad days become more frequent that his good days. Signs that the pain is becoming worse are weight loss, losing interest in life and his food. The other indicator is when/ if the tumour starts obstructing the other nasal passage and he has increased difficulty breathing.
ReplyDeleteOur plan is to have him buried on our property, there is someone on our street with a tractor with a scoop thing to dig a big enough hole. It is something I have thought about as I feel it is better to be prepared for the worse, that being part of a responsibility of pet ownership. I think ur plans for Max are lovely and touching, I cannot imagine the size of the urn for a horse!! :)
much love xoxox