I am writing to tell you about
the last few days with Rosie. I purchased a mask from you about 2 years
ago when I realized I had a headshaker. When I tried the mask it didn't
work.
I tried other things, acupuncture, cyproheptadine, and on and on.
The one good thing from 2 years of observation is that she is totally
healthy and happy and the vet that looked at her said she believes Rosie
may have had nerve damage to her face at some point as she noticed scar
tissue and she is totally freaked out when snow or rain hits her face.
She is mostly affected in the winter months.
The warmer months she
grazes more and has that muzzle rubbing when her head is down along the
ground. ( At least from what I have observed). I guess when you own a
headshaker and you spend all your time trying to figure out what is
causing it you learn much about your horse. Well anyway I tried the
mask on again a few times and about a month ago I saw her in the field
(without the mask) and she was squinting , as it was a bright sunny
winter cold day.
So I figured I would go out and
try it on her to help with the sun. She still flipped her nose while
dozing mid afternoon, but I knew it was at least helping her eyes. So
since then I would put it on her on very bright days. Well we have had
much snow and wind and every day around the same time or if It was
snowing , etc. she would flit like crazy. I noticed she would put her
head under the edge of the barn roof to get out from the snow hitting
her face.
I realized if I could find something to cover her nose area
it might help. We tried a cotton stocking attached to her halter but
didn't help. I noticed if it wasn't snowing or raining she would be
fine in the early hours or later in the day, just a few when walking or
a bit of wind. So to make a long story short, for the last 3 days I put
her guardian mask on with the face fly shield I ordered a while back. I
know it is very early but she is 90% better. I am usually at work during
the week so I can't watch her but I was home today and only saw her flit
2 times.
I know she will always have
this , but if she stays as she is this is truly wonderful. Her mask is
wearing so if she continues to stay as she has been , I will order
another. Does the riding mask have Velcro for the attachment? If you
have someone who has a horse with this type of headshaking due to nerve
damage, please recommend they try covering the whole facial area. Maybe
you can come up with one all in one piece in the future.
Thanks again
Sid, I did put the mask away when I first got it and was sure it
wouldn't help, I was glad I tried it again. We will see how she
progresses.
Betsy and Rosie
03-16-03
Feel free to post her photo.
I noticed yesterday she was shaking a bit and was rubbing but the mask
is definitely helping so I am going to continue to keep her in it .
Hope this may help some other horse lover.
Betsy and Rosie
Thank you Betsy for sending in your update, it is
true that headshakers are very difficult to help and often time people
give up one method to quickly change to another while become desperate to
help their horse. We are very pleased that you tried the Guardian
Mask again and with positive results.
Many times people do not realize that every horse
is different and the time frame in which it takes for each horse to begin
to show results if any, differs as well.
Your comments are very well appreciated and will
help others understand how to better cope with their own situations.
Thank you for sharing and the best of luck for
you and Rosie.
Guardian Mask
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