Rowdy ...3/18/00

Remember Rowdy? He was the 28+ yr. old Sorrell QH Gelding that was in the group of Sandy's Seniors. He and Magi, the Palomino Foxtrotter, had spent the last 17 yrs. of their lives together before ending up in a feedlot. Thanks to Sandy, these boys were ransomed together and came to TIER. On 3/13/00 I noticed that Rowdy was "dribbling" from his penis as he ran through the pasture. Due to his age, I assumed he was becoming incontinent, so I called the vet. The vet arrived on 3/14/00 and examined my dear friend Rowdy. Poor boy had a horrible bladder infection. The vet catheterized him and manipulated his bladder. His bladder was the size of a volleyball, the skin was thickened. The vet thought he either a) had a blockage; or, b) the muscles to his bladder were not working correctly and therefore he could not push the urine through. He was put on 15 SMZ's & 2 butes in the morning, with the same dosage at night. By Saturday, 3/18/00 Rowdy was down and could not stand without help. He had a creamy colored discharge that would turn pink with blood everytime he tried to get up. The vet was again called. I gave Rowdy 10cc's of Banamine and he eventually stood, then began munching his hay. His stood in a "parked out" position (front feet forward, hind feet extended backwards) which indicated to the vet that he was in quite a bit of pain. The discharge became heavier and bloodier and some blood clots were passed. The decision was made to allow Rowdy to be pain free and cross the Rainbow Bridge. Due to his age, his rapidly deteriorating health and the extent of the infection, it was highly unlikely that he would handle any surgery.

After Rowdy crossed the Rainbow Bridge, Blair (my husband) brought Magi over to say goodbye. Magi sniffed and flapped his lips as if to say "Goodbye Old Friend". We are watching Magi closely to make sure he is eating, drinking. We are handling Magi quite a bit, brushing and talking to him, spending a few extra moments with him in hopes that his grief at losing a partner of 17+ yrs. will be somewhat easier. As of this writing, he is doing well and telling old man stories to his neighbor...Jordie. 

After an examination of Rowdy, the vet determined that the muscles which are used to push urine through the bladder were not functioning properly. There was an extreme amount of infection and blood. The vet indicated that Rowdy had probably had chronic bladder problems in the past and that he more than likely had an ongoing low grade infection. As he got more nourishment, ate more, got healthier...the infection got stronger. From the first time I saw this frosty faced Old Soldier, he galloped right in and took a chunk of my heart. I can still see his little pointed ears, bright inquisitive eyes (despite the pain). When I walked up to his pen, he would push Magi away to come to me, or anyone else that came to visit. He would doze in the sun while I brushed him and we had long, peaceful, loving moments together. I miss him so.

We at TIER were honored to have been allowed the short time we had with this wonderful Old Soldier. We thank Sandy for granting us the favor of having him in our lives. Rowdy was all horse! A living, breathing, loving horse. He owned a space in my heart and he is now galloping in the Rainbow Heavens just the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. You see, when the heart speaks..........the heart listens. Thank you Rowdy for all that you gave us.