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We wish we had better news about Tinsel today, but we don’t. She has an infection in the hock region that is aggressively being treated. There is quite a bit of heat and swelling in the area, but she does put weight on that leg at times. It initially was thought to be a fractured bone. However, Dr. Ted Specht did x-rays which ruled out a fracture and Tinsel was started on antibiotics right away.

Cultures and other tests have been done, repeated, and more will be needed. Dr. Ted is measuring serum amyloid A values (SAA) among other things. The first set of tests didn’t disclose bacteria. However, the most recent culture is growing bacteria so we hope to know more tomorrow. In the meantime, Tinsel is getting heavy duty antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and other medications and supplements.

Dr. Ted inserted a catheter in Tinsel’s neck yesterday which makes administering daily IV meds less stressful for both Theresa and Tinsel. Medications are given around the clock and Tinsel’s water intake, how much she eats, her temperature, heart rate, etc. are all being monitored. Her temperature fluctuates – Theresa said that it was 103.9 on Saturday morning, but they were able to get it down to 100.3 in a short time. Tinsel has a great appetite even though she has lost some weight.

As long as we can keep Tinsel comfortable, and she is willing, we will not give up on her providing there is a possibility that she will be able to overcome this issue. Most horses that come to Beauty’s Haven are in a very compromised condition from neglect/starvation. Tinsel’s immune system was compromised when we were asked to take her – she was 20 years old, underweight, and she had a horrible eye infection. Theresa has also learned that Tinsel had an infection in her hip just months before her eye injury occurred. Once she arrived at Beauty’s Haven, Tinsel overcame her eye injury, gained weight and had been doing so well. Theresa says Tinsel is a pleasure to ride and has been looking for a forever home. Then, last month, Tinsel overcame pneumonia and she was so happy when she was turned back out with Little E.

Tinsel’s vet bills are rapidly mounting due to numerous farm calls by Dr. Specht, several very expensive medications/antibiotics, x-rays, blood tests, cultures, catheter placement, IV fluids/bags, leg wraps and various supplements. She has also has to be in a heavily bedded stall so we are rapidly going through shavings on a daily basis. None of this has been inexpensive and we don’t know how much more is ahead of us. To give you an idea of some of the cost – just one of the needed medications is $220 a day! You can’t put a price on life. Tinsel is a wonderful and loving mare with a lot of life in her. She is also Little E’s best friend and she is loved dearly by many humans. She needs help from our village of supporters.

A dear friend and supporter has come forth to offer a $250 Match Game to assist with Tinsel’s expenses and all donations up to $250 will be matched dollar for dollar. If anyone else would like to add to our Match Game funds, please contact us via email at bhfer@earthlink.net.

As you can imagine, Theresa is beside herself with worry about Tinsel, as well as how the rescue will bear the burden of these expenses. Please help if you can. And, share this out amongst family, friends and co-workers in hope that they would be willing to help Tinsel as well.

If you would like to play the Match Game, you may do so via various means on our website at www.bhfer.org/donate. If donating via PayPal, please designate your donation to: ‘Match Game for Tinsel.’ If you select the tab, ‘Send Money to Friends or Family,’ no fees will be deducted from your contribution. Please be assured that all donations are greatly appreciated and no amount is ever considered as being too small.

Thank you all for your love and support. Please continue to keep our beloved Tinsel in your prayers.