Owner Ahmed Zayat has tweeted that Grade 1 Haskell Invitational winner
Paynter has developed laminitis in three of his four legs. The news came Tuesday
as the three-year-old colt’s health continued to decline due to the effects of
colitis.
“Paynter situation continues to get worse,” Zayat announced on Twitter. “He
had a bad night and not such a good morning. I have spent significant time
speaking to his angel Dr. Laura (Javsicas) as well as Dr. Mark Cheney and other
renowned vets all over the country. Unfortunately we have a very sick horse who
has developed serious complications in the last 24 hours.
“The most concerning news is as of last night he started becoming sore on his
left foot and was scared to turn around and walk on it,” Zayat said.
“Unfortunately, we only thought it was some swelling and eczema but it has
worsened because today he has been diagnosed with our nightmare scenario of
laminitis. It seems it is rapidly progressing after taking additional X-rays of
the foot and discussing with some foot experts.
“Dr. Laura found out that he has developed it in three of his four legs,
which is heartbreaking. Poor Paynter; I don’t know how long he can fight this
out so bravely without having pain and suffering. So far, Dr. Laura is very
conscious of that and having his pain under control. But we need to look at all
these problems.”
Zayat wrote that Paynter continues to deal with diarrhea and has a low
protein level in his blood. Zayat also revealed that Paynter has developed a
swollen vein condition called DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulopathy).
“My deep concern is that he if he is a healthy horse he can fight laminitis,
since it is the beginning, but to be a sick horse and fight all these issues all
at once, it is asking for too much,” Zayat said.
“We need to be compassionate and merciful and treat our star with the respect
and love that he deserves while giving him the best chance in fighting for his
life. Please pray…I am at loss in what’s the right thing to do here, but I
will leave it up to his caring and loving vet to decide what are the right
courses of action. Please pray for pain-free Paynter.”