Pony Trixi
should not stand alone in the stable - what now?
From the perspective of an Aiderbichler
(told by Gisela Pschenitschnig)
Trixi, a black pony, was not to be left alone when the side horse had to be put down.
The owner, an elderly lady, loved her animals dearly, but the work for and with the animals was becoming increasingly strenuous. Trixi suffers from laminitis and also has Cushing’s syndrome – two diseases that require full concentration and dedication. Trixi was admitted to Gut Aiderbichl Deggendorf around two months ago, and thus the life situation of the animal-loving lady and the pony could be eased to some extent.
Cushing's syndrome and its cause
Cushing’s is a disease of the pituitary gland, which is responsible for the production of many different hormones in horses. The hormones are distributed throughout the horse’s body via the bloodstream, which in turn is necessary to maintain hormonal balance.
Cushing’s therefore means that the pituitary gland is impaired in its work. There is a lack of the hormone dopamine and as a result too much cortisol and other hormones are produced. Symptoms of Cushing’s can be recognised through hormonal changes: Laminitis, thick, long and curly coat, delayed or no shedding, patchy sweating, muscle regression, fat pads, etc.
In specialist circles, it is also said that Cushing’s disease can be caused by inappropriate husbandry, chronic stress, incorrect feeding, etc. If all these negative influences are remedied, the metabolism may be able to work properly again and Cushing’s is no longer the main cause.
Trixi feels very comfortable in Deggendorf and has let go of her grief
The equine specialists in Deggendorf know how to deal with Cushing’s disease and laminitis, helping to make Trixi’s life easier and worth living. Trixi enjoys the cuddles, the customised feed and the care of her hooves.
In the case of Trixi, the question of whether horses say goodbye and how they do it is also justified. When the companion horse had to be put down, Trixi certainly mourned the loss of her friend, because horses are capable of doing that. In general, I observe that animals mourn their friends and that they feel pain in the process. They live out this pain and then they let it go.
I think it’s about letting go, which we humans find so difficult. Animals can teach us many things that are alien to humans, including how to deal with pain, grief, joy and everything else that is part of life.
Trixi’s friends in Deggendorf are Lucy the pony and her nine-month-old Hanna. I wonder what the three of them have to tell each other?Sincerely, Your Gisela
