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?
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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.
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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
