Lucy, the miniature mini mare, has Big Head Disease, also known as Bran Disease, which is caused by a diet too rich in potassium and not enough calcium. The disease causes issues to bones – facial bones are the most affected. Some horses have difficulty breathing because of narrowing and/or obstruction of the nasal passages. Eating may be difficult and/or painful and teeth may be lost. Bones are weakened because calcium is mobilized and replaced by fibrous tissue. The beginning of Lucy’s story – she arrived at Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary in the back of an open little trailer about a month ago. Kari Bagnall, Founder and Director of the Sanctuary, realized that Lucy needed special care. Dental work was done on Lucy but she was having trouble breathing. Lucy’s ability chew and swallow is affected as well. She was taken to UF where a permanent tracheotomy was performed.

While at the hospital Lucy contracted aspiration pneumonia. Kari had been searching for a horse rescue willing to take Lucy upon release from UF that had the ability to continue to provide Lucy with her medical needs – she gets meds around the clock. When Kari contacted me, I was appalled to learn that the last rescue she had talked to had told her they would not use resources for a horse with a challenging medical condition but they would take Lucy and give her a nice burial! It is very sad – they didn’t do their research on this condition before sentencing Lucy to death! Lucy should be able to make a full recovery with the proper diet and care. Kari and I discussed the situation. I spoke with Dr. Smith (he assisted in Baby Girl’s surgery) at UF and he felt Beauty’s Haven would be the best place for Lucy to recover at. Of course, we couldn’t say no – especially knowing that nobody else was stepping up to help and she certainly was not ready to be buried! Jungle Friends is a wonderful organization that specializes in helping primates – but Lucy really needs to be in an equine environment.

Kari visited us this past Sunday and we made plans for Lucy to come here upon release from UF. But Monday night when I called to check on Lucy’s status, Kari was in tears – it had pretty much been decided at UF that Lucy should be put down – there was a new issue with her liver. Lucy had come so far and had been doing well until then – she hadn’t passed any poop and wouldn’t eat or drink and her liver values were really high (700+), and she seemed depressed. Kari and I met at the hospital to visit with Lucy and discuss the situation. We agreed that Lucy should come to the rescue and be given time – she had been at the hospital for almost 2 weeks. We felt she needed to be around other horses and in a warm “home” environment. She may be with us for a only few days, a week, or, hopefully, for years to come. We talked to Lucy and told her she’d be coming here and asked her to please hold on and to get better. The next morning we were happy to learn that Lucy pooped through the night AND her liver values were much better (down to 50!!!) – not sure what happened overnight but thank God for small miracles! Upon arrival here yesterday, she settled right in. She is eating and drinking (not nearly enough) and she has met other mini’s. She has light in her eyes. She is across the hall from Twinkle and CaryLou. She loves going for walks outside but the weather is too cold to turn her out. We have volunteers that are coming to sit with Lucy, read to her, and walk her.

Twinkle’s baby was born on Sunday evening at about the time that I learned that that UF had recommended Lucy be put down due to the high liver values and related concerns. So, Twinkle’s baby boy, CaryLou, was named in honor of Kari, the woman that gave Lucy, the miniature horse, a chance to live. It was my way to honor this little horse that is trying so hard to live and the woman that took her in when she needed help or she would have died.

So now we keep up with Lucy’s medication schedule, continue her IV fluids, monitor and nurture her, and let go and let God. I’ll update later today. Thank you all for caring about her. She needs prayers and good thoughts. It is sad to know that all of her issues could have been prevented if she had been fed a proper diet. Lucy’s condition was caused by human neglect. We owe it to her to give it our best – she’s only 3 years young. Gotta run – Dr. Julia is here!

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: www.bhfer.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb

Sorry – we’re working on it.

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: www.bhfer.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb

Twinkle had a baby boy tonight at around 8 pm! She pretty much did it all on her own but Bob, Katie, Jenny, and Joshua were there to help.

While we thank God for Twinkle’s little boy we continue to pray for Lucy. So now we have two more babies to go – I pray their trip into this world goes as smoothly as this one did.

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: www.bhfer.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb

Lucy is a 3 year old miniature horse that was transported in an open trailer and dropped off at Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary, located in Gainesvillle, in mid February 2012. Kari Bagnall, Founder and Director of Jungle Friends, immediately realized Lucy needed more than just good food and a nice place to graze.

Lucy has Big Head Disease, also known as Bran Disease, which is caused by a diet too rich in potassium and not enough calcium. Swelling of the facial bones is a common symptom – they are the most affected by calcium resorption. Some horses have difficulty breathing because of narrowing and/or obstruction of the nasal passages. Eating may be painful for them – they may have loose teeth. Bones are weakened because calcium is mobilized and replaced by fibrous tissue. Does this cute nose remind you of anyone – maybe Aaleyah Belle – just a little bit?

[youtube http://youtube.com/w/?v=L50uGAT8a2o]

Lucy had dental work done at Jungle Friends but was having trouble breathing. She went to UF where a total tracheotomy was performed. She will have a permanent hole in her neck just like our Classy does. It really did improve Lucy’s breathing. For those of you that know Classy, you know she is like any other horse, except she can’t go swimming and she can’t whinny. The trach saved her life. Sadly, if Lucy had been fed properly, none of this would have been necessary.

[youtube http://youtube.com/w/?v=L50uGAT8a2o]

While at the hospital Lucy contracted aspiration pneumonia which has much improved and she is about ready to be released from the hospital. Kari has been searching for a horse rescue willing to take Lucy. When Kari contacted me, I was appalled to learn that the last rescue she had talked to told her they would not use resources for a horse with a challenging medical condition but they would give Lucy a nice burial! It is very sad – they didn’t even do their research on this condition before sentencing Lucy to death! Lucy should be able to make a full recovery with the proper diet and care. And the trach is no big deal. Could we take Lucy? Kari and I discussed the situation. I spoke with Dr. Smith (he assisted in Baby Girl’s surgery) at UF and he feels that Lucy would do well at Beauty’s Haven. I had actually met Lucy the day we checked Genesis in for his eye surgery. Lucy is a very friendly and outgoing girl that loves attention. Of course, we couldn’t say no – especially knowing that nobody else was stepping up to help Lucy. Jungle Friends is a wonderful organization that specializes in helping primates – but Lucy really needs to be in an equine environment. We met with Kari today here at the rescue and when Lucy is released from the hospital she will be coming straight to us.

Lucy is young and has a positive and outgoing spirit – she deserves a chance. We are looking for sponsors to help with her care. If you would like to help us to help Lucy please visit our “Donate” page (theresa. Donations are tax deductible and no amount is too small. Even if you can commit to $5 a month it would be very helpful. God bless and thank you!

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: www.bhfer.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb

Good morning! I would like to ask those that were helping to sponsor Silver Belle, Rayo, Noelle, and/or Sachet if you would consider transferring their sponsorship to another in need here? We have MANY that need sponsors – thank you!

If you would like to transfer your sponsorship to another please LMK – we appreciate you all!

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Website: www.bhfer.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bhfer.tb