Izzy's Leg: Update 15

We're back on track! I've tried not to overwhelm you with updates, so even though this is the 15th time I've shared Izzy's progress, you'll have to remember that this has been going on for over four months. Yes, that's right FOUR MONTHS. And it's not quite healed yet.

Fortunately, we're back to where we were a month or so ago when Dr. Tolley gave the all clear. The wound has almost closed, but this time I won't have to contend with the after-effects of a pressure bandage.

The last time I wrote an update, I included photos from the day I stopped wrapping up until I started wrapping again. It's now been ten days of wrapping, and the wound once again looks healthy and well on it's way to being healed.

When I took the first mini-wrap off, the dark red tissue was gone (May 12th photo) and the edges of the wound were once again smooth and flat. The weird hump under the wound had also disappeared. I am starting to think that he had had a little bit of proud flesh along the edges and maybe even a bit of an infection. Either way, both things have been resolved with our pal, white lotion.

April 11

May 12

May 20

In just one week, the wound has healed dramatically. I have no problem continuing to re-wrap every day. It's a mini-bandage which makes it particularly easy and and a lot cheaper. The problem is that I am leaving the country for two weeks next Friday.

I've learned that it's probably better to leave the bandage on for at least several days past the time the wound looks good. I don't think Izzy's leg is going to look that good by next Friday. It's probably going to be in about the same place it was the last time I quit wrapping.

I have arranged for the neighbor to change his bandage at least a few more times while I am gone, but that sure seems like a lot to ask someone. I sure hate to leave him with everything being just about healed, but it's not like I can (or even want to) ditch a vacation that we planned nine months ago.

I trust Laurel to do a good job, and I know she won't hesitate to call Dr. Tolley if she suspects a problem. She's even planning on sending me photos. I just hate to leave such a big serving on her plate. I wouldn't want to be the one who decides whether to stop wrapping someone else's horse's wound. 

In any case, I am getting on that plane next Friday. Izzy won't die, and it might even turn out that when I get home we'll be done with the bandages. Hopefully forever!

(I can hear fate laughing at me now!)