It's always so hard to let them go. We ran a retirement boarding stable for many years and one thing we learned. Horses that had gone through the 60's, 70's and early 80's often got colic a lot at the end of their lives. The reason was poor or non-existent worming practices. Because worming was only done 4X a year in the 60's and 70's and into the 80's a lot of gut damage was incurred from the worms. As the horse aged, the damage became a big problem.
Due to her rough start in life, I suspect this is part of the problem. But you have given her a wonderful life and while she may not have lived as long as you might have liked, she had a quality life.
Oh wow, you guys really are the greatest! You are so right about it being hard. My first horse was my mom's horse when she was a girl, a thoroughbred named Frisky, and even though he lived to be 35, it was just so hard to lose him. Running a retirement facility for senior equines must have really been awesome and tough at times.
Angel has pulled through this bout, but like you said I have a feeling this is the product of her rough start. She's a tough girl, but I will not let her suffer either. Parasite control is such a battle, I bet especially so for you all back in the Eastern half of the country. Our harsh winters and drier (sometimes) climate helps keep things from exploding too much and be manageable, although anthelmintic resistance can be a bit of a challenge.
And I am rambling, thank you so much for your reply, it meant a lot:)