Hoof Blogs

Flossie's First Flu

FLOSSIE'S FIRST FLU

When I went to ride Flossie this morning, she was already standing at
the fence as if she were waiting for me. I noticed right away that she
had a snotty nose, so I wiped both nostrils clean. The snot was a thick
yellow color, which isn't normal. I just knew she was sick, and when I
heard her dry cough, I figured she has the equine flu that's going
around these days. I showed her to Des and he could see she wasn't
herself just by looking at her.

Gary came down and took each horse's temperature. Flossie's was 38.9 C
which is equal to 102 F, so she was definitely ill.

I spent four hours with her, and during the course of that time, I
noticed several other horses coughing; Bambi, BamBam, and two of Billy's
geldings. I mentioned it to Des, so he had Gary check them, too.

I guess I'll be without a horse now for two to three weeks or so. I
knew it was only a matter of time before these horses would be infected.
I was praying they'd be spared, but I was preparing for the worst, too.

The horses still had an appetite, however; they enjoyed their carrots as
much as ever. Even the horse treats were a real winner; all the horses,
with the exception of Flossie and one of Billy's geldings, eat them with
zest now. Even the head-bobber!