[TB Jumpers]

My old guy the one thats always been their for me is going downhill. Tonight it was 70 out and their was a nice breeze, when i went to the barn to turn the guys out Womby was in his stall just looking so tired. I went to put his halter on and open his stall door and he just stood their and looked at me with this look on his face like "i dont feel good". He was breathing really really heavy, and he was lathered under his tail and sweaty. He hade his fan in his stall on, and he did not drink any of his water in his buckets (he was in his stall for about 3 hours). I know hes not been feeling good in the past few months but hes not been this bad before. Im probley going to have to body clip him this summer b/c he dose not shead verry well and he hase a really thick summer coat anywase. He choked about 10 times in the 3 years i have hade him, last time he did that i almost told my mom to call the vet and tell her to come put him down. Im really worryed about him. I mean i have only hade him for 3 years and im only 13 but i know him better than anyone and i know hes not feeling good. I know hes not going to get any better. I mean hes a 20 y/o TB that hase been starved twice before i got him, he was a show horse and did the 4ft hunters, and hes in a 30 y/o body. He hase hade ulcers(sp) and i think their kicking back in. Hes sucking his toung really really bad, when ever you touch him (other than his neck and face) he pins his ears and shakes his head. He always snapped his teeth when you touched his girth area, but tonight when i brushed him he about kicked me, i know hes not doing it to be mean.

I dont know if i should just go ahead and let him go before it gets worst or wate untill the summer and let him live as long as he can. Just the though of him not being in my life makes me cry. I love him so much, i love him more than my VERRY 1st horse that i have hade for 6 years.

I really just needed to get this out. I dont know what i should do.

[HorseBliss]

Sorry to hear this. Have you had the vet out to see if anythin could be wrong with him? I would just keep a close eye on how much he eats and drinks. But honestly, it sounds to me like he's ready to let go. I know it's hard to let go and say goodbye, but it's not worth letting them suffer. But I would definitely have the vet pay a visit and see if you can pinpoint what may be going on. *HUGS!*

[Amber.Molly]

Call your vet... ? That's what I would do

Hope he feels better.

[Dawn]

You should call your vet. Have a basic exam to see what's going on right now with him. Run some basic bloodwork. And have him checked for cushings.

[3WishesDun]

Poor boy! I would call the vet. Maybe he's colicky.
Does he have teeth issues? Is that the reason behind the choking incidents? Do you soak his feed?

[horsefreak10241]

I agree with everyone else. It will hurt you more to see him suffer then to be put down.

[Cntrysass20]

Dawn, I was thinking Cushings myself. From someone who had that "old great gelding" I know what your going through and it sucks...BIG TIME! **HUGS** He also had Cushings. A huge thick winter coat that doesnt like to shed on its own is one of the first signs.

Jessie

[PeggySue]

what does his diet consist of ?? any other signs then those you typed above??

ETA: I agree you need to call your vet and have a physical done with blood panel to start with

[jhalton]

poor baby. give him lots of loves. of course, call the vet and see what can be done for him... have courage and just do you the best you can as you always have..

[Dressage Princess]

At the risk of sounding like a cracked record, call your vet. S/he will be best qualified to find out what's the matter.