Wednesday 25 February 2009

A dentists visit



It has been a long day of veterinary treatment for the horses today! Piper (above) was due tetanus shots, and the older boys were all in need of dental rasping. Added to that, Foggy has a nasty cough which I just can't shift, so I thought it was about time to get them all checked out in one visit. Unfortunately, the vet was two and a half hours late, due to an emergency elsewhere. Thankfully, Piper, who is only two, didn't seem to mind standing and waiting patiently. It seemed like a good time to introduce her to a surcingle around her belly. I have to say, I don't think she even noticed it was there. She is very laid back about life in general, taking no notice of her injections ( despite the fact that the vet bent the first needle putting it in!)

Red, on the other hand, needed sedation for his dentistry. I found it quite shocking, having never before had a horse sedated. I didn't expect him to be so wobbly, and dopey. Of course, it was a good thing, he was able to be fitted with a gag, and have the sharp hooks rasped off his teeth quickly and easily, but this is a horse who is always sharp and alert, a little bit edgy when confined, and constantly keeping an eye on his surroundings in case something should come upon him unexpectedly. It took quite a while to wear off too, poor boy, though he seems none the worse for wear this evening!
I, on the other hand, am now dreading the bill, so I had better get painting something to sell!

11 comments:

Pussycats and Angels said...

Oh I know that feeling I always dreaded the vets bill. I had a New Forest pony for twenty years and I gave up keeping tabs on those costs. Red is a beautiful boy,(and Piper of course) reading your blogs bring it all back to me. I can't believe its been thirteen years since I lost my boy. He was the best friend I ever had. But now I can share in your wonderful notes. Thank you. :)

Jennifer MacNeill said...

I think I've spent half of my life waiting for vets:)
Love the photo of Red, would make an excellent painting!

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Gosh, what charmers these two are! I don't blame Red for needing sedation. I would rather do almost anything than visit the dentist, and I have nothing like rasping to deal with!

Debra Keirce said...

You have such a relationship with each of your horses...I can tell they are like family members. No wonder they inspire such beautiful art for you!!

Danielle Barlow said...

Thankyou for following, Pussycats and angels - I'm glad you are enjoying it!

You're welcome to paint him Jen!

Pamela, you are right, I don't blame them for needing sedation either - it seems quite barbaric! Foggy on the other hand doesn't mind the whole process at all, even when he is feeling sorry for himself with a cough.

Thanks DEB, you're right, I do have a great relationship with them all, and know exactly what they are thinking and feeling, except my daughters pony Matthew. He is sweet, and kind, and yet he is utterly self contained and closed. It feels like he has a wall around around him, and I have absolutely no idea what he feels or thinks. it's very strange, and it bothers me somewhat, but I am not sure I can do anything about it.

Gwen Buchanan said...

at first the beautiful pictures made me feel that you live in a fairy tale.. but when I read about your day.. it brought back the memories of when I used to have my little farm.. so many things to think 'bout and take care of and pay for!!!
and the knowing that every animal's personality is as unique as humans are!!

Heart of a Cowgirl said...

I love that we both have Pipers, right around the same age! (My Piper will be 2 in May). She has many nicknames...Pipey, Piper Brown, P-Pipes, Piperoni... silly, huh?

Jennifer said...

Beautiful horses!

Ingrid said...

Lovely horses Danielle! Oh my~ yes the vet bills. One of those necessary things a horse owner must take care of. I do my own vaccinating (ours behave fairly well), but rasping teeth....Nope, won't and CAN'T do that!

Linda said...

I had the most awful exsperience with Woozle and sedation for dentist last year, as they get older its a real worry.
I've tagged you its an easy art picture one, if you want to Lindax

Gail H. Ragsdale said...

Both are wonderful looking horses Danielle! I so enjoy your paintings of Red, what a neat horse!

Ah, vet bills....

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