Flax's First Flushing at the Vet Clinic

Flax (right) in better days.

Even with all the pain the poor boy was experiencing, Flax loaded onto the trailer like a champ. He arrived at the clinic and was put into a large stall. 

I met with the vet who would perform the surgery. I gave him an electronic version of Flax's medical history. He and the another vet took joint fluid samples. The white blood cell count on the stifle fluid was very high. They were unable to get a good sample from the coffin joint. They suggested we flush the stifle immediately. 

I returned to the office after Flax came around from the anesthesia. I've heard nightmares about horses going through this. A horse I know tied up when she came round and did a number on herself. The vet said Flax was very smart. He came around but stayed down, did not panic and got up when he was ready. They let me stand in the doorway of the OR to talk with him.