Tag Archive for: vet

, , ,

Eilian – Such A Tragedy – Update 09/19/13

09/19/15 Update

I received a call concerning a horse on Wednesday night – it was in a remote part of the county and too late for me to go alone. I called the County and they said they would have a Deputy check it out. I didn’t hear anything back from them. This morning I woke up thinking about the horse and felt it was likely nobody went out so off I went. I got to the address and couldn’t get in the gate which was a good distance from the house. There were dogs and no humans in sight. None of the phone numbers for that address worked. I heard a horse whinny but couldn’t see it. I won’t go into the details of how I finally got in, but I did – it was very frustrating. And I’ll tell you, that what I saw once I got on the property and behind the house was sickening. But I had to focus on the immediate needs of the horse.

The owner called the horse Scant. When I got to him, he was down eating sand – he had been down for a couple of days. He tried to go sternum (he demonstrated signs of colic) and I found three good size limbs under him – it had to have been uncomfortable. I pulled the limbs out and put hay under and around him. I rubbed him and promised him help was on the way. His water bucket was out of reach so I got another bucket and offered him water. He drank and was very thankful. It hurt my heart, very much to see him in his condition. I talked to him about life in general and how beautiful he was while waiting for the vet to arrive. As I looked around me there were scattered bones. And there were tree stumps the horse could have easily impaled himself on in his obvious struggles to get up – one very close to him. I turned a bucket over to cover it.

Dr. Ryan got there and ran fluids – he did everything possible – we tried but it just wasn’t meant to be. His back right leg would not work – there was likely a fracture and there was a good size open stifle injury from a couple of weeks ago. He was very thin (BS 1.5) and very uncomfortable. He was at least 20 years young, his heart rate was high (even after meds) and he likely had quite a bit of sand in him. It’s hard to lose any horse – he was a beautiful Arabian gelding. We all know Arabians are near and dear to my heart. He’s now running, pain free, on the other side of Rainbow Bridge. God bless him.

When he crossed, he wasn’t alone. I assured him it would be ok and that where he was going would be a beautiful place with green grass, fresh water, and there would be only good things and love. And I sat with him for several minutes after and the tears came. I just want to understand – how could humans allow this to happen?

A skull and other bones were scattered on the ground. Proof that other life has been lost. Now I ask for prayers for the other animals there.

Wednesday evening update: I did follow up with the authorities and there is an open investigation. The owner has 30 days to rehome the animals or make conditions better and demonstrate that he is providing proper care for them. There was at least one dog, a pony, several cows, pigs, ducks and other birds. Only 3 of the cows I saw were on grass and they looked fairly good. Everything else lived on sand and didn’t look very well. The owner knows he can reach out to us for help and to help rehome any of the animals.

I am calling the Arabian gelding “Eilian”. Scant was a horrible name, IMO. My heart is as heavy as it was yesterday. The only comfort I can find is knowing he is now in a better place running with the Heavenly herd.

Thank you all for caring.

Sincerely,

Theresa

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

/by
, , , ,

One Made It, One Went to Rainbow Bridge

August 23rd, 2013

Last Evening

I need some help here. I can’t go into details as this case is still unfolding. But would anyone be willing to pledge to help this horse? He’s down and can’t get up – another Betsy Rose. The same vet who treated Betsy Rose initially is available. It’s been raining – the horse needs a vet to get treated or he needs to be humanely euthanized – this is horrific. Another vet determined a couple of days ago that the horse did not need to be seized. I am sick. Pledges anyone? This can’t wait until tomorrow.

This Morning

Our response team is on the way. The horse did ok through the night. The vet and authorities will be there too. We need angels of strength to help him up to get into the trailer. Dr. Natalie says he wants to. His vitals are not bad.

Please pray and picture him up and standing. This was him several days ago. Pray he can stand now in order to get in the trailer and make it here to the rescue.

Dr. Natalie just relayed to me that she will call me in a few minutes. I think we are moving to Plan B – loading him by stretcher – the trailer has a ramp on it. Will update soon.

Later in the Morning

I am sitting here in tears. Tears of anger, sorrow, and frustration. I’m sorry it took so long for a good update but a lot has been going on. Chance took a turn for the worse. After another rectal, observation, treatment, etc. Dr. Natalie believes he’s gone septic. He grew uncomfortable and is now showing signs of pain. He has a toxic line, his heart rate rose dramatically. He has given it a good fight. The decision has been made to help him to humanely cross Rainbow Bridge. He will not be alone. I have no more words at this time. But know that this isn’t over. Thank you all. Chance – we all love you.

Noonish

We couldn’t leave Chance’s friend behind. But it wasn’t easy getting him released – it’s still an open case with the authorities, thankfully.

This Afternoon

“Welcome to our Beauty’s Haven family – we love you already. I’m so sorry you had to watch your friend slowly starve to death but at least today you were able to see him be loved on by humans that care. And you were able to see that he peacefully crossed Rainbow Bridge. He is now running with the Heavenly Herd in green grass with a whole body again. In this picture I see you are standing there with Chance on the ground nearby – we will make sure he is properly buried. He knows you cared about him and he left knowing you would be going to a good place where you will never experience this again. You’ll be here soon and the QT paddock is all yours. You’ll have hay and all the love you ever could imagine. He would want you to go on and have a good life. Chance will never be forgotten. And I promise you, there will be voices heard about what happened to you both.

Feeling better now that this boy is here and munching on hay under the shelter in the QT paddock. We will figure out a new name for him as we get to know him. I like to learn their personality and we don’t like to use a name that we’ve already used in the past. The weather is horrible but he seems pretty content. He’s very sweet and I’m so glad we didn’t have to leave him behind. Everyone involved in helping last night and today did an awesome job! THANK YOU EVERYONE!

He needs a little rehab but he’s only about 10 years old – he should do just fine. He is a Saddlebred/Arabian cross (National Show Horse) and is really sweet.

Some rain rot, underweight, feet haven’t been done in awhile, not sure about his teeth yet but we’ll get him all checked out. I’m very relieved he is here. And I am very sorry that we couldn’t offer Chance the same.

As Chance crossed Rainbow Bridge this morning, butterflies surrounded him together with people who knew him for only a few short hours, yet cared deeply about him. A sure sign that it was meant to be and that he was finally at peace.

Thank you all for your continued love and support.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/by
, , , , ,

Pony Mare in Dire Need

June 14th, 2013

I got a call from someone about their pony mare that is down and can’t get up – they don’t know what to do and they can’t afford to have a vet out.  When I started asking questions, I didn’t like the answers.  When I asked how old the mare is the owner said they didn’t know but they’ve had her a long time and a little girl has been riding the pony, but without a saddle.  I asked for a photo and was appalled.  This mare has been laying there on the ground, like trash, for days.  It’s June in Florida and it doesn’t even appear that anyone has even taken the time, or cared enough, to brush out her winter coat.   Even with the coat, you can clearly see she’s skin on bones.  There is no excuse to allow an animal to suffer – and this mare has obviously been suffering for awhile. 

We have a vet on the way to her but we need help.  I am asking for pledges at this point – I don’t know if this girl can be saved or not but a vet will be there soon to assess and advise.  If the mare is too far gone she will be humanely euthanized – she won’t be left to linger and die and she will not die alone.  If she can has a chance, we have a transporter on standby with MMC Eventing, and we will give her our all.  One way or another, this pony will know that she matters. 

The vet arrived and the pony is being run fluids now.  Her HR is very high – please pray that it comes down and that the fluids will help and that she will be able to get up.  We have someone enroute to transport her to us if she can make it.  She doesn’t deserve to die like this.  The vet recommends the pony be helped to Rainbow Bridge but I feel a very strong need to give the mare a chance.

After receiving fluids, and with assistance, she was able to get up!  She’ll be loaded and brought to the rescue where we will do everything possible to help her to recover.  Please keep the good thoughts and prayers coming!  This one is tugging hard at my heartstrings – there’s just something about her….

To everyone that offered a pledge to help her – thank you!  Please send when you can.  I’ll update once she’s here and settled in.  We’ll be awaiting blood work results too.  Let’s pray it isn’t too late.

The pony has arrived and it doesn’t look good for her.  She’s too weak to stand or to even hold her head up.  I’m amazed that she is alive.  But this says something about her will – we’re going to give her all of the help we can until she tells us she’s had enough.  She has a determined look in her eyes that says she’s not ready to give up.  We will see what the blood work results are to see how badly her organs have been effected and then regroup.

We got her up and into the sling which will be a key tool to her recovery.  It’s going to be a long ride but we’re in it for as long as she is willing and wanting to heal.  She doesn’t seem like a mare that is going to give up easily.  There’s still light in her eyes.

We can’t leave her in the sling – the amount of time that the pressure the sling puts on her body has to be limited since she can’t even stand.  We will take her out periodically in order for her to lay flat to get good rest which her body needs.

We will turn her every couple of hours to help prevent damage to her organs.  She drinks and munches on her mash and when she is awake she is alert. But she tires easily – she is in very bad shape.   We really do need a miracle.  I’m going to call her Betsy Rose.

#betsyrose #believe #wecandothis #prayersneeded #bhfer

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization

/by
, ,

Lucy, Solace and Others Need Help with Vet Costs

April 9th, 2013

Solace has a new snotty nose with an odor to it.  He hasn’t run a fever but he’s not as interested in his meals and just seems somewhat “off”. We’d like to have Dr. Ryan examine, scope, him and do a culture to determine if he’s got something new going on.  This would be about $150.  Would anyone like to help him?  Just 15 people donating $15 each would cover this.

Dr. Ryan will be examining Lucy today, checking out her trach, and pulling some bloodwork.  This will be about $110.  Just 11 people at $10 each will cover it.

Two horses that we had to bring back need vetting and this was not in our budget.  One needs an exam and CBC which will cost about $92. The other needs more – I’m guessing $125 with Dr. Ryan and he will also need Dr. Julia Simonson to work on him for about $125.  Any and all help with these two would be so greatly appreciated.  I’d like to get Dr. Julia out here as soon as possible.  She’s our holistic vet.

Donations can be called directly into the vet’s office at 352-237-6151. Please specify if you call how you would like your donation applied – to a specific horse or to our account in general. We truly appreciate your continued support.  If anyone would like to help with any of these needs you can donate via PayPal address bhfer@earthlink.net or via our website page at www.bhfer.org/donate.  Just indicate what your donation is to be used for.  Donations are tax deductible and no amount is too small.  We operate totally from donations – your support makes what we do possible.  Please share this out.  I don’t like asking for help but I have to.  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

/by
,

Solace Update

January 17th, 2013

I apologize I haven’t gotten any updates out this week – I’ve been sick since Monday with the stomach flu.  Just when I try to get going again I find out my body isn’t ready and it’s been very frustrating.  But I want to give a quick update on Solace while I can.  We’ve had beautiful weather this week, until today, when it took a drastic turn.

In the early afternoon I ventured down to the barn for the first time and peeked in on Solace – he was down in his stall.  He’d been doing so well – the good weather has been helping him, I’m sure.  I wished all week that I could have spent some time outside with him. When I went down this afternoon I noticed something wasn’t right.  I sat and watched him for a few minutes and it was obvious his tummy was bothering him and heart rate respiration were up.  He had been passing poop but he was gassy.  I called Dr. Ryan and gave Solace medications as instructed.

This evening Solace is tucked in his stall and looking better.  The determined look in his eyes always amazes me.  Bob went to the store this afternoon and for the first time in awhile so the humans cupboard isn’t bare.  I can’t eat – just the thought of it is nauseating and the headache won’t go away.  But the chills have stopped, I think.  I wanted to lose weight but maybe this isn’t the right way to do it!  

Hopefully Solace’s blood test results will continue to show improvement. I’ll post when I know more. Have a good night everyone.

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

/by
, , ,

Alyse to Rainbow Bridge, Sunset and TB Mare Arrive, and More

Update: 12/30/12

Last week was tough and losing Alyse was heartbreaking.  On Friday morning I received a call from Dr. Clark – Alyse had taken a turn for the worse.  Her HR went higher – to about 120 and her WBC had gone up.  The meds were not keeping her comfortable.  Dr. Clark had spent days running tests and consulting with others about the ulcerations and other issues – they could not determine what was causing her to be sick but they did feel it was a combination of things.  One being the blisters in her mouth, on her tongue, and in her nose.  They had scoped her earlier in the week and did not see any blisters past the esophagus and believed they likely stopped there (we later learned there was a large ulcer in her colon).  The second issue being an unknown factor at the time that was causing increased HR and temperature.  We agreed from the beginning that should it get to the point where Alyse couldn’t be kept comfortable while trying to maintain her for the blisters to heal, and trying to identify and treat a secondary issue, we would not allow her to suffer.  A necropsy was done and we found that she did have a large ulceration in her colon and her gut was about to rupture – keeping her with us any longer would have been inhumane.  We gave her all the time we could and I am so thankful to the Dr. Clark and everyone at Peterson and Smith for everything they did for her.

I was with Alyse when she crossed – her head across my knees in my lap – she knows she was loved.  Dr. Clark said Alyse was a strong willed mare and had given it her best.  And her care givers had done their best.  Alyse was a beautiful and proud Arabian mare that was loved by many but God needed her more than we did and we must accept that.

Alyce in the Hospital

Letting them go takes a lot out of me – out of all of us here that are hands on at the rescue.  And I’m sure it hurts others that love and care for the horses here from a distance too – the horses are truly blessed to have so many that care for them.  I am so very sorry we could not save Alyse.  Alyse and I had shared many spontaneous rides together which I’ll never forget.  Those rides helped me put worries aside for a few minutes – they were very refreshing for the mind and body. After I left the hospital Friday I found I needed to stop in a parking lot and let the tears flow and try to regroup.  Then I went to Burger King drive through to get a drink.  I had left home without breakfast or anything to drink after Dr. Clark called to tell me Alyse was worse – I wanted to get to the hospital ASAP.  After getting a soda I stopped by the feed store to buy a few things.  While at the feed store I decided that while on my way back to the rescue I’d go by the location where the 3 Thoroughbred horses were that we had taken hay to last Wednesday night.  I tried to go there on Thursday but on my way there that evening I got a phone call that one of the horses here looked to be trying to colic so I turned around and came back.  By the time I checked on the horse it was dark and I didn’t want to go the location of the 3 horses by myself.  So, after leaving the feed store on Friday, I did go there and I found one bay mare down and looking at her tummy.  She went sternum and stretched out – she looked very uncomfortable.  I tried to get her up and she did get up with some prompting but then she went down again.  I called Dr. Ryan and he suggested we get her to the rescue since he would be on his way there as soon as he could to assess the incoming Percheron mare.  I called Bob and had him hook up the trailer and come meet me to load the mare and we went back to the rescue.  

The Percheron mare arrived shortly after we got the sick OTTB mare to the rescue.  Dr. Ryan arrived and examined both mares.  We named the OTTB mare PrimaBelle and she was treated for a gas colic.  She is Momma Sue’s daughter – she was born a year before Aaleyah Belle.  Prima means first and Belle means beautiful = “born first and beautiful”.  PrimaBelle was born a year before Aaleyah Belle and they are full sisters. Aaleyah Belle’s name means “beautiful gift from God”.  Like her momma and sister, PrimaBelle is a very nice girl with a pleasant disposition.  She raced and won about $12,000.  She had a very gassy tummy on Friday which made her very uncomfortable. She felt better after receiving medications and has been feeling ok since.  We had a family come to meet PrimaBelle today – a family that has adopted Mia from us this past year that lives not far from the rescue.  PrimaBelle still needs to get her teeth done, vaccinations need to be done, etc.  She will be up to date on everything and she needs to put some weight on before leaving for a new home.  There are still 2 horses where we picked her up from that we are providing hay for that need homes.

I named the 25 year old Percheron mare “Sunset”.  She arrived during a beautiful sunset and it came to mind that she is in her sunset years.  She’ll be able to live them without worry and with a full tummy and much deserved TLC.  She is underweight and has skin issues.  She has large lumps in her left ear described by Dr. Ryan as “cauliflower ears” likely caused from trauma which causes fluid to collect and separates cartilage causing it to die which causes fibrous tissue.  She has the number “33” branded on her left hip – the number of her stall from her PMU years.  She is a smaller Percheron – not quite as tall as Gentleman.  It will be a few weeks before she is ready to leave here but we are expecting an adoption application for her to be received by tomorrow.  If approved, Sunset will have a home not far from the rescue.  Before she leaves, her wounds will have healed, she will have had her dental work done, she will be up to date on vaccines, etc.  It will take awhile to get to that point but her road to a happy and healthy retirement has begun.  She has the sweetest face and very kind eyes.  Her ears don’t stand up but that’s ok – she is still beautiful!

Yesterday both mares had hooficures.  PrimaBelle was a good girl.  This was her front right before her hooficure.  We had Dr. Ryan x-ray it on Friday to make sure her coffin bone wasn’t affected and it wasn’t, thankfully.  Sunset was a little challenging – she didn’t want to stand still but she’s in a new place with new faces.

It was going to go into the 20’s last night so we blanketed both mares.  PrimaBelle was an angel for her blanket to be put on – she stood perfectly still and seemed to truly adore it. Sunset was a little hesitant – I don’t think she’d likely ever had one.  She moved away at first but with a little time and introduction she stood still.  And after it was on she still there for quite awhile – at least 30 minutes!  The blanket is short on her sides and left about 6” of her butt exposed but she loves it.  I am ordering one to fit her tomorrow.  She will also be getting a new fly mask.

Solace is about the same – he still has congestion in his lungs and is still coughing.  Dr. Ryan examined him again on Friday.  He will be out again late in the week to assess him again and to see if we need to modify his treatment plan.  HIs appetite remains good.  Solace really is an amazing horse.  Let’s continue to pray that he recovers.  Believe…

Holly is doing very well – what a sweet mare she is!

The Christmas trio are all doing well.  Gentleman and some others had their teeth done last week.  I’ll include those pictures in my next update – I’m really tired and have much to do.  To everyone that has sent a message or email regarding the loss of Alyse – thank you.  I appreciate your good thoughts and prayers.  I am behind on emails and PM’s but hope to get caught up on some this coming week.  

Tomorrow will be very busy – more hooficures are being done in the morning.  God bless and thank you all for your continued support.

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

/by
, , ,

Solace – He Has Found It Here

December 16th, 2012

This horse was found wandering down a road in south Florida, very close to death.  He reportedly walked away from an illegal backyard slaughter operation.  He obviously has no meat on his bones that would bring money.  When starved, a body feeds off its fat, then muscle, then its organs which is where this horse is.  By the grace of God, and the help of a few, he found his way to us in the wee hours this morning.  Here, he has found solace just as Hollie and the Christmas Trio (Nevada, Sachet, and Noelle) have.  I don’t know why the name “Solace” came to me the first time that I touched him, but it did, and so it is.  Maybe the events of this past week – I’m sure many of us are seeking solace – I hope we all find it too.  

There are pictures below that some may consider graphic.  If you don’t want to see them then please don’t scroll down.  But I choose to share what these horses go through and what we do to help them – the good, the bad, the ugly.  It’s a roller coaster ride and you are all invited to ride with us.  You can follow his progress and see how your donations are used.  He looks like he just walked out of a concentration camp.  

Dr. Tanya scored Solace a 0.5 on the Henneke Body Condition Score scale.  Horses that get down to a 1 don’t usually survive.  This says something about his will to survive.  His stool is full of sand and he has little energy.  He was very cooperative with when he was oiled.  Dr. Tanya thinks he is still a stud but he is so thin she really couldn’t say for sure.  His rehab will take some time – it must go slow and steady.  Too much, too soon, could kill him.  He needs a miracle and hopefully, it will come.

At some point in his life Solace sustained blunt trauma to his mouth – his top front teeth are on a pretty bad angle and there is a scar in the gum line.  Dr. Tanya couldn’t tell how old he is but he is aged.  His teeth are just so messed up – we will have the dentist out soon.

His temperature was low normal.  Blood tests are being done and a stool sample was taken.

When Solace poops, it flows in the hollow under his anus which is chaffed and irritated (this can cause infection) and then it runs down his legs.  We hope to give him a warm bath very soon.

He got fluids (including vitamins) via IV.  He was a perfect patient and seems content being here.  I think he knows we care.  🙂

As much as I don’t like asking for it – we need help.  Today’s vetting was $490 and the transport cost from to get him here (he was 4 hours away) was a very good price but it wasn’t inexpensive.  

I know Christmas is upon us and pockets are empty but please know that any amount of a donation helps.  One of our volunteers told me a few minutes ago that she collected all of her lose change and it came to almost $40 – she is donating it to help Solace.  If many people do this it will all add up.  If you’d like to call a credit into the vet’s office the number is 352-237-6151 and, again, no amount is too small.

We are still nursing Hollie, Nevada, Sachet (she is better), and Noelle back to health. They were all in bad shape too but they are slowly recovering.  I don’t know why these 5 horses came to us but I’m glad they did.  But again, we need your help.  Tax deductible donations can be made via PayPal to bhfer@earthlink.net or via our “Donate” page at https://bhfer.org/donate.

His body has withered away to bones and I hate to think of his past and the stories he could tell of what he has lived through.  His love for life, and will to live, must be strong for him to have survived and find his way to us.  Most others would euthanize him.  But I see a flicker of light in his beautiful eyes.  Somehow, I think he realizes that his life is beginning again, with people that will love him unconditionally and properly care for him.  Will he recover?  We choose to believe he will.  Please keep Solace in your prayers.  

Today is our Christmas gathering with our wonderful volunteers.  They will get to meet Solace as well as Hollie, Noelle, Nevada, and Sachet.  God bless and I’ll update more when I can.  Thank you all for your support.

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

/by
, ,

Thoughts of Ambrosia

I spent a good part of yesterday reading, through teary eyes, the very thoughtful and much appreciated emails and posts about Ambrosia – and the artwork is lovely.

First, let me say she is, and always will be, quite the mare – she had a heart of gold. Even though humans let her down tremendously by ignoring even her basic needs and by turning her loose to wander a rural community as a homeless horse – she didn’t hold it against us. This was Barbara comforting Ambrosia the night we met her.

The next day when we picked her up and took her to the rescue she walked off the trailer, looked around, and held her head up high – for the first time we saw light and life in her eyes. She was immediately started on antibiotics. She settled into her stall and went to eating her hay and Fibre-Beet mash – she loved food! She got groomed at least a ½ a dozen times a day and was pampered to the max. The day we loaded her up to go the hospital she loaded without hesitation. Once there, it took her all of about a minute to settle in before she started eating her hay.

After her initial assessment at the hospital, we discussed her diagnosis – pleuropneumonia (infection of the lungs and pleural space). Her care team determined that to get a good indication of whether or not there was a chance for her to recover they would need to drain her chest and see how quickly it would refill. This procedure (drained about 7 gallons of fluid) gave her quite a bit of relief. Her breathing was better – she stayed upbeat. She trusted humans to do to her what was needed – I truly believe she knew we were trying to help her. She cooperated – always. Her temperature was normal and her heart rate went significantly down – she continued to have a good appetite. She was only 13 years old.

Through every step of the way we evaluated her quality of life – it was constant throughout our decision making process. It was identified early on what aftercare would be needed and we were committed. While we knew from the start she likely would never be horse to be ridden we did think she would be happy being a pasture pal. And we agreed, from the beginning, that should her comfort level not be able to be controlled, or should she develop another issue such as laminitis, and her quality of life was poor with no relief in sight, we would help her to cross. We would not let her suffer. One of the key tools in determining her quality of life was by observing her will to live which was enormous. She had a great appetite and didn’t appear depressed. She would hold her head up high and was interested in what was going on around her – she would even whinny to Billy the goat or a passersby.

I spoke with the doctor on Thursday night – he recommended giving her some time to recover from the first surgery before going through the second. Friday morning the doctor called and said overnight Ambrosia’s temperature had risen as did her heart rate but she was quite the Champion – she was still eating and drinking fine. She did have increased swelling in her legs. The doctor decided to ultrasound her heart and said he had some concerns and said that he wanted the cardio team to conduct an ultrasound. While we waited for them we took Ambrosia out to graze for a bit, which she really enjoyed.

We went back to her stall and she became interested in a very handsome horse that was being evaluated.

Once he was left she seemed tired – her breathing had been getting more labored and she began to sweat. I played songs for her on my cell phone – she seemed to really like “Lost in Love” by Air Supply. I guess I did too – we must have listened to it about 4 times. I told her about the many people that loved her and were helping her. I apologized for what humans had, or hadn’t done, for her. And I prayed.

The cardio team arrived and did another ultrasound. The cardiologist determined that Ambrosia had developed congestive heart failure. Her heart had been working overtime to compensate for the decrease of lung function. The right side of her heart was weak. We once again reviewed her quality of life and determined that, while we could prolong her life it was not in her best interest, the time had come to let her go. This is never an easy decision or one taken lightly – but we loved her enough to do what was in her best interest.

Ambrosia had several days of a full tummy and clean fresh water, she had been kept comfortable, she was doted on constantly, light in her eyes had returned, and she was genuinely interested in humans and what was going on around her. She had regained her dignity and was loved by so many and that’s important – she crossed Rainbow Bridge knowing she mattered.

I want to believe that at some point in her life she was loved and properly cared for. We will never know but we were able to prevent her from dying alone, hungry, and in pain. We knew going into this that she could take a turn for the worse at any time and we may have to let her go. God had other plans for her and we accept that. I held on to her and told her she was so very loved and I hummed “Lost in Love” as she crossed the Bridge. I could picture her holding her head up high towards the sky and running, reaching for the stars, as her body grew whole and strong again – what a glorious vision it was! I sat by her and held her and let the tears flow.

Before returning to the rescue I sat for a long time in the car in the parking lot at the hospital. I folded my arms across each other and rested my head on them against the steering wheel – as I did I could smell her. I had washed my hands but not my arms and her scent was still on them – a sense acceptance came over me. Acceptance is needed in order to move on. And I know that Ambrosia wants us to continue to help others that end up homeless, hungry, cold, alone, or in a bad situation – and with your continued help we can.

I’m sorry that Ambrosia was dumped in a rural community and had no human to care for, or about, her. I am sorry that we could not fix her health issues. And I am sorry that we could not keep her comfortably with us for a long, long time. But I’m not sorry, not in the least, that we tried. God bless each and every one of you for caring and helping in some way. Ambrosia had a huge love for life. She would have kept going until her heart burst – she was that kind of horse. She was quite the mare and had the heart of a Champion!

I have learned to fight the good fight to the end
And if I had to I would do it all again
And when the sun goes down
I won’t fear the night
I will keep my head towards the sky
Knowing that the Lord is on my side

And when the darkness falls
I won’t fear the night
I will keep my head toward the sky
Knowing that the Lord is on my side

(From the song Heart of a Champion)

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org

Ambrosia remembered…
http://iacmusic.com/stationGen.aspx?stationID=7428


Artist: Greg Jones

/by
,

Ambrosia 9/5 pm update – graphic pics at bottom of update

I spent the most part of today at UF with Ambrosia. She developed a thrombosis in her neck so the catheter had to be removed. The other side of her neck already had a thrombosis in it so that side can’t be used either. They have switched her over to oral antibiotics. When I got there this morning they were already in the process of flushing out the cavity (they had to remove a good part of her rib in order to get to the abscess). This will need to be done daily. She was a good girl, as always.

Dr. Stieler was off today (she deserved it!) but came in any way for the flushing of Ambrosia’s cavity and to check up on her. Everyone is so good to Ambrosia – it’s like home away from home except there she is in AC without flies!

Waiting for her to fully wake up from sedation after having the cavity flushed.

Her appetite was good and she’s drinking fine. She devoured her treats today.

Listening intently to little Billy “baaa” to everyone.

At times she looks very tired but that’s very understandable. She does have swelling in her legs – especially the back ones.

There was almost an aura about her this afternoon – the light in her eyes shines on.

Just being around Ambrosia makes you feel good. While you can see the effects that neglect has taken on her you can also see past them – you see the beauty she is both inside and outside. Her heart is full of gold. She has the right attitude and is very tolerant of what is being done to her – a huge plus to get her through this. She has another surgery coming up on the other side – possibly at the end of the week.

Please continue to keep Ambrosia in your prayers. There are still many things that can go wrong but we don’t, and won’t, dwell on them. Her care team monitors her closely. I can’t thank Dr. Stieler, Dr. MacKay, Dr. Freeman and Dr. Dymock (lead surgeon’s), Dr. Husted, Erik and all of the wonderful people at UF enough – from the minute you walk into the main office you feel welcome.

Ambrosia is in ICU and she has eyes on her 24/7. It’s comforting to know that there are many people that care about this wonderful mare that was kicked to the streets to fend for herself – neglected, sick, and all alone. But she now knows that she is loved and that she matters. We are all making a difference to Ambrosia.

Some have asked for pictures from yesterday. I’ve included a couple below but be forewarned – some may consider them graphic. One includes the rib upon removal.

Please don’t forget to share the link to Horse and Man – a very informative blog at bhfer.melissa. We have a long way to go to raise enough funds to cover her expenses. In addition to the hospital expenses there will be aftercare – medications, follow-ups at UF, etc. All donations are tax deductible and no amount is too small.

Thank you all – God bless and have a good night everyone!

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org

/by
,

Update on Bella and baby

July 12th, 2012

Just a quick update…

Bella got somewhat of a much needed bath today. Still working on that mane. We couldn’t stay out long because the baby isn’t supposed to be out. Bella has layers of dirt so it’ going to take a couple more baths to get her good and clean. She really is a doll. Jean drove up today to help out – thanks Jean!!

Baby managed to get the catheter out of his neck so the vet is coming back out to put another in. I’m so sorry to have to put the baby through this again. It wasn’t wrapped but you can bet that this time it will be. He is still straining to go poo. It’s hard to believe that momma is providing more milk already but she is – she actually has a little bit of a bag. J

Have to run – the vet just got here.

Sincerely,
Theresa
Beauty’s Haven Farm & Equine Rescue, Inc.
A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
www.bhfer.org

/by