Dr. Dianne McFarlane came out recently to do tests for Cushing’s Disease on some of our horses. She is Chair of the Department of Large Animal Clinical Studies at University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Her special area of interest is aging and age related diseases of the senior horse, and we just happen to have quite a few of those here at Beauty’s Haven! Cushing’s Disease is a pretty common neurodegenerative disease that usually affects older horses. Dr. McFarlane hopes to better understand the disease by identifying genetic mutations in order that treatment for Cushing’s can be started earlier.
Valley Girl, the only horse here so far to test positive for Pigeon Fever, is one of the horses Dr. McFarlane tested for Cushing’s and she is positive. This could be a contributing factor to why it is taking her so long to recover from Pigeon Fever. She is better but she’s still working through it. There have been quite a few cases over the past couple of months in and around the Ocala area and there will likely be more as flies are the carriers and they’ve been truly horrible this year. Plus, it’s been very dry.
The first photo is of Dr. McFarlane with Magic. He was so good getting his blood drawn – I was very proud of him! His Cushing’s test was negative but a few others did test positive so they are getting a medication called Prascend. And I thought I’d just share a few other photos while I have a chance.
Recent tests have determined that Elyza Rose is Insulin Resistant with Cushings Disease. Her vet bill was $255 and her medication was $125. We are therefore, offering a very special fundraiser to help our sweet Elyza Rose.
Please consider a donation and receive a chance to win a gift of your choice. For each donation of $5, the contributors’s name will be entered in a drawing for either a Betsy Rose Coffee Mug or Tote Bag. A winning name will be selected on Friday, November 2, 2018, at 9:00pm at 
There are many ways in which to contribute. You may forward your contribution via our PayPal address: 
Elyza is about 16 years old and, like Betsy Rose, may have Cushing’s disease. We will have blood test results back tomorrow.
Elyza needs her eyes examined by Dr. Mangan – there’s something going on in her right eye which is the same eye that Betsy Rose had issue with.
Her teeth are a mess and I’m going to bet she puts on weight nicely once her teeth are taken care of by Dr. Bess.
She’s pretty thin (a 2 on the BCS) but she has a great appetite.
Elyza’s feet needed to be tended to and Stephanie trimmed them today.
When I hugged Elyza Rose for the first time, I felt an overwhelming and much needed sense of peace.
We are currently in first place in the SunState Federal Credit Union Charity of the Month Contest. A vote per day through the month of February, could help us win $1000 which will greatly assist the rescue with the purchase of hay and/or other needs. Just