06/08/2017
With tears and sadness I have to report that today The Tuxedo died. It is a full moon eve, which causes a rise in inflammatory processes. I saw him 6 days ago, out in his pasture grazing. He was beautiful, and kind, and gentle. Dr. O and I adjusted him and trimmed his feet. He was not breathing great, but not at his worst. He had lost a lot of weight, though. Today when I got the message from his owner it took my breath away. There is no other explanation than to say it was his time. He could not have had better care, or more love. He died in the woods while out with his friend Rio. I can only assume they were having a good day, because on bad days Tux and Rio stand in their stalls, under fans, away from bugs and heat. What he taught us is that there is an emotional component to respiratory illness, which suggests that there is always a change in the heart as well. Tux has made me a better doctor because his owner's love for him spurred me to explore the connections between the heart and the brain, the G.i. tract and the brain, the skin and the brain, and how COPD or whatever name they are giving it now are affected by emotions of the animal, which are all neurotransmitter driven. What I have learned has helped a huge number or other horses and their owners who love them. I continue to teach this to other doctors so that they can continue to help more horses than I will ever know. Share his story so that other doctors can know there is a way to not only improve but to prevent COPD and that not every leg requires surgery to heal. In loving memory we will continue our work.
