Tomorrow is Chrome's appointment at the vet to get gelded. I'm so nervous! I think I mentioned on here already that this is my first time having a horse gelded. The horses I grew up with were either mares or already geldings, so I'm new to this whole thing. If anyone has any advice, hints, tips, tricks, after-care instructions, questions I should ask the vet, etc. please share! Just nothing to scare me please. No horror stories lol. We got the trailer ready today. Checked the tires and wiring, put down bedding, hung a hay net, etc. I don't want to have to deal with any equipment malfunctions hehehe. Then I loaded Chrome to let him eat his supper on the trailer. He paused at the ramp to sniff it and then walked right on. Of course he found his feed immediately so that was his jackpot. Then we closed the ramp and doors so he could eat with it all closed up. His head came up and he was very tense, but he didn't panic and did finish his supper. Then we let the ramp down and he waited for me to ask him to back out, which he did perfectly. So unless he just wakes up on the wrong side of the bed tomorrow he should load fine. I feel like I'm as prepared as I can get, just have to concentrate on keeping the anxiety at bay and we should be fine.
I would really appreciate aftercare instructions though because I've never done this before. My plan so far is to leave him loose in the pasture so he can move around as much as possible. It's going to be cold all week which will help the swelling and should keep him from going for a dip in the pond. As far as cleaning I'm not sure what to do. I've heard a million different things. Cold hosing to keep swelling down and keep the wound open. Walking twice a day for thirty minutes a piece for the same reasons. Some people say use diluted iodine spray or betadine to clean it. Some say leave it alone. I've been told to use Vaseline on his legs to keep them from getting raw from the drainage. Also is he okay out with Faran and Zep? He won't play too hard will he? Do I give anything for pain or swelling or let him hurt so he will take it easy? Anyway thank you so much everyone in advance for any help or advice you can offer. :)
The best advice I can give you is to ask the vet about follow up care and follow it to a T! I've known a few geldings that have had problems because they weren't given the necessary care afterwards. Other than that, remember to breath - it'll be done before you know it! :D
ReplyDeleteSam
I hope some horse people respond. It does sound daunting. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteMango Momma
He'll be fine (don't worry Ma ;o) When we had Max done, we kept him by himself in an area next to the big pasture for a couple of days - didn't want too much roughhousing with his pasture pals. I don't remember doing anything at all with the incision site, other than keeping a check on it. He healed up just fine on his own. Hope that helps you.
ReplyDeleteI am sure everything will be great. You are prepared to do whataver the Vet says, and you will keep an eye on things and call the Vet if you need to. Worry is natural, but all will be fine. :)
ReplyDeleteKeep us apparaised tho.
Sam, thank you! It's hard voluntarily having your horse cut on, but it will be worth it in the end. :)
ReplyDeleteMango Momma, it was definitely daunting. I think one of the toughest things I've been through with Chrome so far, but he was a champ!
Jen, thank you. I'm a total worry wart when it comes to my boy. :) I appreciate the reassurance.
Emme, I will definitely have the vet's number on speed dial during this lol. I'll definitely keep everyone up to date.