Hokkaido Horse Racing Story.

Chapter 20 Aru-chan's Return Consultation
The day after the game, Kitano got up a little earlier than usual.

It's not out of resentment about failure or depression.

I had an appointment for a medical consultation in the morning, that was all.

Like Nishiken, Takamura's ranch is slightly closer to the Urakawa River.

Driving through Minohawa Bridge, there is lush greenery on both sides.

Approaching the intersection, Kitano slowly slowed down the car.

Beneath the red torii gate stood the silhouette of an old woman.

"Grandma Takamura?"

He stopped the car and shouted out the window uncertainly.

"Ah! It's Mr. Kitano—"

Grandma Gaocun covered her mouth embarrassedly as she walked across the ditch by the roadside.

"I'm so sorry, I thought you would come later."

"It's okay, please get in the car."

Kitano unbuckled his seat belt and opened the passenger door for Grandma Takamura.

Without any help, the old woman easily climbed onto the pickup truck, which seemed a bit difficult for her.

"Are you here to pray for Aru-chan?"

Kitano asked on the way.

"Yes, I know that Ba Yi Jian Ming doesn't care about these things. I'm really sorry to make you laugh at me."

In the rearview mirror, the silhouette of the red torii gate is getting farther and farther away.

Minowa Shrine enshrines Shikin-shin, also known as Yagishiki Kanekami, a deity in charge of knowledge and learning.

"And it's you and Mr. Shimura who actually did the hard work. I'm really getting old and confused."

Grandma Gaocun patted her forehead, her face looking a little haggard.

"There's no such thing. Both Mr. Shimura and I were just doing our part."

Mr. Shimura was an experienced hoof trimmer, and Kitano had met him briefly a few times at Nishiken.

He is also responsible for correcting Aru-chan's injured hoof.

After arriving at the ranch, Grandma Takamura led Kitano to the stable.

The stable at the very end had thicker bedding than normal.

As if hearing the noise, the chestnut horse lying on the ground slowly stood up.

Aru-chan looked at the visitor in front of her somewhat listlessly.

"please!"

Grandma Gaocun bowed deeply, then stepped back a distance and looked at him nervously.

Kitano walked straight to Aru-chan and put down the bag in his hand.

In its normal standing posture, the chestnut horse's front legs lean slightly forward, and its hind legs extend forward to the position below the abdominal cavity, maintaining a posture as if stretching the body.

This is a typical laminitis stance.

He stretched out his fingers and touched the two front hooves.

Although a slight warmth could still be felt, the pulsation in the extremities had become quite subtle.

Kitano breathed a sigh of relief.

"It should have entered the subacute stage."

He turned and explained to Grandma Gaocun.

If the pulsation of the extremities is no longer obvious 48 hours after the end of treatment, it means that laminitis may have shifted from the acute stage to the subacute stage.

During this stage, the damaged tissue in the horse's hoof slowly heals itself, so it can also be considered the repair period of laminitis.

The disease has passed the most dangerous period.

"But just to be on the safe side, let's go to Mr. Arakawa for an X-ray."

Putting down the hoof inspector, Kitano said.

"Okay, okay!"

Grandma Gaocun nodded repeatedly in response.

Mr. Arakawa is the branch leader of the Japanese High School Branch of the Veterinary Medical Association and has many years of research on equine diseases.

Aru-chan's reaction to the pressure on the hoof tip was not as sensitive as last time. He just struggled a little and then didn't resist much.

However, this simple test cannot guarantee completely accurate results; whether laminitis has actually changed depends on the condition of the hoof bone displacement. But judging from the current situation, at least Aru-chan's condition has improved.

"If the X-ray results are confirmed, the rest will be easy."

After putting away his tools, Kitano clapped his hands and stood up.

Mr. Shimura was very timely and professional in trimming the diseased hoof, which was of great help to the recovery.

"Grandma Gaocun, do you remember what I told you?"

Kitano asked after prescribing medicine for Aru-chan.

"Of course I remember. I have a very good memory."

Grandma Gaocun counted carefully on her fingers, "Diet low in sugar and high in fiber, take supplements on time, and apply ice three times, twenty minutes each time. Look, I remember it all!"

"That's right, even if the condition seems to be improving, you still have to keep doing it. Of course, there's no need to apply ice every day."

"Also, if the hoof bone displacement does stop, you can take your dog out for a proper walk occasionally."

Kitano said as he patted Aru-chan's head.

The duration of the subacute phase of laminitis varies greatly among individuals.

For a lucky few, it will be just a 72-hour bout of pain in their lives.

But for some unfortunate horses, the threat of laminitis may be a lifelong one.

Even if it enters the subacute stage, we should not let our guard down.

"Thank you so much."

Grandma Gaocun bowed again, her eyes slightly red.

Aru-chan rubbed the old woman's face gently with his huge head, making a humming sound.

"Look, Aru-chan is also thanking you."

Grandma Takamura said as she gently patted the chestnut horse's cheek.

"Well, goodbye, both of you."

"I hope you get well soon, Aru-chan.

Kitano bent down and waved goodbye to Aru-chan.

"Same to you, Grandma Takamura."

He went on to say.

After returning to the car, Kitano opened the system panel.

Health Management: B+ → A-

During the inspection, the ability was improved.

However, given the situation at the time, Kitano didn't have much energy to pay attention.

After a quick check, he turned off the panel and continued to inspect the horse's hooves.

[Improve personal abilities ten times: 10/10 (Completed)]

[Reward: Silver Amulet × 1]

By the way, another task was completed.

"Speaking of which, when can I use these copper and silver amulets?"

He scratched his head in annoyance.

Now, he has accumulated a certain number of copper amulets, and even obtained two of the higher-level silver amulets.

However, the items in the mall are still the ones that can be bought with the green amulet.

As for exchanging the higher-level amulet for cash, Kitano rejected this option without even a second thought.

At least not until he was only able to gnaw on bean sprouts.

So, I can only save it for now.

"In this northern country, even splashing water turns to frost."

On the way back to the clinic, he hummed a tuneless enka.

The July sunshine in Hokkaido shone on his fingertips like butter slowly melting in a stone pot.

Kitano seemed to be delighted with everything he saw.

Probably, it’s because another life was saved.

(End of this chapter)