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Corinne Meadows
Member
Username: Corinne
Post Number: 38
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Monday, Oct 17, 2005 - 9:34 pm: |   |
Sir,
On Sat evening, neighbors of the barn where we board bought a seven month old colt from auction. He had never been weaned from his mother and that night at his new home he tangled himself in a barbed wire fence. The new owners found him in the morning after he practically ripped off the entire muscle on his right forearm. He also had a deep lacerations to the right shoulder and his left knee and had lost allot of blood.
They took him to the local cow vet (as no one else was available) and the vet, under mild sedation, excised the muscle flap as well as the skin leaving a huge gaping hole. He said it was unviable tissue but had to clamp two bleeders when removing the muscle. The new surgical wound is approximately 6 x 5 and an inch deep. It also tracks up about two inches on the proximal edge of the wound to the bone. No IV fluids were used to replace lost blood volume and the other deep wounds were left open.
The vet then covered the wound with aluminum spray and told the owner to take him home. We are all surprised that he did not recommend transport to inpatient care, although the nearest clinic with such capabilities is 2 hrs away.
The owner was told to lavage the wound with water daily, administer 20 cc of Penicillin QD, and cover with the aluminum spray. They were also instructed to Bute him. The vet did not dress the wound as "it's impossible to dress a wound near the elbow".
The new owner, in shock himself, then took him to our barn immediately after because he needs to be stalled, and the poor thing collapsed in the driveway for four hours right out of the trailer. My instructor happened to be at the barn and stayed with him with his head in her lap worried that he was going into shock and was going to die right there. His mucous membranes were dehydrated and he was lethargic. They called another vet who said if he indeed was in shock there was nothing he could do because of how far away he was.
Thank goodness, four hours later the colt rose and they used their arms linked behind his hind quarters to lead him to the stall. The wound is horrific and it's a bit distressing to see this colt and his condition today.
Anyway, the owner had to leave town this morning and his wife just gave birth so they are leaving his medical care up to the barn managers...so we are all lending a hand because they can not handle him either.
The colt is scared and won't allow anyone to halter him, and he is not broke to lead. He has sustained further wounds from rearing. He is also chewing on the open wound and licking off the aluminum spray.
I asked the wife of the man who bought him, when she stopped by today if she had any discharge instructions for his wound care. She said she did not, and her husband was away on business as of this morning, so she said it was okay to write the site.
When I left this evening he was drinking, urinating, stooling, and afebrile.
Unfortunately, no one can get near him safely to give him his antibiotics however we were able to lavage the wound with a syringe and apply the spray this evening through the bars in the stall.
Our assessment at the barn is the colt needs inpatient care or at least a vet to come daily and sedate him to do the wound care and give the penicillin.
If the owners are not amenable to that idea.
1. Should the wound be open? Or should we make an attempt to dress it. He is a stall with shavings. Would you recommend they switch to straw to prevent further contamination?
2. If we are to dress it what type of dressing. How about telfa, and a diaper for padding then vet wrap? (I have read all the wound care articles)
3. If it’s left open how can we prevent him from chewing on it. I have heard you can collar them? Where can we get one?
4. If the vet doesn’t come for daily bute injections and wound care, and we can not give the antibiotic injections because we can not get near him, what are the chances that a wound of this magnitude will heal on it's own, via secondary intention, completely open to the elements without infection? Is there any oral pain meds we can give?
I have permission to send pics tomorrow. And will do so in the morning. There is no other history to give on this poor boy.
Any information anyone can give would be greatly appreciated.
v/r
Corinne |
Sara Wolff
Member
Username: Mrose
Post Number: 942
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Monday, Oct 17, 2005 - 10:23 pm: | |
Wow! this is like a worse case/nightmare scenario. The poor little thing! Imagine; torn away from his mother, and all this happening. Someone needs to spend the time to let him get to know them and to gain some trust. This needs to be done not only so he can be treated, but also for his future relations with people. You might need drugs at first, if he isn't hospitalized. Dr. O. can advise you on the medical needs; but someone needs to take the time to just sit in the stall with the colt so he can et used to people.
At first sit in the stall and ignore him. Read a book, listen to music, etc. and let him sniff you and figure out you aren't going to hurt him; then go from there. Poor baby. I'm glad you and your barn friends are willing to help. |
Corinne Meadows
Member
Username: Corinne
Post Number: 39
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Monday, Oct 17, 2005 - 11:45 pm: | |
Sara,
I was about in tears myself when I saw this little guy today. I feel so bad for him. We did try to console him a little this evening prior to doing the wound care. And he did not protest to the wound care but we couldn't get in there real good. Your right it's a trust thing. Right now, humans are not his friends.
We were also letting him get used to our scent, giving a tiny breath near his nostrils so he would recognize us. Small touches, nothing too quick, a soft voice.
Because the family is overwelmed with a new baby and a husband on busniess trips each week, already, there has been an offer to assume his care in exchange for them giving the horse to our friend who could take him home and rehabilitate him where he will have an experienced eye on him 24 hours a day as unfortunately, our barn managers aren't there during the day.....so he is all alone.
We have each spent some time with him today and I will go up prior to riding to just spend some time with the scared boy. The new owner came up about four times just to check on him but with the baby in tow she couldn't spend time with him.
Right now we are most concerned with the wound and the instructions that were given for it's care. My instructor said she has never seen a wound where muscle in that large amount was removed and then left completely open. In her 22 years of horse experience she said it's the worst wound she has ever seen....I think the most horrible thing it that it's just a baby and all he wanted to do was get to his mother.....(there were mares in the next field and perhaps he was seeking them out for comfort) The people who bought him did not know that he was not weaned until that day.
I have never allowed my horse to be in anything other than horse safe fencing but unfortunately, alot of people around here used barbed wire....if they could see this baby...perhaps it would change their mind.
Well...take care...we will look after him best we can.
Corinne |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro
Post Number: 13933
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Tuesday, Oct 18, 2005 - 7:22 am: | |
As close as possible Corinne follow the instructions in the article on Long Term Wound Care. If you cannot give injections of antibiotics you should definitely start the colt on oral antibiotics (TMP-SMZ?). Tetanus prophylaxis is a must.
I would not dress a wound in this location partialy because of the difficulties involved in keeping it up and partially because of the difficulty in applying such a bandage to an uncooperative patient. It is uncertain that chewing on it is going to be a problem and if you find soiled shavings are contaminating the wound, yes, straw might be preferable. If chewing becomes a problem, cradles can be bought or made. I would check out Nasco first.
Without a careful exam it is difficult to prognose the wound but there are very few that won't heal with time and good care. Without good care things don't sound so good for such an extensive wound. Bute or banamine can be given orally but I would concentrate on getting the antibiotic in.
DrO |
Corinne Meadows
Member
Username: Corinne
Post Number: 40
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, Oct 18, 2005 - 11:47 am: | |
Sir,
Thanks for the fast reply.
I will forward this information on to the owners and will make copies of the wound care articles to share with them. The vet is coming back out today to clean the wound and give his meds....as one person has already been struck in the head with that front leg when he reared (it was the owner before he left town). We can only hope for the best....for the poor guy....and anyone that has to handle him because doing anything other than saying hello is causing the colt to panic. He even broke the top of the stall which is ten feet high when he reared without provocation, by himself. Blood from the wounds is sprayed everywhere.
The barn managers are trying everything they can to remove anything that could be dangerous
and are also switching to straw.
Someone also removed the ill fitting head collar he came with so he wouldn't choke himself.
Any suggestions on how we keep him safe from himself? I think getting his trust would help but no one can get close enough for too long.
Can't get out there to take pics as I have the flu but will do so on Wed.
Thanks for the advice everyone.
Take care,
Corinne |
Sue G
Member
Username: Warwick
Post Number: 207
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, Oct 18, 2005 - 12:16 pm: | |
Dr O
Would it be advisable to sedate this little guy with some oral tranq in his feed at this point so that they can get a hold of him and prevent him from being a further danger to himself and everyone else?
It sounds like a dreadful situation right now with him flinging himself around the stall. |
Little King Ranch
Member
Username: Eoeo
Post Number: 215
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, Oct 18, 2005 - 1:53 pm: | |
While the vet is there, get a halter and a long lead rope on him so you can get some control. Then, whenever anyone has time, have them go in, grab the rope, and let him get calmed down and handle him when he isn't getting treated. Possibly a little ace in his feed before having to treat would help? How bad of an effect would that have on him Dr. O since they are between a rock and a hard place? EO |
Corinne Meadows
Member
Username: Corinne
Post Number: 41
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, Oct 18, 2005 - 3:53 pm: | |
He has never eaten grain, so hopefully if feed through tranq is recommended he will eat it.
There is no way to get paste of any kind down him.
Everyone is scared of handling him but we are trying anyway....Will let you know what the vet says.
Talking with the other boarders we all agree that he needs inpatient care at a facility that can deal with his injuries but we don't think that's an option for the owners.
They are also looking for someone who they can give him to who can give him the appropriate attention he needs.
So that's another goal now...asking around for someone who wants a wounded colt who may not survive. If I could I would take him but my other horse is already breaking our bank.
If there are any horse lovers in ND who want to take on this foal....please email me at my email address on my profile. He is beautiful but scared and hurt. My heart aches for him.
Say prayers we can treat him until he finds a new home...
Corinne |
Holly Wood
Member
Username: Hwood
Post Number: 798
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, Oct 18, 2005 - 4:21 pm: | |
Wish I was in ND, Corinne. Poor little fella. Gosh . . .
Still, I don't know if moving him again is the best answer. Who do you have there who can give up a few days to just sit with him? Sara is right about the best method to desensitize him . . . He just needs human closeness with as little forcing as is possible. It is imperative that he get antibiotics. SulfamethoxizoleTrimethoprim is easily dissolved in water or easily crushed and sprinkled on "tacky" grain or dampened pellets, and it is supposed to have almost no taste. How 'bout some dampened Calf Manna pellets? Just enough for him to get the meds?
I have found that if I make myself small (crouch down or sit on the ground) that some frightened horses are much more willing to accept my presence and will eventually come over to investigate. If I were there, I would sit with a dish or bucket of medicated pellets in my lap or on the ground by my feet while I wrote Christmas cards or worked on embroidery or read the latest best seller . . . and just hummed or sang softly . . . and would try to let him acclimate.
I just hate barbed wire . . . I detest the stuff. Horses and barbed wire just don't mix. I have seen so many scarred horses here in the west . . . and heard horrendous stories of horses running through fences and fileting their chest muscles and slicing through arteries . . . Corinne, bless you for caring and suffering for this little fellow. |
Holly Wood
Member
Username: Hwood
Post Number: 799
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, Oct 18, 2005 - 4:29 pm: | |
P.S. Corinne . . . I didn't see a personal e-mail address for you on your profile. I have a good friend who is working in Parachute, CO, right now during the Lyons's select certified trainers who are there for a clinic. I have asked him to let me know if there is anyone there who is from or has contacts in ND. If you post your e-mail address or send it to me (hollysjubilee@hotmail.com) I will send you any information he sends back to me or, if it's okay with you, have him contact you directly. |
Sara Wolff
Member
Username: Mrose
Post Number: 945
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Tuesday, Oct 18, 2005 - 5:02 pm: | |
Holly - exactly what I had in mind. That is the way I got our wild burro and her filly to trust me; I just sat in their pen every spare minute I had and read out loud to them, hummed, etc. while sitting next to a tub of grain. With a youngster I'm sure it would work as they are so curious.
It's too bad this little guy's owners chose this time in their lives to decide to have a horse, and that they chose to get such a young one - and then to not be aware the poor thing hadn't been weaned......it's just been one bad judgement call after another with him it seems, and he's suffering because of it. Good thing I don't live anywhere nearby!! |
Corinne Meadows
Member
Username: Corinne
Post Number: 42
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, Oct 18, 2005 - 5:25 pm: | |
Ladies,
Thanks for all the advice. We are absorbing as much as we can.
My instructor is on her way up to the barn to check the situation out.
Holly thanks for offering to post the information. My email address is LtSassy1@aol.com.
Currently, and unless something changes, there is a saint of lady horsewoman three miles down the road who has offered to take him on. She is also willing to take the next two weeks off from work to be with him. All she has asked is that the owners have the equine vet from McClusky, two hours away, come and give an accurate assessment of his condition. That Doc is my horses vet and we all trust him. Doc will put it out on the table and say whether he thinks he can survive or whether he is suffering so much that he should be humanely euthanized.
If, and we pray it's the former, she will incur expenses and take him to the equine clinic and will then move him to her home down the road and assume all care. If she moves him he will be sedated for the trip but he will be going to lovely barn with a wonderful family who is gaining nothing from this other than helping a helpless animal.
We haven't heard back from the owners yet but it's a win win situation for them....and if they allow her to take him on...(she is not made of money) we have started a save the foal fund to help her with costs.
Keep your fingers crossed.
Corinne |
Sue G
Member
Username: Warwick
Post Number: 208
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, Oct 18, 2005 - 5:51 pm: | |
Wow, that is one awesome lady to make such a selfless offer, Corinne. I assume that if the vet thinks the little guy is salvageable and she takes him on, he is hers to keep?
Please correct me if I'm wrong but it seems to me that the current owners don't deserve or seem responsible enough to have him. |
Corinne Meadows
Member
Username: Corinne
Post Number: 43
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, Oct 18, 2005 - 6:03 pm: | |
Sue, Holly, and Sara,
Please check your personal email....I emailed you all to your posted addresses with some aside comments.
Yes, he will be hers to keep....
Take care guys.
Corinne |
Sara Wolff
Member
Username: Mrose
Post Number: 946
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Tuesday, Oct 18, 2005 - 7:15 pm: | |
Good luck to all of you. I suppose it's possible the fellow who bought the colt just didn't really know what he was getting into. This should be a lesson to all about the dangers of barb wire fencing. A lot of people in the west use it, and because it work for cows they don't give it a second thought when it come to horses. Unless you have seen it, it is hard to imagine just how badly injured a horse can get when it runs into barb wire. I have seen some really horrible cases at our vets. |
Corinne Meadows
Member
Username: Corinne
Post Number: 44
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, Oct 18, 2005 - 7:37 pm: | |
Yea! The owner just emailed me and agreed to a vet check by the equine vet who can't get up here until tomorrow and has agreed to give him to our friend.
Hopefully the prognosis will be good and the baby will be off with the new owners after a short hospital stay.
If there is no hope and it is determined that he is suffering the appropriate decision will be made........although things are looking up because as of today, still no temp, no signs of infection, and he is still eating, and remains hydrated (although the wound has tracked a little deeper probably from him rearing or hitting the walls of the stall). We will inquire about sedation and feed through meds but if he is going to pull through the vet will transport him on the spot.
I guess we will see on Wed. The owner is sending pics this evening.
Take care,
Corinne |
Corinne Meadows
Member
Username: Corinne
Post Number: 45
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, Oct 18, 2005 - 10:01 pm: | |
Sorry guys I know there have been alot of posts on this topic. One last post for the evening...I promise.
Apparently infection has set in on the left knee....and since my last post...we discovered someone had canceled the vet today, so he hasn't had any antibiotics since sunday, no pain meds and only mild wound care....although we have tried.
If the vet tomorrow says he will survive the owners have now decided they may not be giving him up....and that's their choice and we have to respect that...but that doesn't change the fact that he will need aggressive wound care and even though he is a bit more trusting today he is still to scared to let us get any meds in.
Hopefully the equine vet tomorrow will give them the straight story and allow them to make the best decision for the colt....that is if the vet will travel up here...he wanted pics tonight and if it looks to bad will probably recommend that he be put down and he won't make the barn call.
So sad...
Will keep you all posted.
Corinne |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro
Post Number: 13937
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Wednesday, Oct 19, 2005 - 6:26 am: | |
This is so discouraging Corrine. Not seeing the injury it is difficult to comment but over the years I have always been amazed at what can heal and how well it will heal with a little help. That said, if there has been unattended infection within a joint capsule for over 48 hours there will probably be long term arthritis in the joint.
DrO |
Karen Nolte
Member
Username: Morg1
Post Number: 72
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, Oct 19, 2005 - 8:25 am: | |
How terrible. I agree that horses and barbed wire should be kept far, far apart. We are currently replacing barbed wire fence on land that we purchased. The only thing is that I don't really think it works for cows either. I don't know how many times I have seen a calf run through barbed wire. Just this year, I saw 5 calves (some 400 to 500 pound calves) go through barbed wire fences. Cows reach through it to graze like it's not there. I know of a barbed wire fence that is a year old that is already sagging in places, because of cows reaching through. It is the most dangerous, ineffective fence that I have ever seen. |
Corinne Meadows
Member
Username: Corinne
Post Number: 46
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, Oct 19, 2005 - 11:25 am: | |
The owner emailed me these pics this morning.
Here is the forearm last evening. Looking straight on, on the proximal edge of the wound, on the left side, is a 3 inch wound track that is not visible. Sorry about the aluminum spray but no one could get near enough to clean it off.
 |
Ann
Member
Username: Dres
Post Number: 633
Registered: 10-2000
| | Posted on Wednesday, Oct 19, 2005 - 12:11 pm: | |
I have seen much worse... and they have come thru.. all tho we were able to medicate them as well... I wish you all luck....
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with SPOTS.. |
Corinne Meadows
Member
Username: Corinne
Post Number: 47
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, Oct 19, 2005 - 12:53 pm: | |
This is a different vantage and includes the shoulder injury and his cute little face!
You can't see the left knee but it's doubled in size.
We believe that they are all manageable injuries but no one can get near him to handle him without risking injury to himself or to us. He is refusing grain so feed through traqulizers might not work.
Please let me know what the risks are of not performing daily wound care and med administration...so that I may pass the information on to the owners....so that armed with the all the facts they might make the best decision to move him to a facility that can care for him.
Not sure if I posted this with the last pic but the cow vet is coming out today to sedate him, to clean the wounds and give his meds, and the pics have been sent to the equine vet for his recommendations as well.
Our hope is that he will be moved some place
that can assume his care, as the owners are gone often and we can't all be there all the time as boarders because we all have jobs etc....besides it's hard for us because we can't make decisions about his care.
Take care,
Corinne |
Sara Wolff
Member
Username: Mrose
Post Number: 949
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Wednesday, Oct 19, 2005 - 2:00 pm: | |
I, too, have seen much worse, but again the wounds were treated. Dr.O would have to be the one to give you a prognosis without treatment, and I'm not sure even he can do that long distance. From what I can see, if he'd just trust someone to treat him, he would heal up pretty good I think. Poor guy!
This whole episode sure highlights the needs for foals to be handled from day one, doesn't it?! |
Corinne Meadows
Member
Username: Corinne
Post Number: 48
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, Oct 19, 2005 - 6:33 pm: | |
Well good news. Looks like there has been a turn for the best. The local vet came out today and was able to successfully sedate him, clean his wound and administer antibiotics. Although he didn't give instructions on wound care...other than to keep it clean.
The baby is starting to trust a little bit more and allowed saline lavage and poultice application long after the sedation has warn off.
The owners were also given oral paste antibiotics that my instructor was able to get in.....so we will all help out as we don't want the new mom owner to get hurt....can't say for sure if he will be like that every time but at least it's a start.
The vet was more concerned about that left knee but after examination thought it just might be dependant edema (even with the wound)...so we will have to see about that one.
He recommended hand walking...which might be a little far off at this point but it looks like he is staying at the barn for now and we are making progress.
The other owner is coming home tomorrow....
Thanks for all your well wishes.
v/r
Corinne |
Shelley
Member
Username: Sswiley
Post Number: 75
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, Oct 19, 2005 - 8:11 pm: | |
Well if everything is done right, this baby will be totally broke by the time it is healed. Some of the best bonding I've had with my horses has been nursing them back from an injury. |
Wanda Martinez
Member
Username: Sonoita
Post Number: 9
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, Oct 19, 2005 - 10:02 pm: | |
When he heals what do the owners plan on doing with him? It sounds to me like the owners do not have a clue. And letting someone else do the medicating or taking care of him is very irresponsible. I do not understand how they could not let someone else who really cared about the well being of the colt have him. What is wrong with these people.
I think the colt will heal , but what becomes of him after? |
Corinne Meadows
Member
Username: Corinne
Post Number: 49
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, Oct 19, 2005 - 10:38 pm: | |
WIll give more details in am....tooo tired. |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro
Post Number: 13946
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Thursday, Oct 20, 2005 - 6:26 am: | |
What type of poultice are you trying to put on the wound Corinne?
DrO |
Corinne Meadows
Member
Username: Corinne
Post Number: 50
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, Oct 20, 2005 - 10:02 am: | |
Sir,
I haven't been to the barn in two days because I have had the flu but I think they applied Animalintex? on the left knee which he allowed only one person to do...I suspect my friend was trying to get some of the pus/exudate to drain. I have read some on poultice and I presume they work using osmotic pressure much like a wet to dry dressing?
She has also been able to get a halter on him and will try to lead him around a bit and has offered to take him on as well...
Corinne |
Ann Schrichte
Member
Username: Annes
Post Number: 121
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, Oct 20, 2005 - 11:07 am: | |
This little colt is so lucky now to have so many people caring and looking out for him. I was so happy to read that the vet was successful in treating him. Animals understand when people are trying to help them. I continue to hope and pray that the owners will watch out for him in the future. I hope he will have a "buddy" to be a caretaker horse for him when he can leave the stall. |
Janet Schmidt
Member
Username: Sparky
Post Number: 149
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, Oct 20, 2005 - 11:26 am: | |
Corrine - I helped a friend with a similar wound to their colt. He also was not halter broke and had not been handled. Once we got the halter on him we left it on so that someone could just clip the halter rope on. We managed his wound without sedating him by using the big gate in their round pen as a squeeze. the halter rope was long enough to get good wrap on the post to winch him in. Then the gate was closed on him to snug him up to the fence. He really struggled in the beginning and it looked pretty frightening but he could not hurt himself and he soon realized that he was in a safe tight spot and co-operated. We used the gate for a long time as to protect him and us. We also used old shirts as bandages - see pictures in the post of Care - Tips and Tricks 2004 - Wound protection posted 8/18/04
With time and the constant handling he became managable and the wound healed very well. If there is any kind of a good gate and fence combination anywhere it would be well worth a try. We did the fly around the stall and pen thing just trying to give him his medication also. It was quite an ordeal. It was when another friend came along and looked at us like we were nuts and he showed us how to use the gate. You do need at least 2-3 people to make it work in the beginning. We were able to clean and dress the wound consistantly. He learned to step into the sleves to get his shirt on. We also tied the gate behind him to hold it secure. Good luck
Janet Schmidt |
Holly Wood
Member
Username: Hwood
Post Number: 800
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, Oct 20, 2005 - 1:20 pm: | |
Wow, Janet. Great ideas aboout the improvised squeeze and the shirts as bandadges. I must have missed those postings. Thanks for sharing. |
Janet Schmidt
Member
Username: Sparky
Post Number: 150
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, Oct 20, 2005 - 1:56 pm: | |
I forgot to mention to make sure that your equipment is all in really good shape and up to the test because the halter will really get a work out. He must get snugged up to the post pretty short. We had no problem giving him his shots and hosing the legs this way. We also had someone petting him and talking to him in a calm soothing voice. The owner did put a small rubber stall mat right in the area under the squeeze area that helped keep things clean and not turn into a mud puddle.
Janet |
Judith L Gordon
Member
Username: Jgordo03
Post Number: 30
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, Oct 20, 2005 - 3:16 pm: | |
Corinne,
I've been following this thread since it started. I have to say you and your friends at your barn have been saints. I remember two years ago I went to a QH auction and purchased what I thought was a 8 month old black and white mare that I fell in love with. I realized that I had mis-calculated her age and she was 6 months old and hadn't been weaned either. Just loaded up out of a field and taken to the sale barn. I kept her stalled for two weeks working with with her every spare minute I had. The first day I put her in a small turnout pen, she jumped and fell over a four foot fence to get out with the other horses. Only a sprain and back to the stall for another two weeks. I look at your poor baby and think about what could have happened to mine if I hadn't realized what was going on and just turned her out. |
Judith L Gordon
Member
Username: Jgordo03
Post Number: 31
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, Oct 20, 2005 - 3:26 pm: | |
Corinne,
I've been following this thread since it started. I have to say you and your friends at your barn have been saints. I remember two years ago I went to a QH auction and purchased what I thought was a 8 month old black and white mare that I fell in love with. I realized that I had mis-calculated her age and she was 6 months old and hadn't been weaned either. Just loaded up out of a field and taken to the sale barn. I kept her stalled for two weeks working with with her every spare minute I had. The first day I put her in a small turnout pen, she jumped and fell over a four foot fence to get out with the other horses. Only a sprain and back to the stall for another two weeks. I look at your poor baby and think about what could have happened to mine if I hadn't realized what was going on and just turned her out. |
Corinne Meadows
Member
Username: Corinne
Post Number: 51
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, Oct 20, 2005 - 5:14 pm: | |
Hello all! Just in from errands and the barn. I was able to spend at least 40 minutes with Oatmeal in his stall singing to him. My instructor has done wonders with him....and they have developed a strong bond. He nuzzled and was playful grabbing my ponytail and trying to eat my jacket.
Someone (although not sure who? maybe the barn managers) had wrapped the knee but since we were told by, not only Dr O, but the equine vet who has been consulting via pictures to leave his wounds open to air, I was asked by my instructor (who was at work) to remove it (obviously with the blessings of the owner)and he licked with relief to have the bandage off.
His left knee looks infected and is warm to touch but now his knee on the forearm injury site is huge. The forearm injury is weepy with pus and he has torn a bit of the flesh from the distal (towards the hoof) wound edges. He is also now hopping lame on both front legs.
I spoke to the owners this afternoon and they had not been out to give his meds because the kids were out of school. Not sure if this is only for humans, but don't you need to keep the antibiotic levels going with regular timed dosing the same time each day to ensure adequate blood levels? He was due at noon....coach will give it when she gets there after work to check on him and clean his wound.
With intermittent care givers I suggested today that we put up a wound and med schedule to ensure that duplicate treatments are not given or missed.
I also asked about his pain meds and the owner said she thinks the barn managers dissolved his bute in his water bucket. I don't think that dissolving the med in a five pound bucket would ensure he was getting his pain meds and my instructor agrees and had unfortunately, relayed all the same information last night.....she recommended they give the bute with a bit of molasses.
Once again....we are not the owners....
All great ideas by the way for helping us handle him. I will continue to pass these posts on...
Oatmeal thanks you! I have to run and teach a yoga class. Take care.
v/r
Corinne |
Holly Wood
Member
Username: Hwood
Post Number: 801
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, Oct 20, 2005 - 5:22 pm: | |
A white board with med schedule and messages is imperative when there are so many care-givers and chances for miscommunications. Make sure everyone is "on the same page" with directions and measurements . . . Good thinking, Corinne.
Poor little guy may have all ready been a trusting fellow before all of this caos in his life, so "bravo!" to all of you for your patience and compassion to gain his trust.
Bute can be ground with baby carrots, baby applesauce or thinned molasses or honey and given like paste wormer with a syringe. It is probably the best way to insure he is getting the proper dosage at the proper time.
Bless all of your hearts . . . especially little Oatmeal's. |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro
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