Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 146 Not Completely Good, Not Completely Bad

Chapter 146 Not Completely Good, Not Completely Bad
After the game, Kitano didn't leave the gate until very late that day.

Immersing my body in the cool bath water washed away the fatigue from returning from the racecourse.

Then, wrapped in the warm quilt, it became heavy.

Soon my consciousness slipped into the abyss of sleep, and I couldn't even remember when I closed my eyes.

The moment I opened my eyes the next morning, my heart still couldn't calm down.

Of course, it's not entirely a joyful emotion.

Although I slept very soundly, the first thing I felt when I woke up was soreness in my muscles, especially my wrists.

After signing hundreds of times, anyone would become like this.

When he lifted the quilt, he picked up his cell phone as usual.

[President, please come and take a look at Pegasus's joints.]

The sender was horse trainer Tanaka.

The time is just now 5:32.

It was so brief that it made one's heart tighten.

Kitano didn't dare to delay, put on his coat and hurried to Monbetsu Racecourse.

When we arrived at the stable, Tanaka was already waiting at the door.

The trainer looked like he hadn't rested much, his face filled with fatigue from the night.

"The veterinarian's feedback is synovitis."

After a quick greeting, Tanaka spoke in a hoarse and low voice.

Synovitis is an inflammation of the joints caused by excessive fluid accumulation, and is common in joints that are prone to overuse, such as the wrist, hoof, or fetlock.

Although it is only a mild inflammation, repeated attacks or improper treatment can cause damage to the articular cartilage and may eventually worsen into more severe osteoarthritis.

Such professional knowledge flashed through my mind.

"Are you sure it's just synovitis?"

Kitano asked as he walked in the corridor of the stables.

The initial symptoms of osteoarthritis are very similar to those of synovitis, but the degree of harm they cause is completely different.

The former is an irreversible degenerative disease.

"It has been confirmed through X-rays, and it is indeed synovitis."

Tanaka answered with a heavy tone that was almost a sigh.

Outside the stable, Kobayashi, the stable attendant, also had a heavy expression on his face.

Upon seeing Kitano, he bowed deeply and said, "I'm very sorry, President... I didn't notice the abnormality in time."

Kitano waved his hand gently and sighed, "There's nothing we can do about it."

Even in racehorses with synovitis, lameness or joint warmth is usually not noticeable.

Apart from joint swelling that may be caused by fluid accumulation, it is basically difficult to discern abnormalities with the naked eye.

Being able to discover and diagnose it on the second day of the competition is quite remarkable.

Glancing into the stable, I saw Baima leaning against the wall and yawning.

The left hind leg, which suffers from synovitis, has been put in an elastic brace.

"excuse me."

Having said this, he walked into the stable.

After removing the bandage, there was hardly any sign of swelling hidden under the gray-white hair.

However, when palpated, there is indeed a slightly warm fluid sensation near the fetlock.

When pressed, the reed-haired horse shook its tail anxiously.

Standing up, Kitano put the protective gear back on.

"Have you taken any medicine?"

He turned around and asked.

"The vet prescribed a week's supply of flunixin meglumine."

Kobayashi, the stable attendant, gave an immediate answer.

"It's a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug."

Kitano nodded.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as flunixin meglumine, phenylbutazone, and fenoproxen can effectively relieve inflammation and pain in the short term.

However, because it can easily induce stomach ulcers and even kidney problems, the dosage must be strictly controlled when using it. For mild synovitis, a week's dose of flunixin meglumine is indeed sufficient.

"In that case, let's go back to Mejiro Ranch and recuperate."

He patted the head of the reed-haired horse that kept rubbing against him and spoke.

Although the renovation of the three P-level stables will not be completed until after September, the rehabilitation training center part has basically been installed.

Providing rest and injury recovery support for racehorses between seasons was Kitano's original consideration when renovating the ranch.

However, I didn't expect that I would need it so soon.

"A ranch? I see."

As he said this, Tanaka let out a sigh.

"I'm really sorry to trouble you."

The trainer and the stable boy behind him bowed to Kitano at the same time.

"A horse without any trouble is a famous horse——"

He rubbed the furry head of the reed horse and used his free hand to send a message to the ranch work group.

Contacting the transportation company, cleaning up the stables, and adjusting the equipment at the rehabilitation training center all require effort.

If Kitano were to rely on himself alone, he would definitely not be able to handle it.

While tapping on the phone screen, a preliminary rest plan gradually took shape in my mind.

During the first stage of acute illness, the comprehensive treatment principle of "RICE" must be followed.

Rest

Stop all competitions or training and crate your horse in a stable with thick bedding for two to four weeks.

During this period, any activities that may cause additional irritation to the joints, including grazing, are prohibited.

Ice

Apply a cold compress to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes four to six times a day to reduce inflammation and swelling.

Compression

Wrap the inflamed joint with a support bandage to provide mild compression and support.

Although synovitis is relatively mild, it may turn into a long-term chronic problem if not treated properly.

Elevation

Promote blood and lymphatic return by properly elevating the horse's hooves.

After entering the early rehabilitation and functional recovery period, the rehabilitation and grazing facilities at Mejiro Ranch can also provide Mejiro Baima with a better recovery environment than the stables.

The goal is to completely eliminate inflammation, restore normal joint function, and prevent recurrence or conversion to chronic osteoarthritis.

The typical recovery period for mild synovitis is four to six weeks.

However, if you want to completely eliminate the sequelae, the recovery window is extended to about twelve weeks.

"It's a recovery period of at least three months."

After informing Tanaka of the general rehabilitation plan, the trainer frowned slightly.

This situation was not too unfamiliar to him.

In previous years, after the Daoying Triple Crown schedule was completed, most of the horses that had completed three races would go through more than two months of grazing and recuperation.

Of course, in most cases, migration was initiated towards South Kanto.

"Then, regarding the stables, we will adjust our plans based on this situation."

Although I feel a little unwilling, I have no choice but to do so.

However, in this case, the training process, which is already being gradually approached by the same-age horse, may become even worse.

Back in the car, Kitano remembered the message he had received from the United States not long ago -

Mejiro Sakuya is doing well and will be able to return to Japan before September for the second phase of rehabilitation.

Not entirely good, not entirely bad; that's what you typically encounter in the horse racing world.

The light coming through the windshield began to become dazzling.

So he started the car and left.

　Thanks to Destiny's nonsense for the 500 starting coins reward

　　Thank you for your support

　　Ciallo～(∠ω<)⌒★
　　The second update will be later