miraculous recovery

The first five days were long. They included a lot of worry, x-rays, tourniquets, antibiotic infusions, long hours, multiple shots of antibiotics multiple times a day, and more worry.

The following ten days would reveal the general outcome of Koda's accident. If he recovered quickly, he would most likely be completely rideable again. The longer the puncture wound was problematic, the less likely he would be rideable. 

At the end of the five days he got switched to oral antibiotics twice a day, and our trainer began changing his bandage every other day. It is really hard not being able to completely take care of my boy! But I have to trust, and let others help. It's part of life. I remember the day I learned that hard lesson as a young adult. 

Brad & Koda
walking-n-walking-n-walking

We also tag-team hand walked Koda twice a day. I would walk him once, and our trainer did a second time. Around 30-40 minutes each. Walk a little, graze a little, walk a little more, graze a lot more. The latter part of our walks were spent mostly grazing. It kept Koda from going crazy. He had a couple days, where the cool breeze and running horses created excess energy, but he managed to keep it together. The last few days Brad helped, and we walked Koda together. My arm is soooo sore, even little tugs on a lead hurt. Tomorrow I have an appointment with Orthopedics, to face reality. 

the many colors of Koda

Yesterday was our ten day follow-up. We got miraculous news! Koda got cleared for turn-out!! *surprise* The punctured part of the wound is closed, and his leg can now be exposed to fresh air during the day. The influx of antibiotics has held off infection, a main concern. Late afternoon it will get cleaned, and have a topical antibiotic ointment light wrap applied overnight. If his x-rays are good at an upcoming four week appointment, he will be cleared to ride!! 

I truly believe the hand walking made the difference. We did way more then they asked us to do (5-10 minutes of walking once a day) without over doing it. That's where the grazing came in. What difference does it make if he is standing in his stall, or in a lawn? A lot if you ask Koda, for different reasons. Mobility is key with a healing tendon shield, to keep scar tissue from restricting movement. I think we accomplished that. 

my beloved guys

One more week to go....so far it's been a miraculous recovery, in half the expected time.