April 10th, 2014
Dr. Porter examined Cookie’s eye – the cancer has progressed. We will be taking her to UF – it’s highly possible that she will lose her left eye.
Sisco’s front right was x-rayed – he’s been on and off lame. He walked pretty good for Dr. Porter yesterday but we did x-rays anyway. Sisco has navicular. So, to say that yesterday was not a good day is an understatement.
I’m recovering well from my recent injury and have been back at work a bit – careful to not do too much. My nose is healing fine but my neck has been an issue. I had my first ever acupuncture treatment yesterday and found it to be a very positive experience. I’ll be receiving treatments for the next couple of weeks and go from there. But, I will say this, I felt good when I left the acupuncturist’s office yesterday. Better than I have in a long time. Bob said I looked and moved like I felt 10 years younger when I got home. But that was before Dr. Porter’s visit. Now I better understand why Betsy Rose and Gentleman love their treatments by Dr. Julia.
Dr. Porter was out yesterday to look at Cookie’s eye, Sisco, and do some x-rays on Oscar. None of the findings were good. The most upsetting for me was Oscar. A little background for those new to Beauty’s Haven – Oscar was too weak to stand the day I picked him up in our minivan in February. We had been advised by the previous owner that they had been given misinformation on what to feed a donkey and that the had lost weight to the point of being so weak he could not get up. He rated a body condition score of 1. Once at the rescue, a vet immediately examined and treated Oscar. He got IV fluids, vitamins, etc. Blood work was done which indicated anemia and malnutrition – his liver and kidneys were pretty stressed. We really didn’t know if he would make it. But he’s a tough little guy!
Traditional and holistic vets, farriers, and a dentist are all part of our core care team – all work together. But no matter who is on your team one thing you can’t do is turn back time. Poor and improper nutrition can wreak havoc on the body – including the feet. Sometimes effects aren’t immediate. Oscar had been fed sweet feed, oats, and cracked corn by the owner before she was told by a vet tech that “she should only feed him horse quality hay but she could give them sweet feed as a treat now and then”. This feeding regimen could have caused some real issues.
Oscar’s feet were long when he arrived here – he has had 3 trims here in the last 8 weeks with the farrier doing little bits at a time. He was treated for thrush and white line. Oscar improved and he grew stronger. We moved him to a paddock with Pistol – they would run and play and we enjoyed watching them. A few days ago Oscar popped an abscess and seemed uncomfortable so we had the farrier out again and while the farrier was doing a touch up another abscess resolved. Because of Oscar’s history, and what we were seeing, we opted for x-rays which revealed a rotated coffin bone and deep abscesses which Dr. Porter believes is the result of improper feeding. I’ve said this before but I’ll say it again – donkeys can NOT be fed like horses. Donkeys need more fiber and less protein than horses. We feed them Triple Crown Safe Starch forage and good grass hay.
Oscar is just turning 2 years old next week and he’s dealing with a serious issue. Although, I’m not sure he knows it’s serious – he doesn’t appear to be in any pain but he is lame. Dr. Porter drained another abscess yesterday and has prescribed a treatment plan. It’s going to take quite some time for Oscar to recover and he IS going to recover – he just has to. He needs time to grow out a healthy foot and he will need little adjustments often to optimize recovery. There are more abscesses that we are trying to draw out. His foot is cushioned and wrapped. So, for now, he will be staying with Betsy Rose around the barn. He will have another set of x-rays in a month. Please pray for Oscar – we need another miracle. And if anyone would like to help with Oscar’s x-rays and vetting it would be greatly appreciated.
The first photo is Oscar the day after he arrived back in February. The second is Dr. Porter with Oscar yesterday.
Bo went to his adoptive home today! Thank you Jayne for giving Bo his own human family. Congratulations Bo!
April 11th
Serenity – she’s doing very well!
Hannah Morse, a journalism student from UF, visited yesterday for an interview and to take some video and photos. She got to meet most of the horses. Bryce was very interested in what she may have had in her back pack – he’s quite the character! “Got treats?”
I do believe that Bryce has a bit of a belly on him! LOL They are all doing great. Eliza, Bryce, Mahogany, Serenity. We are now taking adoption applications for Serenity and Bryce. They have lived their entire lives together and, ideally, we’d love to place them together. Please visit our Beauty’s Haven Equine Rescue Adoption Page where you can read about some of our adoption requirements.
This is Judy washing feed tubs after breakfast. And that’s a lot of feed tubs. LOL
April 12th
Lots going on here today!! I love it!
Victoria is absolutely stunning. A very sweet Arabian mare that is looking for a forever home.
April 13th
Photographing the photographer. Matilda loves to pose!
This was a really nice way to end the evening. Serenity is just a sweet, very sweet girl.
April 15th
Cookie needs your help. She is battling cancer under her left eye. She needs surgery AT UF which is scheduled for late this week. We have posted a fundraiser on YouCaring to assist with the cost of Cookie’s forthcoming eye surgery. Please, help us to help Cookie. Thank you, in advance, for your love and support.
April 16th
It’s dental day!! Betsy Rose asked her friends to help entertain the boys while Dr. Bess checked them out. Cloud is growing up! She had to take out two baby teeth. They were both very good.
I’m so happy for Bella. She is happy at her new foster home. Thank you Jody and Lesley Osborn! From Lesley: “It was a glorious day today and I spent the afternoon with Bella grooming and simply enjoying being with her while slowly building a trusting and loving bond with her. She loved all the attention that I gave her today and she looks beautiful…”
Many thanks to Rosemary Meredith, Terri, Vicki, and Lorilie for spending this past Saturday here clipping some of the horses!
Oscar and Pistol going at each other through the gate at the barn. It’s hard to not let Oscar go out to play. But we don’t want him being too active with his front foot issues.
Beauty’s Haven advertising found in North Carolina! I love it!
Laura Brasile visited for a couple of days last week! It’s really nice to be able to meet people that we meet on social media – we love sharing the horses and telling their stories! We miss you Laura! Romeo is doing very well!
This is Sayan. He’s a darling little Arabian gelding that recently came back. He is just as sweet as ever!
BEAUTIFUL Greg!!! This little Arabian mare grabbed my heart when she had just turned 3 years old. She is the reason Beauty’s Haven came to be! To say she’s my heart horse would be an understatement. Thank you for this lovely artwork Greg – I have a special spot for it on my desk. Greg does beautiful work – check out more on his Greg Ambrose’s Art Page on Facebook.
“Beauty Kicks Up Her Heels”
14 year old Beauty, the mare that started it all at Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue, shows off her energy. Join in the rescue’s Celebration of Life on April 26th.
Our “Celebration of Life” is on April 26th! Our focus this year is education – what it takes to rescue and rehab horses such as Betsy Rose, Solace, etc. There will be guest speakers, music, games, a Q&A period, silent auction, and much more! We are holding this in conjunction with the ASPCA’s Help a Horse Day. We stand to win a $10K grant – we need your help to do that by attending our Celebration!
We are in need of some supplies if anyone would like to help – EquiSpot, Endure flyspray, Equyss Micro-Tek Shampoo and Medicated Spray, sponsors for Prescend and Previcox (both are Rx’s), and some double Velcro flymasks for mini’s. We also need a load of shavings.
We are an all volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit equine rescue organization that operates totally off of donations from the public. We are not funded by County, State, or Federal funds. Please consider making a one time or monthly donation to help us to continue what we do – we can’t do it alone. Funds are needed for hay, grain, vetting, farrier needs, dental needs, equipment maintenance, and there is so much more. There are various ways you can donate if you visit our “Donate” page on our website (theresa. All donations are tax deductible and no amount is too small. Please share us with friends, family, and co-workers – it takes a village! Thank you!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://www.bhfer.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bhfer.
BH May 21, 2014 Update
Cookie’s follow-up at UF went well yesterday. They have ordered some chemo creme for her eye just in case there were any bandit cells left behind. Cookie is just amazing – she just stands for her face/eyes to be treated. We’re very thankful for everyone’s help and support in saving Cookie’s eye.
Cookie being seen at UF yesterday. Everyone adores her!
Trying to unload Cookie yesterday after she returned from UF. She had quite the welcome committee!
Oscar is doing much better!
Oscar got a hooficure today and was so good about it! He feels better which, of course, make me feel better! He’s really glad to be out with the boys.
Two of our "oldies but goodies" – Gentleman and Little E. Both are 30+ years young. They are loved, very much. This is their home – always.
This is Karol Cline holding Serenity for her hooficure a couple of days ago. Serenity and Bryce are really, really nice horses. They are ready for a forever home – hopefully, together.
Pistol loves to throw himself into the sand pile to play – he’s hilarious! He will be leaving for his new home in a couple of weeks.
Washing feed tubs takes awhile each day – Judy takes care of it 3 times a week. Without our wonderful volunteers, we’d be in a heap of trouble! We truly do appreciate them from both near and far – thank you all!
The little orphan filly had a good night. She came from a very bad situation. Her momma gave the filly her all – until she had no more to give – and then she died. It’s very sad. But this little girl is going to make it – she will. Dr. Julia should be here soon so I’m headed back out. Just wanted to let everyone know how she is doing. She still needs sponsors and prayers.
Her name is Kiana – she is divine.
Dr. Julia Simonson examined Kiana today and did blood work. We’re still waiting for the results. Her heart, lungs, and tummy all sound good. Temperature has remained normal. Kiana does have a hernia but we’ll give her some time to grow and see if it resolves. She’s been through a lot in the last couple of days so it is expected that she may be feeling a bit down and confused. She’s just a baby that’s had a rough start in life.
Kiana didn’t care for the shavings in her stall so we stripped and cleaned it and it morphed into a new suite bedded with straw complete with a milk bar, one of Betsy Rose’s friends, some forage, and a bale of straw in a corner for visitors to sit on. She nibbles on milk pellets some, drinks a little milk at times, loves the grass, and she nibbles on forage. I hope that she will start to relax more – she didn’t sleep much today. But all of this is new to her. She did manage to make friends with Betsy Rose today – she’s in the stall next to her. Thank you all for caring – we appreciate your support very much. Please keep Kiana in your prayers.
Kiana napping earlier today. Of all places to lay, she chose the concrete – likely because it was cool. But she really needed this nap.
Kiana and the others are tucked in. We are calling it a day. Good night everyone! And now we pray for a calm night.
Sunset at her adoptive home in Colorado. She is one happy, funny, amazing, beautiful girl.
Thank you all for your continued love and support!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://www.bhfer.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bhfer.
An Orphan Baby Girl Arrives
May 20th, 2014
We would like to introduce our newest arrival in memory of Wally – it’s an orphan baby girl that arrived last night. This little filly had a very rough start in life. Her mom’s needs went neglected. Mom gave her baby everything she had until she had nothing left and she went to Rainbow Bridge. Left to fend for herself, she tried to nurse from another mare that had a baby on her side. But the mare rejected her and charged and bit her instead – she has a wound at her withers. I just can’t imagine what was going on in this precious one’s mind.
She’s exhausted and weak. She’s got bite marks on her, she’s sore in some areas, and she is a bit thin. But she’s safe. Dr. Julia will be here in the morning. Now we pray for a calm night.
Baby needs aunties and uncles. She requires milk replacer which is not inexpensive and she also needs to be vetted. Would anyone like to be an Angel for this sweet baby?
We are an all volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit equine rescue organization that operates totally off of donations from the public. We are not funded by County, State, or Federal funds. Please consider making a one time or monthly donation to help us to continue what we do – we can’t do it alone.
There are various ways you can donate if you visit our “Donate” page on our website www.bhfer.org/donate. All donations are tax deductible and no amount is too small. Please share us with friends, family, and co-workers – it takes a village! Thank you all for your continued love and support!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://www.bhfer.org
BH May 15th Update
Magic is doing much better after his bout of colic – thank you all for your good thoughts and prayers! I do believe in the power of prayer!
Matilda enjoying the cool breeze of the aisleway.
Cookie is doing really well. She was supposed to go back to UF today for a follow-up but we had to reschedule due to the horrible rains today. She will be going back next Tuesday.
Sisco’s eye was doing better but then it started to swell over the weekend. On Monday, Sisco was seen by Dr. Ryan Meeks and he found the subpalpebral lavage footplate had managed to move which caused a new ulcer. This doesn’t happen often with SPL’s, but it happens and, with our luck lately, I guess I wasn’t surprised. Dr. Ryan put it back where it belonged and put a couple of extra stitches in the tubing above the eye and used a little Superglue to better keep it in place. Yesterday the eye seemed a bit more angry, so the lavage was removed from the upper lid and put into the lower lid. Sisco feels better today. Hopefully, this will all be history in a couple of weeks. He does wear a mask with a protective hard eye cup on it 24/7.
Dr. Julia assessed Peaches this week. Peaches has had some soreness in her shoulders/neck and left hip. Dr. Julia will be back next week to do some Craniosacral Therapy and acupuncture on Peaches.
Peaches and Santana. The horses are filthy from rolling after the rains.
Oscar and Betsy are glad to be out. Hopefully the rains are over.
Kamachee seems to have claimed the minis ball. LOL
Bouie playing in the sprinkler like Wally used to do. Just about all of the mini’s like to do it. Bouie one of the ones on Wanda Sue Malphurs list to get body clipped next Saturday!
Dr. Bess Darrow will be here tomorrow to do teeth! Would anyone like to donate to help cover this expense? Sky doesn’t have any sponsors and needs his teeth done and there are a few others that are due. Betsy Rose and Gentleman will be getting checked – Betsy Rose has started to quid. Gentleman has just recently dropped some in weight – we’ll be having some blood work done on him tomorrow too. If anyone would like to help with any of this no amount would be too small – every donation adds up! Donations are tax deductible and can be made via our "Donate" page of our website at www.bhfer.org. Also, we will be starting a new fundraiser in the next couple of days.
This is Captain’s Skywalker.
"Hay everyone! How do you like my body clipping? Did you know that I’ve got a cross on my back? Oops – I hear Oscar calling – gotta go! He can be a little demanding and he throws temper tantrums sometimes – he’s like a little tornado pulling everything out of the golf cart, off the stall doors, turning off rocker switches, and oh gosh, I could go on and on! Mommy Theresa took this photo of me last week after Katie shaved me! I feel SOOO much better!"
Pistol is a character – like Oscar, he loves attention. He pulls everything out of the golf cart and will even try to get IN to the golf cart with you!
Oscar gets very bored. He just goes through the center aisle of the barn and pulls everything off the stall fronts. I mean, he gets into everything!
Betsy Rose is featured in Trail Blazer Magazine this month! Check it out at http://trail-blazer-magazine.myshopify.com/. Thank you Bobbie Jo Lieberman and Trail Blazer Magazine! We’re so proud of this little mare that never stopped believing!
It’s been a long day here and we’re about to go lights out. Sweet dreams everyone!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://www.bhfer.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bhfer
BH May 8th ~ May 10th Update
I apologize – I thought this went out days ago but it was still in my “Draft” folder!
May 8th
Cookie had a follow-up visit at UF today. Her surgical area is healing nicely and the rest of the stitches have been removed. She does have an ulcer in the left eye that was caused by one of the sutures but it’s healing too. Because so much of the lower eyelid had to be removed Cooke is not able to completely cover her cornea when blinking. However, they said Cookie is retracting her globe sufficiently when she blinks in order to compensate for eyelid coverage.
Poor little Oscar’s foot has a long way to go. He blew out another abscess this week. The little guy really has no clue how bad his foot is.
May 9th
Our daughter, Katie, came home today to clip a couple of horses including Little E. Thanks Katie! The donks and Little E feel much better!
Some of the herd grazing as I headed out this evening to clean big metal waterers.
Ruby gets to go out after the sun goes down each evening. She’s another one that has a pink face.
"Mommy Theresa how do I look? I feel so much better without that thick coat! I saw Pistol dancing around when he was getting clipped today. I tried to tell him to behave but you know he can be a bit stubborn. He said he liked dancing with Katie! I’m not sure Katie liked it though. The sun is almost gone and the dark is coming – I don’t think you’re going to have time to finish all the big waterers. I’m going to go talk to Cookie for a bit – see ya!"
May 10th
Serenity and Bryce are so very sweet.
Classy today. Classy has a permanent tracheotomy like Lucy’s. She had a condition called "roaring" (aka laryngeal hemiplegia) which means the nerve controlling the opening of the horse’s arytenoid cartilage is damaged – it creates an upper airway obstruction. In most cases it is just one side but in her case both flaps quit working. The flaps control the amount of air that enters the lungs. During her surgery they tied back both flaps. Her trach gets cleaned each day. She can’t whinny but she’s a happy little mare.
Romeo – is that a tummy you have on you? LOL! Romeo is looking for a forever home. Some of our adoption criteria can be found pinned at the top of our Beauty’s Haven Adoption page.
Mahogany is simply stunning. She’s doing really well – I adore this mare! Her daughter, Eliza, is also doing well.
This is the little gelding that came back last night! Some of you may remember a beautiful and wise elderly paint gelding named Captain that we rescued back in early 2009. He arrived skin on bones and was crippled – in his early years he won $739 during his racing career. His registered name was "Smokeng Joe" and he was born in 1979. We were able to keep Captain comfortable for many months. During that time he was doted on and he knew he was loved. Sadly, by July 2010 he was barely able to get up on his own – he let us know he was tired. His quality of life was not going to get better – we lovingly helped him cross Rainbow Bridge. We all took his loss quite hard.
In March 2011, I received a call from the ACO in another county about a little paint stud that needed help. The moment I saw him I thought about our dear Captain. I named the little stud Captain’s Skywalker (aka Sky) IMO Captain. We rehabbed Sky and got him gelded and after a few months he was adopted. His adoptive family recently suffered a tragic loss and were not able to continue to be able to provide for Sky.
Sky settled in nicely. He appears to have an issue in his left eye which may be SCC. He’ll be examined by Dr. Julia on Monday and we’ll go from there. In the mean time, Sky would really appreciate some help. Would anyone like to help sponsor him with a one time or recurring monthly donation of any amount? He needs his initial vetting and he is due to have his teeth done. If anyone would like to help we would appreciate it. Various ways to make donations can be found on our "Donate" page of our website at www.bhfer.org. Donations are tax deductible and no amount is too small. Thank you.
The first two photos are Sky – the first taken back in March 2011. The 2nd one was taken today. The 3rd photo was taken in 2009 – the day after we took in our dear old Captain. The 4th photo is of Captain that was taken after a few months of rehab. We will never forget our dear Captain.
Happy Mother’s Day, Everyone!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://www.bhfer.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bhfer.
BH Weekend Update ~ May 2nd ~ May 4th
Friday, May 2nd
Cookie’s eye on Friday. Some of the stitches were removed but others will have to stay for awhile. She goes back to UF next Thursday.
Dr Julia is on her way out to look at Sisco’s right eye.
Cisco has an ulceration of the eye.
Lucy before the rains arrived.
Saturday, May 3rd
A beautiful, Sunny Day.
Dr. Nathan Mitts came out to put a lavage in Sisco’s eye and alter his meds.
Sunday, May 4th
It was a beautiful day – I wish the weather was like this all year around.
Ok, so I tried to get a selfie with the both of us but failed. Magic smiled for the camera anyway. LOL
He loves his scratches! S t r e t c h – oh that’s the spot!
Magic is such a beautiful horse – inside and out. I’ll try to post a video of him tomorrow.
For some reason, Kamachee thought he could crawl right through the window to go on a road trip today.
Sometimes if you blink, you miss Oscar running by. He really does not understand that his front right foot is very sick. We explain the situation to him almost daily but he insists on being a playful little donkey that isn’t too little anymore.
A gift that I was given at our Celebration of Life/ASPCA Help a Horse Day on April 26th that I will treasure forever – beautiful artwork of Betsy Rose! Thank you Laura Kelley Williams and Jenny Begin!
Wally and CaryLou – a dynamic duo. Thank you Kim Brown Lapi for the photo and Greg Ambrose’s Art Page for the artwork.
Nightly reminder – please vote! We’re in the lead for FL but it’s going to take everyone to vote daily to help us win! We did it for the SunState challenge and I know we can do it for this one with everyone’s help! If you’ve never voted before when you click on the link below search for Beautys Haven in FL and you’ll find us. If you put in Beauty’s Haven it won’t work. Good night everyone!
Have a great week, everyone!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://www.bhfer.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bhfer.
Our Beloved Wally Has Crossed Rainbow Bridge
Sunday, April 27th
Wally is not feeling well this morning. Kathy Breakall held him so I could clip him in the tack room where it’s cool. We just finished. We will be keeping him in a stall today with a fan and will be closely monitoring him. If he gets worse, I need to call the vet back.
I wished and prayed with all my might that he would feel better.
Waiting on the vet. Wally is resting. Please say prayers for him. I’m sitting right here with him.
The vet examined and oiled Wally. Now we wait and pray for poop. Grandma Bea and Auntie Ruth are babysitting Wally for a little while.
Wally is on his way to the hospital with likely an impaction colic. He will be at Peterson & Smith Equine Hospital in Ocala. He’s just a year old. Please pray for him.
Wally is being treated for an impaction colic. They are starting iv fluids. I’ll update in the morning. Thank you all for your prayers.
Monday, April 28th
Wally’s heart rate is climbing and despite oiling and fluids, he does not appear any better. No worse, except for the HR which is not a good thing. We were presented with two options – to continue to medically treat Wally or surgically remove the impaction since it does not appear to be moving. Wally’s blood work is fine and he does not appear to be uncomfortable. The vet can schedule surgery for later today, but up until that time, we decided that fluids continue to be run. I did some T-Touch Wally’s anal area and by doing so, he did pass a small amount of poop as well as gas. Last night at the rescue, I also used T-Touch with no results. I’m hand walking Wally too which will hopefully, get ‘things moving.’ I have also requested that Wally be given an enema. We are trying everything possible, up until the moment of surgery, in hope that Wally’s issue can and will resolve on its own. Please continue to keep little Wally in your prayers.
By late afternoon, it was decided that Wally needed surgery. I kissed his little nose and promised him I’d be there when he woke up. Dr. Lynch said it wouldn’t take much more than an hour.
Despite all of our prayers we lost Wally this afternoon. I try to always be there for any surgery. As I watched them start to prepare Wally, when he was given anesthesia, he had an adverse reaction and he was gone. In the blink of an eye our Wally went to Rainbow Bridge. I had promised him I’d be there when he woke up but he didn’t wake up. I’m in shock.
I had taken Wally for a walk before surgery – he wanted to play in the water hose. Silly Wally, he loved the water. Our three boys – Wally, CaryLou, and Harvey. It will never be the same and I will always see him when I see the others. And I know I will feel him – I feel him now. I’m so sorry little guy – so very sorry. Fly with angel wings baby – I love you, always. I know you were met by Solace and others that we dearly love, that’s the only consolation I have.
Thank all of you for your support and for caring about our little Wally. My heart hurts – I can’t believe it happened but I was there and saw it with my own eyes. I never want to experience anything like that again, ever. I was helpless to change what I was witnessing and it was horrible. I likely will be off the grid for a day or so but please know that I do appreciate all of you. I have to believe that God needed Wally more than we did.
Wally and me right before surgery. I called him my little Rogue Warrior – a lovable and mischievous little guy that made us laugh.
Thank you Greg, for your beautiful tribute to our beloved Wally.
A rainbow over Beauty’s Haven in honor of Wally going to Rainbow Bridge.
Thank you all for your prayers and words of comfort.
Sincerely,
Theresa
BH April 17th – April 22nd Update ~ Cookie
Thursday, April 17th, 2014
Cookie was admitted to UF today, April 17th, for an eye exam and, specifically, for evaluation of a mass on her left lower eyelid which had been treated with cryotherapy and cisplatin beads in the past few months with no resolution. During the exam, tumors were also found on her 3rd eyelids (r/l). It was recommended a scan be done to determine the extension of the tumors and to help make surgical decisions.
Marie helped me get Cookie ready for her trip to the UF Veterinary hospital this morning.
I’m so sorry that Cookie is fighting SCC. I wish there were some way they could save her eye. The SCC is below it but because they will have to remove the lower lid there will be nothing to protect the eye. We’ve had blind horses as well as horses with only one eye. Some horses don’t adjust well but I think Cookie will do just fine. I want the SCC gone. Totally. Please keep her in your prayers.
I will be away from the computer and phone for the rest of the day but I will update later about Cookie. Thanks Pam for transporting Cookie safely to the hospital!
Friday, April 18th
Cookie’s CT scan showed the mass had not invaded bony orbit. It was recommended by Dr. Mangan that resection of the lower lid mass and 3rd eyelids be followed by reconstruction of the lid margin (preserving the globe) which would preserve sight in her left eye!
Surgery under way. Dr. Mangan and his team are amazing!
Finally! About 2/3rds of the lower left eyelid, the left 3rd eyelid, and the entire right 3rd eyelid were removed. Cryotherapy was also used on the remaining left lid margins in hopes of preventing potential further spread of the cancer. Cookie’s sub-mandibular lymph nodes were somewhat enlarged so cells were taken and sent to be analyzed.
Cookie has left the OR.
Cookie did well for surgery – the area of the left eyelid resected was pretty extensive but, with reconstruction, she was able to keep her eye! To do this, they used skin from below her left eyelid to make a new lower eyelid margin. It was pretty amazing to watch and it took a quite a bit of time – the surgeons (Dr. Mangan and Dr. Martins) and the surgery team did a great job. They wanted Cookie to remain at the hospital for a few days – there were some concerns about swelling but, so far, it hasn’t been as bad as was expected. Now, we pray for an uneventful recovery – the sutures need to hold until they are scheduled to be removed in about 2 weeks. Cookie is eating and drinking and was happy to be visited by Katherine today. Katherine is a volunteer and student at UF.
Wow. We are all missing our Cookie. The barn just isn’t the same.
Monday, April 21st
Cookie settled back into her stall this afternoon just fine. It’s great to have her home. I have to change her bandage tomorrow and Thursday she goes back to UF.
She’s not very comfortable having just one eye to see out of – I’m so glad they were able to save both eyes.
Tuesday, April 22nd
Cookie’s first day back at the rescue after having surgery to remove cancer from her eyes.
I said a prayer when starting to unwrap Cookie’s face this morning – I needed to clean/treat the wounds. The tape is so darn sticky.
Well, the tape came off pretty good. Cookie was a champ about it. I truly believe that horses know when you are helping them.
I cleaned up both eyes and treated them with triple antibiotic. Then applied SSD cream to the sutures and granulation tissue.
I applied a sterile bandage and then vet wrap.
Then the eye with the protective eye cup and voila! Please continue to keep Cookie in your prayers. She’s got a lot of healing to do. Many thanks to everyone that have been praying for Cookie and to those that have donated to help with her needs.
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://www.bhfer.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bhfer.
BH April 21st – April 22nd Update ~ Cutie Pie
Monday, April 21st
Prayers needed. On my way to hospital with Cutie Pie. She didn’t want to get up this morning.
At the vet.
Headed to X-rays.
I’m sorry to just be getting back on here. My phone died at the vet’s office. Cutie Pie is not doing very well. It is suspected that she may have tetanus. She is being started on the antitoxin as soon as Bob gets back with Cookie – we had to get it from UF. So, we have lots going on. Anyone in the area want to help out this evening? Cutie Pie needs prayers. She’s comfortable and in the office so someone is with her. She’s drinking a bit via syringe (she’s getting some Wel-Gel and milk thistle also). Her heart rate is down some which is good. But it doesn’t look very good at this point. Nellie is doing ok. She was very concerned about her friend. I have to go help Cookie settle in – she just arrived and I have to clean myself up first. I’ll be back as soon as I can.
Cutie Pie is comfortable. She does not have a fever. She’s drinking via syringe – getting some of Lucy’s Wel-Gel which means she is getting nutrients and water. This is how we kept Lucy alive those first few weeks. Cutie Pie supposedlyhad a tetanus shot in March. She’s not really displaying symptoms of tetanus – her neck isn’t arched, there’s no muscle spasms, and at first she was stiff but after her x-rays and a little sedation to help her relax she tried to get up. With help, she will sit sternum for a little while. She got a shot for goat polio today, which, if that was the problem, she would have responded pretty quickly. Tonight, we will keep her comfortable and I’ll continue to syringe her water/Wel-Gel. She’s had her first tetanus antitoxin shot (which won’t hurt her even if she doesn’t have tetanus). She’ll get another tomorrow. She goes back to the vet in the morning. It’s really crazy here but please, keep Cutie Pie in your prayers. Nellie is doing ok as is their human mom. We’ll check on them again later tonight.
She’s sitting sternum on her own. Yes, her horns are wrapped in pink vet wrap.
She just ate again and drank some more. With help, she keeps her back end up standing but not the front. But she seems better. Popper isn’t happy that the goat is sleeping at the end of our bed instead of her.
Cutie Pie is eating and drinking. This is Deborah Hill sitting with her for a bit. We are all calling it a day soon. Please pray for a calm night and that Cutie Pie is much better tomorrow. We will be taking her back to the vet at 9 am.
Resting comfortably.
Today, April 22nd
Cutie Pie ate some breakfast this morning, drank some water, and off to the vet we went.
Dr. Bullock is totally amazed that Cutie Pie made it through the night – he advised us yesterday that the odds were slim. But, we opted to give her a chance and here she is. We were so proud when she greeted doc with a smile. She’s eating and drinking. She’s still getting supplements and will soon get her 2nd dose of antitoxin. Her little friend keeps her company – Betsy Rose doesn’t mind sharing.
Back at the rescue, Cutie Pie wanted to stand up so we gave her a chance. She walked a couple of steps and stood and looked around – she seemed pleased. But she needs rest so we took her inside to tuck her into bed. We still don’t know what is wrong but she’s still getting antibiotics, Thiamin, Transfer Factor, a mash of Wel-Gel mixed in a little FiberBeet, milk thistle, and she will be getting the tetanus antitoxin as soon as Bob gets home with it. Her temp was slightly elevated this am. She’s being monitored closely.
Once we got her tucked in, she went pee. LOL! So we changed her bedding and Deb cleaned her up. She ate and drank and now Cutie Pie is taking a nap. Prayers are working!
Cutie Pie been able to stay up (and get up) on her own today several times! So much so that we had to move her to the barn! Prayers do get answered! She’s not out of the woods yet but she’s a determined little girl!
We are an all volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit equine rescue organization that operates totally off of donations from the public. We are not funded by County, State, or Federal funds. Please consider making a one time or monthly donation to help us to continue what we do – we can’t do it alone. Funds are needed for vetting, farrier needs, dental needs, equipment maintenance, and there is so much more. There are various ways you can donate if you visit our "Donate" page on our website (theresa. All donations are tax deductible and no amount is too small. Cutie Pie, Cookie, and all of the horses here need your help Please share us with friends, family, and co-workers – it takes a village! Thank you!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://www.bhfer.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bhfer.
BHFER & EW: Weekly Hoof – April 18, 2014
The first spring sprouts are actually lower in sugars and starch (non-structural carbohydrates or NSC) because they use all that energy to promote their own rapid growth. But horses crave fresh grass and will eat volumes of it, making their overall NSC consumption really high – in fact, dangerously high for horses that are overweight, Cushingoid, or who have experienced insulin-related laminitis. Click here for more
We’ve all known at least one equine escape artist. The crafty pony that figures out the grass really is greener on the other side of the fence. The amorous gelding that would prefer to live with the mares. The way-too-smart mare that knows how to open gate latches and lead everyone on a merry romp.
Click here to read about fencing
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization will be holding their 5th Annual Celebration of Life in conjunction with the ASPCA’s Help A Horse Day. Click here for more information
Join our Ambassador Program and we will donate 40% of every subscription to your organization. Apply today and we will send you an EW Ambassador kit with your own unique Promo Code. We’ll also sign you up for a FREE subscription to Equine Wellness.
Click here to join the Ambassador Program
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Cookie’s Cancer, an Adoption, & Updates on Many
April 10th, 2014
Dr. Porter examined Cookie’s eye – the cancer has progressed. We will be taking her to UF – it’s highly possible that she will lose her left eye.
Sisco’s front right was x-rayed – he’s been on and off lame. He walked pretty good for Dr. Porter yesterday but we did x-rays anyway. Sisco has navicular. So, to say that yesterday was not a good day is an understatement.
I’m recovering well from my recent injury and have been back at work a bit – careful to not do too much. My nose is healing fine but my neck has been an issue. I had my first ever acupuncture treatment yesterday and found it to be a very positive experience. I’ll be receiving treatments for the next couple of weeks and go from there. But, I will say this, I felt good when I left the acupuncturist’s office yesterday. Better than I have in a long time. Bob said I looked and moved like I felt 10 years younger when I got home. But that was before Dr. Porter’s visit. Now I better understand why Betsy Rose and Gentleman love their treatments by Dr. Julia.
Dr. Porter was out yesterday to look at Cookie’s eye, Sisco, and do some x-rays on Oscar. None of the findings were good. The most upsetting for me was Oscar. A little background for those new to Beauty’s Haven – Oscar was too weak to stand the day I picked him up in our minivan in February. We had been advised by the previous owner that they had been given misinformation on what to feed a donkey and that the had lost weight to the point of being so weak he could not get up. He rated a body condition score of 1. Once at the rescue, a vet immediately examined and treated Oscar. He got IV fluids, vitamins, etc. Blood work was done which indicated anemia and malnutrition – his liver and kidneys were pretty stressed. We really didn’t know if he would make it. But he’s a tough little guy!
Traditional and holistic vets, farriers, and a dentist are all part of our core care team – all work together. But no matter who is on your team one thing you can’t do is turn back time. Poor and improper nutrition can wreak havoc on the body – including the feet. Sometimes effects aren’t immediate. Oscar had been fed sweet feed, oats, and cracked corn by the owner before she was told by a vet tech that “she should only feed him horse quality hay but she could give them sweet feed as a treat now and then”. This feeding regimen could have caused some real issues.
Oscar’s feet were long when he arrived here – he has had 3 trims here in the last 8 weeks with the farrier doing little bits at a time. He was treated for thrush and white line. Oscar improved and he grew stronger. We moved him to a paddock with Pistol – they would run and play and we enjoyed watching them. A few days ago Oscar popped an abscess and seemed uncomfortable so we had the farrier out again and while the farrier was doing a touch up another abscess resolved. Because of Oscar’s history, and what we were seeing, we opted for x-rays which revealed a rotated coffin bone and deep abscesses which Dr. Porter believes is the result of improper feeding. I’ve said this before but I’ll say it again – donkeys can NOT be fed like horses. Donkeys need more fiber and less protein than horses. We feed them Triple Crown Safe Starch forage and good grass hay.
Oscar is just turning 2 years old next week and he’s dealing with a serious issue. Although, I’m not sure he knows it’s serious – he doesn’t appear to be in any pain but he is lame. Dr. Porter drained another abscess yesterday and has prescribed a treatment plan. It’s going to take quite some time for Oscar to recover and he IS going to recover – he just has to. He needs time to grow out a healthy foot and he will need little adjustments often to optimize recovery. There are more abscesses that we are trying to draw out. His foot is cushioned and wrapped. So, for now, he will be staying with Betsy Rose around the barn. He will have another set of x-rays in a month. Please pray for Oscar – we need another miracle. And if anyone would like to help with Oscar’s x-rays and vetting it would be greatly appreciated.
The first photo is Oscar the day after he arrived back in February. The second is Dr. Porter with Oscar yesterday.
Bo went to his adoptive home today! Thank you Jayne for giving Bo his own human family. Congratulations Bo!
April 11th
Serenity – she’s doing very well!
Hannah Morse, a journalism student from UF, visited yesterday for an interview and to take some video and photos. She got to meet most of the horses. Bryce was very interested in what she may have had in her back pack – he’s quite the character! “Got treats?”
I do believe that Bryce has a bit of a belly on him! LOL They are all doing great. Eliza, Bryce, Mahogany, Serenity. We are now taking adoption applications for Serenity and Bryce. They have lived their entire lives together and, ideally, we’d love to place them together. Please visit our Beauty’s Haven Equine Rescue Adoption Page where you can read about some of our adoption requirements.
This is Judy washing feed tubs after breakfast. And that’s a lot of feed tubs. LOL
April 12th
Lots going on here today!! I love it!
Victoria is absolutely stunning. A very sweet Arabian mare that is looking for a forever home.
April 13th
Photographing the photographer. Matilda loves to pose!
This was a really nice way to end the evening. Serenity is just a sweet, very sweet girl.
April 15th
Cookie needs your help. She is battling cancer under her left eye. She needs surgery AT UF which is scheduled for late this week. We have posted a fundraiser on YouCaring to assist with the cost of Cookie’s forthcoming eye surgery. Please, help us to help Cookie. Thank you, in advance, for your love and support.
April 16th
It’s dental day!! Betsy Rose asked her friends to help entertain the boys while Dr. Bess checked them out. Cloud is growing up! She had to take out two baby teeth. They were both very good.
I’m so happy for Bella. She is happy at her new foster home. Thank you Jody and Lesley Osborn! From Lesley: “It was a glorious day today and I spent the afternoon with Bella grooming and simply enjoying being with her while slowly building a trusting and loving bond with her. She loved all the attention that I gave her today and she looks beautiful…”
Many thanks to Rosemary Meredith, Terri, Vicki, and Lorilie for spending this past Saturday here clipping some of the horses!
Oscar and Pistol going at each other through the gate at the barn. It’s hard to not let Oscar go out to play. But we don’t want him being too active with his front foot issues.
Beauty’s Haven advertising found in North Carolina! I love it!
Laura Brasile visited for a couple of days last week! It’s really nice to be able to meet people that we meet on social media – we love sharing the horses and telling their stories! We miss you Laura! Romeo is doing very well!
This is Sayan. He’s a darling little Arabian gelding that recently came back. He is just as sweet as ever!
BEAUTIFUL Greg!!! This little Arabian mare grabbed my heart when she had just turned 3 years old. She is the reason Beauty’s Haven came to be! To say she’s my heart horse would be an understatement. Thank you for this lovely artwork Greg – I have a special spot for it on my desk. Greg does beautiful work – check out more on his Greg Ambrose’s Art Page on Facebook.
“Beauty Kicks Up Her Heels”
14 year old Beauty, the mare that started it all at Beauty’s Haven Farm and Equine Rescue, shows off her energy. Join in the rescue’s Celebration of Life on April 26th.
Our “Celebration of Life” is on April 26th! Our focus this year is education – what it takes to rescue and rehab horses such as Betsy Rose, Solace, etc. There will be guest speakers, music, games, a Q&A period, silent auction, and much more! We are holding this in conjunction with the ASPCA’s Help a Horse Day. We stand to win a $10K grant – we need your help to do that by attending our Celebration!
We are in need of some supplies if anyone would like to help – EquiSpot, Endure flyspray, Equyss Micro-Tek Shampoo and Medicated Spray, sponsors for Prescend and Previcox (both are Rx’s), and some double Velcro flymasks for mini’s. We also need a load of shavings.
We are an all volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit equine rescue organization that operates totally off of donations from the public. We are not funded by County, State, or Federal funds. Please consider making a one time or monthly donation to help us to continue what we do – we can’t do it alone. Funds are needed for hay, grain, vetting, farrier needs, dental needs, equipment maintenance, and there is so much more. There are various ways you can donate if you visit our “Donate” page on our website (theresa. All donations are tax deductible and no amount is too small. Please share us with friends, family, and co-workers – it takes a village! Thank you!
Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: https://www.bhfer.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bhfer.