equine expressions: Koda

Showing posts with label Koda. Show all posts

10.03.2026

animal fall update

We have SO much going on with our animals that at times I think I have the human version of animal anxiety. If there even is such a thing. Our animals are constantly on my mind. Unless something requires focus, like working on Stained Glass. Worrying doesn't solve any thing. All it does is make me feel tired and sad.

This is your cue to run, or in this case scroll LOL.

There is nothing completely new going on with our animals. Cierra's allergies are still terrible, Koda is still lame etc. However, we have added complications. Nothing seems to really get resolved. We just keep trying "stuff". More decisions, and of course more money.

Maybe if I "talk" about it, my mind and heart won't be as restless?!

................

Koda is going the wrong direction. He stopped wanting to go for walks after his last trim. Now his back end (hips?) are screwed up. Could be from laying down, an unfavorable move, over compensating or even standing on the hurt leg while trimming.

His September Acupuncture appointment lasted until he got trimmed. A short two weeks. I feel terrible for him. He has spent too much of his life injured. After what felt like a long wait, Koda was to be treated for either a Chiro./Accu. yesterday. I intentionally only shared what we observed. Then patiently waited for the vet to give us her own suggestions. She is so wishy-washy!

The vet thought since he usually responds well, it was best to stick with Acupuncture. She did however place needles in different locations. The four across his hips twitched like crazy. Koda really enjoys his treatments and continues to clearly choose Peppermint. He seemed brighter by evening.

Koda is scheduled to get updated x-rays along with Fall shots on October 8th. I am hopeful Dr. W will bring a machine! I requested x-rays in the Spring with a different vet. We ended up with a worthless ultrasound, and an unhelpful care plan.

Koda bear during a warm bath

................

Hope kicked high, hard and fast at her last trim. Again. However, this time she was not in heat. We are officially concerned about human safety and her well-being.

Brad asked me to come to his lesson at our trainers (Padame update to come) to discuss Hope with our 'er his trainer.

Considering Hope's past, we are unsure if these changes are behavioral or neurological/medical. She has been such a sweet easy horse, and still is for the most part. I would much prefer these changes be behavioral. No one wants an unsafe horse, but that is something that could be worked on/out. Her changes could be a result of strong hormonal heat, added to a three year olds fresh attitude.

We are looking into sending Hope out for training. To build on the work Brad has done with her. It is not what we wanted, but is needed. For her sake and ours. However, first we need to rule out there is nothing medical going on. I am curious what the vet will suggest. Likely an MRI...ugh.

finding peace in Fall

................

Tank relapsed post CHOP chemotherapy. Earlier than the average dog treated with Lymphoma. It doesn't mean it didn't work. It means whatever cancer in his cells remained, grew back faster than expected.

I remind myself without treatment, Tank would have most likely been gone last March.

Treatment side effects have been almost non-existent. A few days of loose stools throughout the many months. The clinic staff and his Oncologist are amazing! They go above and beyond to make his clinic days less stressful.

swimming at Devils Lake
9.18.26

He is currently doing a different regression chemo protocol. His body responded well and went right back into remission. We are painfully aware it won't last long. However, long enough to enjoy each and every Fall day with him. Making more memories with our big expressive guy is priceless.

Tank is a very happy dog and getting extra spoiled! Thankfully, animals live in the moment. I could write a book. He is loving his special meals, walks, barn duty, family dogs, endless sticks, stealing socks, vehicle rides and sleeping in ~~our~~ his bed. Between his two people.

Our happy boy

My hope is that our snow dog enjoys life long enough to do his pop up snow thing. It is doubtful, but it could happen. We are taking it one day at a time.

................

With all of the above (and more) Quality of Life is a frequent discussion at my household. I am not looking for sympathy. Everyone has issues. With heavy things to sort and decisions to make. Please know it is far from doom and gloom here! I just haven't found that damn off switch in my head.

If you made it this far, thank you for reading. Enjoy your weekend!

8.24.2026

horse update ~ summer 2026

It seems that all I can muster these days are collective posts. Life often offers stretches that feel a bit ordinary. At other times, there are a flurry of things happening ~or~ that don't seem to happen. Ever. No matter how hard one tries to manifest them. I might find the right words to expand on this. Someday. For now, this update is about a busier time with recent horse challenges. In order of occurrence:

As you know, Koda started acupuncture. His first lameness treatment helped, and a walking program was started. It felt like drawing a "get out of jail" card. Three weeks later, his second appointment was okay. Nothing much changed. Cierra was also treated for allergies. For endless weeks, we heard crickets on vet follow-up/recommendations. I was not impressed.

Koda's right front remains straight

In the meantime, our farrier did a slightly different trim on Koda that noticeably helped. For Koda's sake, earlier this year we had switched to four weeks trims. We decided it was in his best interest to pause acupuncture and see how long this re-focused trimming would help. It worked great the first time. A second similar trim suddenly make Koda not want to walk. At all. Perhaps trimmed too short or related to weight bearing with sedation. It was heartbreaking and we felt defeated. Wondering what the future holds for Koda. We made sure our farrier knew, before Koda had another trim done. After the last positive response he was surprised, and felt kinda bad.

You have to try different things to find out what works/doesn't. Always a slow process.

Seven weeks had passed since Koda's last acupuncture. On treatment day, we noticed a difference. There was no doubt it was doing something and incremental walking was re-started. In true Koda form he choose Peppermint over Lavender this time, by flicking the bottle out of the vets hand with his nose. Everyone busted out laughing. He is very expressive.

Koda getting "hooked up" to needles for added Chi circulation

Our current plan is to treat an in-between interval of five weeks. If it holds, Koda will progress to trying small space turn-out. Been there done that with him. We are noodling on what might work best. At this point it is obvious, Koda will never be sound. He will yo-yo from being lame to super lame for the rest of his life. Sad, but true.

back to enjoying morning walks (11 secs)
8.6.26

The trick is to figure out how long treatments can be stretched, and still maintain comfort.

8.12.26

Then there is Ms. Hope, who needs more schooling. She continues to be mostly sweet and easy to handle. Except for her *itchy stall behavior. Random poop removal remains an issue. Rare for us. All our other horses at home are what I consider stall safe. Including with grain. Consequently, Hope gets taken out of her stall for occasional unplanned scooping. Brad continues working with this issue. Interesting that she is fine with grain/hay, just don't take her piles of gold! Hope hasn't acted on her warning signs, but I don't trust her snake-y behavior.

Hope's foot trimming

8.18.26

We saw a new side of Hope at her last trim. It caught us all by surprise! For three years she has been fine getting trimmed by the same farrier. Actually, very good. An occasional resistant tug from a hind leg. Always quickly settled and uneventfully trimmed. Not this time. Out of the blue, she said "NO!!" to her back leg being lifted. Hope did a directed fake/not so fake double barrel! Our farrier scooted out of the way. This was not his first rodeo. He tried again, and got a repeat performance. Hope instantly proceeded to pee in the aisle. She was in full blown heat. Sigh. The decision was made to just trim her other front hoove.

No, we did not go off and strong handedly reprimand her. In conversation, some think we should have. I was curious, and asked our farrier his thoughts. His response was "sometimes you just have to let them have one". Hope still had to stand for a trim after her temper tantrum, but we left her back feet for another less reactive time. Sigh. Just when I was leaning towards Mares (vs Geldings) preference.

saddled, tied and standing while we clean stalls
8.20.26

different angle (screenshot)

I learned not to overreact with young horses. It can back-fire in a hurry. Not remotely saying to let young horses get away with naughty unsafe behavior. An entire topic for another day.

~~~

As for Cierra's acupuncture allergy treatment, we both did not notice any difference. She did okay (apparently some horses react and do not like treatment) but did not necessarily enjoy it. We are going to hold off additional treatments. The vet did say acupuncture is more effective/important for Koda's lameness, and herbs for Cierra's allergies. We are hesitant to try herbs especially on her, and they are expensive.

Cierra was given the Earth constitution of calm, steady, reliable nurturer. I found some of the vet recommendations interesting: Chinese herbal medication Concentrated Lily Combination, as needed up to 6 months. Yin-nourishing (cooling) foods/treats offered in moderation include: pear, honey (both specifically beneficial for breathing/cough), bran, peppermint/peppermint leaf, cucumber, celery, watermelon rind, flax, soybean oil, sesame oil.

We woke up to barn drama mid-week. Brad rushed in the house to tell me "Cierra's eye is all swollen". Whaat?! I scrambled to the barn to help. He applied cold compresses on her very swollen eye, until a vet could get here. With emergency calls, you get whatever vet the clinic sends. We lucked out and got the vet we are thinking of using for future routine care. She has been here before, but it has been a long time. It was nice to interact and chat with her again, although not for this reason.

8.19.26

Dr. L checked Cierra's eye for foreign material, tears, ulcers etc. Nothing was found. We don't know what caused the swelling. Could have been a hay poke, debris or even a bite. She was put on Banamine, Antibacterial Ointment and Sodium Chloride to reduce the swelling. All done in small doses throughout the day. Three days of full treatment later, she is finally better. Day four, Cierra was turned-out. Not sure who is happier, Cierra or Nemo.

8.23.26

6.16.2026

fire and wood ~ 2 of 2

If you missed the first part of this post, here is "fire and wood ~ 1 of 2".

Koda turned into a puppy dog for his second acupuncture treatment. Showing his very sweet side. It fostered a lot of smiles and awww's. He even gently lifted his injured leg on his own, and held it for the vet to insert the needle. I mentioned animals seem to be in-tune and know when us humans are trying to help them.

We have had turbulent windy weather lately. Check out the video below. It has been really sweet to see Brad and Koda's relationship grow. Koda trusts Brad more than anyone. I would not have walked him in the wild wind. My head would have been worried about it causing what-if's. I would have brought out what our daughter calls the spicy jalapeno.

6.12.26 (9 secs) heading out

At Koda's second acupuncture appointment, he chose Lavender again. Much sooner this time. I asked if most horses favor Lavender. The vet said the horses she treats choose about 50/50 between Lavender and Peppermint.

We discussed adding the suggested Chinese Herbs to Koda's care plan. I chose the Lameness related herbs to consider trying first. I asked about studies/data. None, of course. Perhaps due to funding. She assured me these herbs are gentle/safe. They come from Jing Tang Herbal a reputable veterinary herbal company.

They are listed below. Have you heard of any of them? I am always leery. Note; this is an AI generated ingredient list. You have to be a vet to get info from them. She briefly looked over the list and was impressed I got such detailed info from an online search.

"Jing Tang Herbal Tendon/Ligament Formula (also known as Zhuang Jin Jian Fang) Is a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) supplement designed to nourish Liver Yin and Blood while strengthening tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues.

The formula is a blend of traditional Chinese herbs, including: ® TCVM Pet Supply

• Bai Shao Yao: Nourishes Blood and Yin, and soothes Liver Yang.
• Bu Gu Zhi: Nourishes Kidney Yang and Yin.
• Chuan Niu Xi: Strengthens the kidneys and supports the knees.
• Chuan Xiong: Moves the blood to resolve stagnation.
• Dang Gui: Nourishes the blood.
• Gou Qi Zi: Nourishes Liver Yin and blood.
• Gui Zhi: Activates the channels and limbs.
• Sang Zhi: Smoothes the limbs.
• Shan Zhu Yu: Nourishes Liver Yin.
• Shu Di Huang: Nourishes the blood and Yin.
• Wu Jia Pi: Strengthens ligaments and tendons.
• Yin Yang Huo: Nourishes Kidney Yang.

Common Uses: It is typically used for ligament and tendon injuries (such as ACL/CCL recovery), post-surgical healing, arthritis, and sports recovery in cats, dogs, and horses."

~~~~~~

During Koda's second treatment, electrodes were connected to the needles on one side. After insertion. It gently vibrates and intensifies the needles effectiveness.

Is acupuncture magic? No, I do not think so. However, it is something that communicates and fosters healing. IF you are open to it.

Koda really looks forward to his daily walks. Even if he is still lame. I am unsure if that will ever change. He has a long varied history of lameness. Koda's lower right leg is still straight up and down. It does not flex like the left. We hold hope his tendons are slooowly and safely being stretched. Recovery takes time. We wish we had started this healing process sooner!

6.12.26 (5 secs) heading in

For now, we are going to continue treating Koda with acupuncture and probably try the recommended herbs. Our goal is to offer him some type of return to being a healthier happier horse that can be turned out and graze.

~~~~~~

We had a second horses treated, Cierra. She continues to have trouble with her breathing. It comes from allergic reactions, to mainly bug bites. She is on maintenance allergy shots and gets daily Ventipulmin. Dex (Dexamethasone) is reserved for when she gets really bad.

Brad was away at a horse show the last time it happened. I sent him the video below and told him Cierra was asking me for help. In her sweet horse way. You can also hear her wheezing and see nostrils flaring. Breaks my heart to see Cierra laboring to breath. Thank god the meds work!

6.3.26 (9 secs)

After ^^ Brad wondered if acupuncture might help. I did some research (my super power) and found acupuncture for allergies is effective when used in conjunction with other care.

We all laughed! Our whole barn is going to end up being all zen. Meanwhile, Brad and I are hobbling around with aches and pains. LOL!

I will share more about Cierra's first treatment when I get her follow-up report back. It is really nice that this new vet/clinic sends reports. Eventually. I guess our horses are not her only patients ;) Dr. A is part of a small clinic and does routine vetting as well.

My best guess is Cierra will be given an Earth constitution. We have to wait to find out!

6.15.2026

fire and wood ~ 1 of 2

After 6 months of Koda's recommended stalling (plus bute and no hand-walking) we decided to try a different vet clinic. One that offers treatments our long-time clinic does not offer. Especially when we were given the same recommendation all over again.

I mentioned in my last horse related post that our vet is retiring. It is a big deal in our horse circle of friends. We tried whatever vet was available when Hope had her mysterious issues last Fall. We thought the on-call vet did a good job with Hope. Although everything was run past our long time vet. However, we are less impressed with how the vet handled our Spring wellness visit. Especially Koda's lameness recheck. The follow-up took weeks and made it evident this will not be our replacement vet.

We were in agreement that the original stall recommendation was appropriate for Koda's injury. For his sanity, we hand walked/grazed him a little. He has improved and his care should reflect it. With no end in sight, we, especially Koda, needed some hope. Something in addition to stall rest. Koda has handled his looong incarceration surprisingly well. However, Spring fostered a new level of unhappiness for him. In human emotions, Koda seemed depressed, frustrated and angry. Fecal Water showed up. He was more edgy. His ocassional bursts of sassy FU increased. He was calling out more.

Endless months of 24/7 in a 12' x 12' stall is not good quality of life for a horse.

When Western Medicine is lacking, it is time to try Eastern. I do not think we are being unrealistic with Koda's diagnosis. We have to advocate for our animals.

Koda has had two Acupuncture treatments to date. Brad and I are both very happy to have a plan that ease's Koda's stall sentence. Even if the plan doesn't work. At least we are trying s.o.m.e.t.h.i.n.g. We know acupuncture won't necessarily heal his injuries, but it should at least help with pain.

I find Koda's acupuncture appointments fascinating!!! We like the vet's approach and are learning a lot. My needle shy husband cringes, but does see the positive effects first hand. There are only a couple certified acupuncture/chiro vets in our area. We feel fortunate to have a good one that services our area.

After initial discussion, Koda is offered Lavender or Peppermint as choices. He went back and forth but seemed to favor Lavender. The vet then applied it along key meridians, where Qi (Chi) energy flows. Before inserting needles.

After essential oil is applied, thin pink tipped needles of various lengths are inserted into key locations. The needles stay in around 15 minutes. Some worked their way out, most are removed. Koda handled everything well and didn't even flinch.

Koda being treated for lameness & digestive health.

The vet said Koda is a bit of a mystery to figure out. Yes, he is. Always. When I got the vets follow-up report, it stated Koda had a Fire and Wood constitution. There are tons of layers to Chinese Medicine. I do not pretend to know much of anything about it, but I do find it very interesting!!

Of course I had to look it up. In part, Google said this about Fire/Wood constitutions:

Fire Constitution (The Charmer)

Energy & Traits: Fire types are charismatic, expressive, and emotionally open. They thrive on connection, warmth, and joy. When balanced, they are enthusiastic and loving; when imbalanced, they may struggle with emotional volatility, anxiety, or insomnia.

Wood Constitution (The Pioneer)

Energy & Traits: Known as the visionary or pioneer, Wood types are goal-oriented, decisive, and natural leaders. They value growth and forward movement. When balanced, they are confident and inspiring; when out of balance, they can become easily frustrated, irritable, or stubborn.

I think Koda is much more like the Fire vs Wood based on description above.

Vet recommendations are: taking daily notes of what movement seems to help/hurt. Hand walking with a goal of increasing (on his own) pace. More grooming to help move Qi. A follow-up around 3 weeks.

May 20 (9 secs)

We instantly noticed a softening in Koda's demeanor and think his mobility has improved some. His pace has increased for sure. He is reaching out more, taking less choppy steps. Yes, Koda is still lame. His digestive system (gas/manure) improved a little. Maybe.

May 27 (19 secs)

Koda just seems happier overall.

May 29

I have dabbled in other Eastern practices for decades. Over the years, I have been on the brink of having acupuncture done on myself. I never ended up doing it. My injuries were resolved with PT. I am almost there again, as I continue seeking help for arthritis. It has been fun seeing Brad learn and be open to more new things.

Have you experienced acupuncture yourself, or with your animals?

** Coming soon is part 2 of this topic. Covering a second appointment, recommended herbs, another horse getting treated etc.

4.30.2026

Spring vet day

Spring vet day at our place came and went, but it is still on my mind.

Our vet sold the company to a larger out of State company, and is easing his way into well deserved retirement. He is currently part time, and counting the days. We thought it would be best to "rip the bandaid off" and try the fresh out of school vet that helped us with Hope. While our vet is still around to answer questions. She is very nice. However, you can't replace experience.

With an aging herd, this leaves me unsettled. Especially where Koda is concerned. He has been stalled for 6 months. I know his current injury can take up to a year IF it even heals. I need someone and something to help my boy. I do not want Koda to spend the rest of his life stuck in a stall!

I asked the new vet to review his lameness history, and come up with some type of plan or suggestions. I haven't heard back. I know they are busy with everything that Spring adds. In an effort to be helpful, I gathered some history and dates. Thank goodness for blogging! Koda's off/on lameness issues have been going on for a good decade. Seeing it listed was eye opening.

The new vet didn't do anything wrong, but we may end up trying some of their more seasoned vets again. A few of them have treated our horses upon occasion. Or, we may switch clinics. There is another good one a bit further away from us that offers more services, like Chiro. In the meantime, we will wait to see what the new vet comes up with for Koda.

Taping weights is part of the equine wellness package we purchase for our horses each year. It saves us a few pennies. With the exception of Hope, I doubt all our horses lost weight over the Winter. This time they were taped by an intern vet that is about to graduate. It is just a guestimate anyways.

Our herd at home, from oldest to youngest:

Harmony: 1097 lbs (Fall 1117 lbs)
Koda: 1237 lbs (Fall 1257 lbs) Teeth floated. Ultrasound...yep, still lame.
Nemo: 1174 lbs (Fall 1187 lbs) Teeth floated.
Cierra: 1197 lbs (Fall 1117 lbs)
Hope: 950 lbs (Fall 932 lbs)

All of them received Spring vaccines & exam, per our wellness plan:

- Physical exam (spring & fall)
- Dental float with sedation, if needed
- Fecal egg count (spring & fall)
- Lyme vaccine (spring & fall)
- Rhino vaccine (spring & fall)
- Flu Intranasal vaccine (spring & fall)
- EWT/WN vaccine (spring)
- Strangles vaccine (spring)
- Rabies vaccine (fall)
- Coggins Test

Spring vet day was uneventful. Which is a good thing.

4.29.26

4.18.2026

spring pastures

After Winter, most everything outdoors needs tending. Including Spring pastures. We were catapulted into Spring, now everything needs to be done ASAP! Impossible. Instead, we chip away at an endless to-do list and get done what we can. The rest waits for our attention.

Safety comes first. Brad removed a broken pasture fence wire, before someone got tangled up in it. Hope wasn't sure what to think. Silly girl. Note; she is still shedding out.

Video's were taken from our deck. Sound up if you want to hear our aviary.

4.17.26 (45 secs)

(41 secs)

4.02.2026

land of wonders ~ march 2026 2/2

Marching, or in Tanks case jumping, through the second half the month:

March 18 (Remi waaay ahead)

Tanks shadows!

March 19

enjoying late season snow

I was so surprised to find another isolated heart (below)!! Same path. I had stopped to snap a photo of Tank and almost stepped on the heart with my snowshoes. If I had, it would have become my broken heart.

no clue what formed this almost perfectly shaped heart (not me)

yes you blondee, get down

March 20 sunset

mother nature took a big pine down
(13 secs)

March 22 cloudy layered sunset

taking 3 dogs for a walk
March 23

(Tank, Remi and Leo the cat-dog)

everything smells better together

Tank is always watching out for me

Harmony enjoying bed and breakfast
March 24

Our round bales easily fall apart and are so messy! Brad said "we will never do round bales again". Don't know until you try.

catkins caught my eye

Google says they are from a Hazelnut. Hmm. Maybe?

Tank & Remi
March 25

naturalized grape hyacinths
March 26

calm grazing on emerging grass
March 27

are you coming?

the dogs sniff a lot in the disturbed area

Nemo & Cierra under cover

(no clue why photos are so much darker in blogger)

Tank & Rem-Rem
March 30

It is unusual for me to have all three big dogs together these days.

Remi taking a break

She will be 10 at the end of May. Bernese Mountain dogs life expectancy is 6-8 yrs. She is a medium sized Berny and doing good. Country life suits her well. She loves the woods, the barn and me.

Tank & Remi on barn watch (Leo photo bomb)
March 30

More scratches please (Hope)
March 31

Koda and friends walking
(5 secs)

Tank takes his horse job seriously

This concludes a snapshot of March happenings.

April should bring rain showers, with less weather swings. My early daffodils are about to open and many perennials are poking through the ground. It won't be long and active gardening season will take over! Unfortunately, so will the dreaded flying biters.

Taking the good with the bad, makes us appreciate the good even more.

3.20.2026

land of wonders ~ february 2026

Here we go again. Taking a look back ~~mid-month~~ much later the following month. I should really give up on my Land of Wonders series, but at least for now I won't.

I want my memory photos to live someplace besides my phone. Losing years of irreplaceable phone photos does this to a person. Feel free to scroll past monthly dog/horse/cat/land & sky photos. Believe me when I say I am sharing a small fraction of my keepers.