About to Cry

Despite everything we do to prevent it, Winston has been diagnosed with Laminitis. Yesterday he was a little sore and today he really did not want to walk. He was in so much pain, Mom called the vet.
He is in the early stages and has to be on Banamine 2x. Which means he has to be on Gastro guard. They also put him on another medicine which decreases over time. He is only allowed 4 flakes of hay a day and that is it.
Mom is headed out to buy ice boots. What a nightmare.
Yesterday I read an article about a trial drug, Laminil which has helped with laminitis. The drug helps prevent the inflammatory response in the mast cells. A horse that would barely walk was treated and four days later did a little jog on hard ground. It is administered through the vein in the fetlock with a tourniquet so it back flows into the foot.
I don't know what will come of it, but I emailed the doctor doing the study and told him about Winston. They are looking for more horses, so it is worth a try.
Winston has always been insulin resistant, and carries extra weight which is why we are vigilant about muzzles and dry lotting. Unfortunately, something tipped him over the edge. It could be the spring bloom or the stress of Roscoe being gone that two weeks.
Mom and I are probably both doing the "if only we had done this or that" thing right now. Nothing feels good right now.
So keep Winston in your thoughts. Poor boy, his 17th birthday is on Friday. Worst gift ever :(

And added to all this, Jenna is 3 legged lame. Mom can't reach Gretchen at home or work. When it rains it pours, just like the weather right now. I need a sunny day.