Tag Archive for: vet

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When it Rains, It Pours

On Saturday, when I was at the hospital with Aaleyah Belle, Jo somehow managed to lodge a sliver in her neck which became quite swollen and sore, but we are treating her accordingly, and she is, thankfully, doing okay. And then there is Gabe, who somehow injured his eye which caused him much discomfort and despite our daily administration of eye medications, there was little sign of improvement.

Since I had to attend to Jo and Gabe, I decided to remain at the farm on Sunday and asked Jenny to visit with Aaleyah at the hospital. I also decided that it would be the perfect time to call the vet out to assess Gabe’s eye. Upon examination, the vet discerned that not only does Gabe have a corneal ulcer, he has an abscess as well! Gabe’s eye medications were adjusted accordingly and a subpalpebral lavage was put in place which will make it much easier for us to treat his eye.

Chloe is, thankfully, doing okay – she has settled in nicely in the main paddock with her ‘new friend,’ Peaches, eagerly awaiting the return of her best friend, Aaleyah. Mo is adjusting to the loss of his beloved Oasis, thanks to our resident ‘wise old soul,’ Waylon, and his happy go lucky sidekick, Walker. I also visited Aaleyah today. She is having a fairly good day but she is not at all happy with her muzzle or stall. She did slime Jenny today so I’m taking that as a good sign!

Our vet bills are growing exponentially, so if anyone would like to assist with Gabe or Aaleyah’s veterinary expenses, it would be so greatly appreciated.

Thank you all, from the bottom of our hearts.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Bria’s Story

 

In mid-November we received a call about three horses that had been abandoned on foreclosed property. We had just taken in Dancer and Jo and had no plans to bring in more horses for the cold season – resources were very tight. But we had to do something so we went to work reaching out to others to see if we could find help for them. We were very blessed to find a great home for two of the horses.

The third horse, a mare named Bria who was almost 30 years old, would need special care so we decided she would live out her sunset years here at the rescue.

We promised Bria that we would do everything we could to make her comfortable for as long as possible. We also promised her that when she got to a point where her quality of life was not good, and there was nothing more we could do to help her, we would love her enough to let her go. She was quite thin and she had Cushing’s Disease along with degenerative suspensory ligament disease (DSLD). Unfortunately, there is no cure for DSLD – it progressively gets worse and, at some point, the horse’s quality of life declines to a point where the most humane thing to do is euthanasia. Bria’s coat was terribly unhealthy and her mane and tail hadn’t been brushed in years. Her teeth needed attention as well, as she had sharp points and waves. Her front feet were a mess – she had thin soles and coffin bone rotation (with bone loss) in both.

Fortunately, Bria was comfortable in Soft Ride boots. She wore them 24/7 and, at times, she could even be seen trotting around. She was a beautiful mare and had a way of communicating very well – I’m sure in her younger days she could be very opinionated, sassy, and a fireball of energy. Little E became Bria’s best friend and they could usually be found hanging out together under the Friendship Tree by our house or wandering about, grazing. Bria made other friends, too – Peggy Sue, Cricket, Tilly, Lucy, and even Nina would hang out with her. She also made friends with many humans – all of the volunteers truly loved her.

Over the last couple of weeks, Bria had been less active as were some of the other horses – we’d had some pretty high temps and humidity. But this past Friday morning, Bria didn’t want to move when I took breakfast to her.

She gave me a look that clearly said she needed help and she was resting her back left leg in an odd way. I can’t feel anything with my hands (due to my spinal cord injury) so I couldn’t tell if there was heat in her back foot and/or leg. I gave Bria pain meds and waited to see how she would respond. When she tried to walk, it was obvious that her back leg/foot had issues so we called the vet to come out to the farm.

Dr. Rigby found heat (increased pulses) not only in Bria’s back foot but also in both front feet. Bria was a horse trying to walk on one good foot and that is just not possible. Dr. Rigby advised the most humane thing to do would be to help Bria go to Rainbow Bridge.

Little E had stayed close to Bria all morning – I’m sure he knew what was happening. We let them have time together as Dr. Rigby got meds ready that would release Bria from her pain.

As much as it broke our hearts, we kept our promise to Bria to let her go when the time came. I prayed for a smooth transition and she did go peacefully – I stayed with her the entire time.

After awhile, I left Little E alone with Bria so he could have time to process what had happened. He’s up there in years (37) and sadly, he has had to say good-bye to many of his friends – I do worry about him.

I’m sure Cricket, Nina, and Bria met up at Rainbow Bridge where they now frolic in green grass free of pain. They will always be in my heart and I know we’ll meet them again someday. They were all loved and we were blessed to have them with us for as long as we did.

Thank you all for caring.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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Niña’s Blessed Last Months

It’s been a tough few days here, losing Niña and then Bria the day after. I want to share what happened with each special mare but will first start with Niña. I’ll share about Bria tomorrow.

When Niña came to us in late February, she was shy, underweight and a bit frail. She hadn’t lived with another horse for years. She was vetted the day after her arrival and on the following day, we found her down and unable to get up. After running fluids and giving her time to rest, she did get up, with assistance. After Niña’s blood tests came back and speaking with the vet, we adjusted her feed and added Succeed to the supplements she received and she started to improve and gain weight.

Niña was in our quarantine (QT) paddock for the first two weeks where she would stand by the fence and watch the other horses. She received lots of attention and warmed up to humans.

After two weeks in QT, we opened the gate to her paddock so she could wander about on the two acres surrounding our house, get good exercise, and make friends – but she did not do so. Niña would simply, walk to the gate and stand for a bit but she wouldn’t leave the paddock. We haltered her and hand walked her around the property a few times, and tried to encourage her to go out, but we weren’t going to force her. But then one morning, I went by her paddock, opened the gate, and continued up to Frosty’s Knoll to start soaking hay. I thought I heard something behind me and smiled when I realized she was there. We went up the Knoll and she stood and looked out over the farm (it’s the highest part of the property) for a couple of minutes.

I gave her some scratches and then she trotted down to the fence line at the main paddock and followed it to the far side of the house where I couldn’t see her. I later found her under the “Friendship Tree” with Peggy Sue and Cricket – it really did my heart good!

Niña continued to put on much needed weight and muscle – her transformation in such a short period of time was truly amazing. She was beautiful inside and out. She would go out and graze with her new friends and could sometimes be found just hanging out under the “Friendship Tree” with them. Unfortunately, we found her down again in early March, but after getting some fluids and rest, Niña was able to get up (with assistance). Niña had her 30th birthday in March.

Niña did well throughout April. It was a pleasure to see her trot around here and there. Sometimes, she’d take off and run like she was going to be late for something and she looked so happy. Cricket adored her and they could often be found together.

In early May, Niña was exploring a paddock she hadn’t been in before when she took off, slipped and fell on wet grass, and couldn’t get up. We let her rest for a bit and tried to help her up but we weren’t successful. I called the vet and gave her some fluids and her meds. When he arrived, Niña received additional fluids/meds, and DMSO. Thankfully, after the meds/DMSO took effect, we were finally able to help Niña stand after several attempts to do so.

This past Thursday, Niña went down for no apparent reason while she was up on Frosty’s Knoll. It was like a rerun of the previous falls but sadly, this time, even with help from the vet, we couldn’t get Niña up.

The look in her eyes reinforced what we knew – it was time. The decision to let any of them go to Rainbow Bridge is never easy.

But if there is nothing more our care team can do to help them, and it’s in their best interest, we love them enough to let them go knowing we will see them again someday – and I do believe this.

Many thanks to everyone who helped Niña and cared about her. And even though we wish she were still here, we feel blessed to have had her with us, where she was surrounded by love, if only for a few months.

Sincerely,
Theresa

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If it’s not one thing, it’s another + A New Match Game

Mishka, has had a few bumpy weeks between dealing with allergies to no-see-um’s and experiencing front right foot lameness. To help with allergies, he was gifted supplements, a flymask with ears, and a really nice flysheet and neck cover that’s cool, soft, and doesn’t weigh a ton – he’s huge (2000 lbs) and to get one over him is truly, quite a task!

When Mishka became lame a few weeks ago, it was thought to be an abscess. We moved him to a small paddock by the barn and his foot was treated many times to try to draw out an abscess. We weren’t making progress and Mishka wasn’t happy being away from his friends so Dr. Cardona came out and did x-rays. The results were not great, but they could have been worse. Mishka has side-bone in both front feet which is not uncommon in draft horses. There is a slight rotation in both, his sole’s are a bit thin, and there was a suspected gas pocket in the right foot.

Once we had the x-rays, coupled with recommendations from Dr. Cardona, we called Jason Wayne Hunter (Back to Basics Equine Podiatry) to help Mishka. When Jason started on Mishka’s right foot, an abscess at the toe opened up and when Jason began working on the left foot, another abscess at that toe opened up! Mishka experienced immediate relief! Jason put wraps on both feet and Mishka felt so much better now that he was able to go back out with his friends! This made us all very happy! We’re very appreciative of Jason, his work, and his patience with Mishka. And it was great to see Kyra (she used to be a vet tech with Dr. Ted) again – we appreciate her patience and kindness to Mishka too! Many thanks to both Jason and Kyra! Jason’s Facebook page is ‘Back To Basics Equine Podiatry.’ Now that Mishka is on track to getting better, we really need to reach out for help ($425) to cover his vet bill, x-rays, podiatry needs, etc.

Whenever one issue is resolved, however, another seems to pop up as in the case of Warrior. Dr. Julia was here earlier in the week to treat our precious little guy’s ears which are covered with oozing blisters and nodules due to his constantly being bitten by flies and gnats. I now spend a great deal of time daily, cleaning and treating his ears while trying to discourage him from rubbing on anything in sight to relieve his ‘itchies.’ I have not as yet received a bill from Dr. Julia but that is yet another forthcoming expense.

In addition, the farrier will be at Beauty’s Haven today as well as on Monday, for another round of hooficures and once again, Bob will be making our weekly hay run this afternoon which, like last week, will cost another $900. As donations have been down considerably, I am beside myself with worry but thankfully, two wonderful friends and supporters have joined forces and are offering a MATCH GAME to assist with our many needs! All donations up to $325 will be matched dollar for dollar! If you would like to participate in the Match Game, there are many ways in which to contribute. You may forward your contribution via our PayPal address: bhfer@earthlink.net, via theDONATE page on our website or via PayPal Me. If donating via PayPal, please designate your donation to ‘MATCH GAME.’ If you select the tab, ‘Send Money to Friends or Family,’ no fees will be deducted from your contribution. All donations are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small.

Thank you, all, so very much, for your love and support!

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Precious Baby Ashton Has His Wings

Ashton-Angel-Wings
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April 20th, 2018

It is with heavy hearts that we inform you that Ashton, our sweet baby Alpaca, now has his wings. The vet called Theresa a few minutes ago and suggested we stay the course tonight and regroup in the morning. However, when she returned to check on Ashton, he had taken a turn for the worse. Blood tests revealed that he was suffering from meningitis. The vet advised Theresa that it was time and Theresa gave her permission to help this innocent baby cross Rainbow Bridge.

Ashton was a premie and we knew from the beginning, when the vet stated that his chance for survival was only 50/50, that we just had to try, for that is what Beauty‘s Haven is all about – to grant a second chance at life to those in need. Little Ashton tried his best as well. In his final hours, Ashton was surrounded by warmth and love.  He didn’t die on the ground, confused and all alone.

We want to thank each and every one of you for responding so quickly to our plea for help. We are so very touched by your outpouring of love, kindness and most thoughtful generosity for this precious baby boy. We do not know yet what the final hospital bill will be, but once we do, we will ensure donations are applied and refunds for the overage will be issued.

Once again, thank you all for your love and support.
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NEWBORN ALPACA IN DIRE NEED

Baby-alpaca
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April 20th, 2018

Friday Morning
We have a 24 hour baby alpaca coming in. His mother rejected him.  If so, his only hope will be for us to take him to UF.  He needs colostrum and vet care ASAP.
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The little one is trying. Please click here to see me trying to comfort him on our way to the hospital.
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We need a miracle.
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We named him Ashton.

Ashton is receiving plasma and is trying so hard.  His initial blood work is not good but we’re not giving up. They have given him a 50-50 chance.

Believe…
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Theresa has put down a $1,000 deposit at UF for Baby Ashton’s care.  The estimated cost at UF for the plasma with the antibodies he needs, along with blood work, antibiotics, fluids, etc. is $800 to $1200.

If you would like to help this very special little boy, contributions may be made via various means on our website at www.bhfer.org or via our PayPal address: bhfer@earthlink.net. If donating via PayPal, please designate your donation to: ‘Baby Ashton’ If you select the tab, ‘Send Money to Friends or Family,’ no fees will be deducted from your contribution.

Please keep little Ashton in your prayers.

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Tinsel Needs Prayers

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[clear]April 1st, 2018

We hope everyone had a wonderful and blessed Easter. Ours wasn’t so great. I found Tinsel not wanting to move this morning.

Dr. Ted Specht came out and he thinks she likely, has a fractured hock. He will be back out tomorrow to do x-rays. We have no clue how it happened.  Tinsel stays out at night with Little E. I’ll update tomorrow when we know more.

Good thoughts and/or prayers would be appreciated. She’s just got to be okay.
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Tinsel came to us in November 2016.  She was a rack of bones with an absolutely horrible eye injury. With 24/7 eye treatments, and the best care we could provide (thanks to our village of supporters), Tinsel beat the odds and we were able to save her eye. She gained weight and was ready for adoption.

I can’t tell you how badly I feel for her. She’s come so far. She’s such a sweet mare and she deserves a loving, forever home.
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April 2nd

There are no broken bones! What a relief it is to know that’s not an issue. Blood tests were done and I will have more information tomorrow. Her temperature is up again so she is back on antibiotics.

She’s going to be ok. Believe….
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April 3rd

Another very long and exhausting day. Tinsel still has a high temperature and elevated heart rate. Tinsel’s appetite is great. I’m still giving her antibiotics via IV.

Tinsel put a slight amount of pressure on her bad leg today.
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April 4th

Tinsel did enjoy extra attention from Christine Anzelmo Mazzola today.
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April 5th

Please continue to keep Tinsel in your prayers. She is no better but at least she’s eating and drinking. Her temperature and heart rate are still elevated. Her course of antibiotics has been changed and Dr. Ted will be out tomorrow to place a catheter so I don’t have to keep poking her each day with IV medications. He will aspirate fluid from her hock as well – the swelling is worse. I’m headed to bed now, finally. We’re all a bit worn out.

Tinsel’s veterinary expenses are rapidly mounting so if anyone would like to help with this need, it would be greatly appreciated.  Donations are tax deductible and no amount is ever too small. To donate, CLICK HERE. Please designate your donation to ‘Tinsel.’
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Starbuck – Silly Boy Should Have Walked Around the Ditch

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April 1st, 2018
Dr. Julia came out on Thursday to assess Starbuck’s lameness issue. He’s going to need a few weeks off to give his front right foot and shoulder time to heal.  While trail riding, he opted to jump over a wet area and came down a bit hard on his front right directly on a tree root.

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We also had annual blood tests done on Magic.

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Both boys are in need of sponsors to cover Thursday’s veterinary fees of $275. Thankfully, most of the bill has been covered with only $75 remaining. If anyone would like to help with this, it would be so greatly appreciated.
Donations are tax deductible and no amount is too small. Donations can be made via PayPal to bhfer@earthlink.net or via various means on our website at www.bhfer.org/donate.  If you do make a contribution, please mark it for ‘Starbuck/Magic’ and if you use PayPal, please send it as funds to ‘Friends and Family’ and no fees will be assessed.

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Thank you for your continued Love and Support!
Wishing everyone a Blessed Easter and Passover.

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ELYZA ROSE SETTLES IN

Elyza-Rose Settles In

I am happy to report that Elyza Rose is settling in very well. I gave her a much needed bath this morning and clipped her later this afternoon. I just couldn’t stand seeing her long, thick, and unhealthy coat. She’s so good for the heart – I just can’t tell you how wonderful it feels to have her here. I feel like I’ve known her forever!

I believe that Elyza’s journey is a continuation of Betsy Rose’s journey. Betsy Rose’s presence here is very strong. Our Betsy Rose went to Rainbow Bridge on December 22nd. Elysa Rose came to us on February 22nd. The two months in between were dark and very depressing. My heart shattered with the loss of Betsy Rose and I didn’t know how I would ever put it back together again. I went through the motions each day but I was numb and lost. But yesterday, when I hugged Elyza Rose for the first time, I felt an overwhelming and much needed sense of peace. It lit a spark in me that was fueled by Betsy Rose. I just know it! I know that what Elyza endured before she came to us was terrible – we are committed to helping her heal. However, I think Elyza Rose found her way to us to lead me down a path where my heart would heal which is what Betsy Rose would want. I believe that Betsy Rose had her hoof (and heart) in this. I will always believe.

#ElyzaRose #BetsyRoseStrong #believe #bhfer

Elyza is about 16 years old and, like Betsy Rose, may have Cushing’s disease. We will have blood test results back tomorrow.
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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.

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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.
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She’s pretty thin (a 2 on the BCS) but she has a great appetite.
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Elyza’s feet needed to be tended to and Stephanie trimmed them today.
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When I hugged Elyza Rose for the first time, I felt an overwhelming and much needed sense of peace.
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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 click here to cast your vote and please share amongst family and friends. Please note that you will be prompted to “Like” SunState’s Facebook page prior to casting your vote and you must be a Facebook member in order to do so.

We are still awaiting the results of the Eagle Rare Life contest – the winners will not be announced until March.

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A New Chapter for Two Older Mini’s

A New Chapter Sophia

On Thursday, we picked up the mini’s – a new chapter in their lives has begun! When it was time to transport them to the rescue, I told Jiminy and Cricket that they were going on an adventure. They walked right onto the trailer. I felt a bit of sadness – they were leaving behind the only home they’d ever known. But their humans did the right thing in reaching out for help – they needed to concentrate on their own well-being as they each were having health issues.
When we received the call asking if we could take in the minis, we knew that we had no available paddocks. However, even if we can’t take in a horse, we try to help by networking in an effort to find a good home.

After visiting with Jiminy and Cricket, and speaking with the owner, we knew we had to find a way as we felt a sense of urgency.  Cricket is 32 years young and Jiminy is 29.  We came up with an idea. We knew Cookie would be proud to help in this endeavor so we set up Cookie’s Corral for them! I miss Cookie so much – there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of her.

 A portable shelter was procured by a supporter and others have promised to help cover the cost of Cricket’s and Jiminy’s needs. The initial costs will be significant (vetting, dental, farrier, etc.)  It takes a village!
The little ones unloaded and settled right into their area.
On Friday, Jiminy and Cricket had a full physical by Dr. Simonson. Both were underweight, dehydrated, and had low body temps.  Jiminy’s heart rate was also low. Of the two minis, Cricket is more lively.
Dr. Julia double checked Jiminy’s heart and confirmed that his heart rate was low but the rhythm was okay. We will be monitoring this and are currently awaiting blood test results.

We truly appreciate any and all help for these sweet Minis and we cannot do this without assistance from others. Our village makes this possible!

If you would like to contribute to the ongoing care of Jiminy and Cricket, you may do so by clicking on the ‘DONATE NOW’ button below or via PayPal: bhfer@earthlink.net. Please designate your donation to ‘Minis.’

Thank you all, for your love and support.

Please also remember to cast your daily vote for Theresa in the Eagle Rare Life contest and please share amongst family and friends as well. Just click on this link and cast your vote.

 

‘Life is about determination. Don’t give up just because of the obstacles. Regardless of what obstacles face you, just keep going! Go through, go around, or go over – but never give up!’

 

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Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue Inc. is a 501(c)(3) grassroots Non-Profit Organization registered in the state of Florida (EIN: 20-4783950).  We are not funded by Local, State, or Federal funds. We operate totally from donations from the public. Please consider making a one time or recurring donation to help the horses. No amount is too small and all donations are very much appreciated. Donations are tax deductible. Beauty’s Haven was awarded Verified status by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) in 2012. GFAS is the only globally recognized organization that provides standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries.  Awarded November 2014 Equine Hero and 2017 Eagle Rare Life Award for Heroism.  A Guidestar Exchange Silver Participant and a GreatNonprofits Top Rated Non-Profit in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

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