Doctor showed up right on time and, quite honestly, I had been preparing myself for the worst.  I had given Connor 2 grams of Bute last night around 10 pm and blanketed him to keep him comfortable over night.

After evaluation of hooves and walking gait, the doctor diagnosis mild/beginning laminitis in left front hoof, and prescribes:

Previcox- an anti-inflammatory drug; used instead of the usual “Bute” (phenylbutazone) because it has less long term side effects.  And, yes, the horse med is really Equiox ($$$$). 1 pill/day

Pentoxifylline- a red blood cell modulator; thinking is, one of the contributing factors to  laminitis is constricted blood flow to hoof, due to smaller blood vessels.  This drug helps the blood reach into the smaller blood vessels in the hoof.  7 pills/day

Aspirin- helps prevent clotting that can occur with the Pentoxifylline.  2 scoops (2 grams)/twice a day.

He also noted “seedy” toe which is beginnings of bacterial infection in the white line of the hoof.

Also said to call back the farrier and get the toe rounded for easier breakover.  (Yesterday, we just pulled off his front shoes and left it like that.)

All-in-all, prognosis is good!!

Connor

Connor