Bend in the road

Once again, months have passed since I have written but I am documenting another big event so here goes: today D was officially diagnosed with Cushings Disease or PPID. I have a lot to learn about this disease but as I understand it- his pituitary gland is impacted which affects his endocrine system.
I first noticed something was wrong when I brought D in and he was breathing very hard, similar to when a dog pants. Horses cool down similar to humans and since he wasn't sweaty either, this was a concern. He cooled right down and began breathing normally once he had been hosed down.

Obviously, this is not normal breathing. D lives outside 24/7 and he loves it. He is also not new to the southern heat.  But after having a normal shed- out his coat had grown back in. So once cooled down the first task was body clipping which he thought was fantastic!! I'm so thankful for my barn family and the way they come around me and assist me in caring for my boy. I have now body clipped a horse, too. :)

Gracie, so graciously lent me her time and expertise on my VERY hairy and dirty horse. 

Grace and Vivienne, also gave of their time and expertise,  clean up my clipping job and clip his legs. 

D had/ has been leaking pee for a bit. He had a urine infection two summers ago so this wasn't a huge concern at first since I'd been told that it might happen.
All of D's symptoms (heavy breathing, heavy coat, leaking urine) seemed unrelated but after a vet visit. I learned that they could all be related which was rather comforting. After a thorough check-up our vet drew blood to run tests. The good news? D was totally healthy. The bad news? He is positive for cushings disease.
I am grateful for a diagnosis especially since D is often a puzzle and it seems that cushings has a pretty straightforward treatment.  I am hopeful we can get back to normal soon. Although, I'm not sure I would've been riding in this heat anyways.
Since it has been extremely hot lately we spend time by the fan during the heat of the day and learn more and more about horses and the complications they present. ;)

He LOVES the fan!