THE "C" WORD

["LAURIE AND WADE PEARSON" <wadepearson@worldnet.att.net>]

I wrote a post on Tuesday about my 32 year old Arabian gelding R-R Rafsha. I was checking on him during our mini hurricane Sunday, and spotted him urinating blood. My vet came strait out and we pulled blood and cleaned his sheath. We found a few very large *shooting marbles* in his tract. We where hoping for an infection in the bladder from this.

 

Doc called today with the results from his blood work. He said it was so long getting back because he had them re check it. He calmly told me to sit down and not to freak out.... His kidneys and liver numbers were normal for his age, but his white blood count was 132 thousand. He told the lab they must be wrong to recheck. A horse with pneumonia would be around 20 thousand. I took a deep breath and asked, "are you saying what I think you are saying?". He said yes, LYMPHOMA.

 

My brother had this when he was 5 and is now a 30 year survivor, so I am aware of the meaning of high white cell levels. Doc said he could not believe it, this old guy was trotting up when we called him, (well he trots up sideways, we call it the John Wayne trot). He is eating great and drinking plenty. His coat is shinny and he is holding his weight. He even rolls and is able to get up!!

 

We discussed the what to look for in deterioration, and the first sign of pain or illness we will give him the final lullaby liquid. It is hard to believe that after having him 29 years it is almost time. Rafsha is the second horse I have had to this age. My first horse was 11 when I got her and we sent her on after 18 years of friendship. I have had many along the way that have gone to the big pasture from colic, summer sores, hanging, still birth, broken legs, and founder. But never CANCER!!!!

 

A COWBOY POET friend of mine once said, "The pasture that awaits him is lush green and stirrup high, and the creeks run deep and cool. When he gets to the gates he will find his entry fees and board are paid in full"........... 

 

Laurie

"The proud caretaker of LIN-LAUR FARMS R-R RAFSHA"