Sadly...lacking. They told me that the fluid had returned, which I knew from how it was draining through the holes left in her face, which are slowly healing up (unfortunately the flow of pus draining is making it slower to heal). There is no tumour or cyst that they can see on a CT scan, which I assume is quite conclusive, so that is excellent news. A cancerous tumour may well have been the end in the sinuses, as it often fixes into the bone and...that's that. Not good for long-term health and quality of life to operate there, although the same treatments there are for humans are available for horses, in essence.

But, no tumour or lumps of any kind in there.

What was interesting was that there are some slight changes to the roots of her teeth, which could imply that they are aggravating the sinuses and, thus, causing the discharge. There were some ridges and uneven wear on her teeth, which we noted in February and August (lesser extent in August) which could suggest that she's chewing unevenly to avoid tooth root pain. The rearing we had earlier in the year could also suggest that the saddle was a tipping point to the pain she was already experiencing from her teeth. She also has been difficult to put weight onto, which could be a sign that she's not chewing properly and not digesting her food properly as a result...although these tiny, miniscule signs are really scraping the bottom of the barrel.

Pus not smelly, so not infection in the tooth root, and the sample came back as sterile (hence why I can clean the gunk off her without have to scrub my hands afterwards or wear gloves).

She is, as they say, a fucking mystery. Like, just give me a symptom I can work with, woman, so I can get you better again!

Think they're finally feeling the cold now as the hay is being scoffed in the field and they're shunning the grass where they were devouring it before. Probably going to be getting extra in the field or just brought in early when needed to eat a bit more. She's all herself, devouring her food happily and all the normal gross stuff that you have to be on top of as a horse owner completely normal. The only thing I want to pick up (which I will do Thursday, as she will be going to see a specialist with the CT scan images) is a thermometer so I can track her temperature, just to ensure that any infection is caught early at least. No lumps or swelling on her face either, completely happy expect for this idiot person fucking around and washing off her face constantly.

Also: vaseline on a horse's face. You do not realise how difficult this is until you do it. First off, those little tubs of vaseline at the supermarket are COMPLETELY inadequate for an animal this size. Secondly, while you are trying to pin wiggly gee-gee in place, they are getting progressively more slippery as you smear vaseline everywhere besides where it's supposed to go. It's supposed to soothe the skin that is being aggravated by the discharge down the face but it's ended up on the ears, in my hair, anywhere on her face besides the track of the discharge.

Vaseline can go do a slippery running jump.

So, we'll be going in to see the specialist on her scheduled visit this week and seeing what happens then, although I am frustrated that we can't just operate or treat her (as it's inconclusive currently) immediately as I just want her to be out of pain and discomfort. Not sure how much more will be covered by the insurance (must have about £1500 left available) but we have the credit card if an operation is required. Not sure what would be required if there's an abscess in there, although I would have expected an odour to the pus too if it was that, like with an infection.

I'm sure this one is ending up on the vet wall calendar and at the university that she had the CT scan at.

Trying to be good about the drinking but I think a sloe gin is in order this time to settle the nerves. Thanks for all the support in the meantime, productivity is still cracking on although my work hours are erratic due to being a horse nurse currently.

I should have just gone for that vet degree.

Amethyst