Pony Trixi
should not stand alone in the stable - what now?
From the perspective of Gut Aiderbichl
(written by Gisela Pschenitschnig)
Trixi, a black pony, was not to be left alone when the side horse had to be put to sleep.
The owner, an elderly lady, loved her animals more than anything, but the work for and with the animals became more and more exhausting. Trixi suffers from laminitis and has also Cushing's syndrome - two diseases that require full concentration and dedication. She was adopted about two months ago at Gut Aiderbichl Deggendorf, so that the living situation of the animal-loving lady and the pony could improve.
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 the horse. Through the blood circulation, the hormones are distributed throughout the horse's body, which in turn is necessary for maintaining the balanced hormone levels.
Cushing's therefore means that the pituitary gland is impaired in its work. There is a lack of dopamine and as a result too much cortisol and other hormones are produced. Hormonal changes can identify symptoms of Cushing's: Laminitis, thick, long and curly coat, delayed or no coat change, patchy sweating, muscle regression, fat pads, etc.
In expert circles, it is also said that Cushing's 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 in the foreground.
Trixi feels very well in Deggendorf and has let the grief go
The horse handlers in Deggendorf know how to deal with Cushing's disease and laminitis, helping to make Trixi's life easier and worth living. She enjoys the petting, the adapted feed and the care on her hooves.
In Trixi's case, it is fair to ask whether horses say goodbye, and how they do it. When the side horse had to be put down, Trixi certainly mourned her friend, because horses are capable of doing that. In general, I observe that animals grieve for their friends and that they feel pain in doing it. They live out this pain, and then they let it go.
It is probably about letting go, which is so difficult for us humans. Many things that are foreign to humans can be learned from animals, including how to deal with pain, grief, joy and everything that is part of life.
Trixi's friends in Deggendorf are mainly pony Lucy and her nine-month-old Hanna. I wonder what the three of them have to tell each other?
Sincerely, your Gisela
