not a good situation but...

So, here is the situation. My friend is very attached to a horse she used to ride and has known for four years. Her and the horse have learned a lot from each other and both care about each other a lot. My friend is upset though because the horse has laminitis in all four feet and is possibly going to be put down tomorrow depending on the blood test results in the morning. But, until then what can my friend do to make her more comfortable. It sounds like the horse is in a lot of pain. Has been down for about a half hour now. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance -jd

If it's not her horse, there's not much she can do. There are only so many drugs that can be given without ill effects on the horse. She should learn about laminitis and it's causes. I would start with Safer Grass - A Resource for Equine Forage Nutrition

Okay, thank you for the resource. I know there is not much vet care wise my friend can do, but seeing how she is at the barn for the night till the morning is there anything she could do such as to put more padding in the stall or massage her legs or anything in that direction of temporary comfort not involving medicine.

More shavings might help. An ice pack or ice bath on the feet would help relieve some pain. Some soothing music and petting or brushing (if the horse likes to be petted) can be calming to the horse. A blanket under his head would be good if he's down on his side (to keep shavings out of his nose and eyes). Keep the stall uber clean so he doesn't lay in his own manure or urine.

Okay. Thank you =)