| Author |
Message |
    
Chelsea
Neonate
Username: Cmarko
Post Number: 1
Registered: 02-2007
| | Posted on Saturday, February 17, 2007 - 06:13 pm: | 
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I was hoping to get some opinions on my foal. We had a suprise delivery Valentines day, during a blizzard (the mare was accidently exposed to a stallion once, continued to have a regular heat throughout her pregnancy, didn't significantly gain any weight, and really showed no signs of being in foal).
The foal had a very strong suckle reflex from the begining, although due to the fact that he was unable to locate the udder (even with very strong suggestion on our part) he was bottle fed (with milk from the mare) for the first several hours. By that evening he was nursing on his own quite well.
The next day he started to go downhill. He is now up at the large animal hospital, recieving Oxygen, fluids, and has a NG tube. The vets are treating with antibiotics, flushing his joints, and performing preventative care for eye ulcers. They had me bring the mare up last night, he stood (with assistance), latched on and suckled on his own.
His lungs and gut showed up clear, although he has an elevated respiratory rate today, as well as a temp.
I realize that foals can crash very quickly and that his odds are guarded. Given that he still has a strong suckle, however, I am inclined to keep trying.
Does anyone have any experience with situations like this? Is he going to have poor quality of life if he makes it through? Any thoughts/ideas/comments would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Chelsea
(Message edited by cmarko on February 17, 2007) |
Jos
Board Administrator
Username: Admin
Post Number: 1188
Registered: 10-1999
| | Posted on Saturday, February 17, 2007 - 11:46 pm: |
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As long as you don't end up with joint involvement (joint ill), these guys once they recover from the septicaemia will generally be fine.
The catch is getting them past the septicaemia - many don't make it...  |
Kay Baxter
Weanling
Username: Kaykay
Post Number: 37
Registered: 06-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, February 18, 2007 - 07:34 am: |
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i know of a lot of miniature foals that have made it through and went on to live normal lives with no lasting effects. The key is to get treatment asap and it sounds like you did. Sending prayers for your foal |
Chelsea
Neonate
Username: Cmarko
Post Number: 2
Registered: 02-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, February 18, 2007 - 11:48 am: |
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Thanks for the reply. The vet called today to say he is looking a bit better. They are concerned about his right hind fetlock, so they flushed it out. So all thats left to do now is wait.
Thanks again! |
Elise Krueger
Weanling
Username: Elise
Post Number: 45
Registered: 03-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, February 18, 2007 - 12:16 pm: |
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Chelsea,
My heart goes out to you......good vibes going your way..... |
Lori Coleman
Weanling
Username: Editorlady
Post Number: 28
Registered: 02-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, February 18, 2007 - 06:12 pm: |
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Best of luck, Chelsea--I hope he pulls through! |
Chelsea
Neonate
Username: Cmarko
Post Number: 3
Registered: 02-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 - 06:58 pm: |
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Well, the little guy is off oxygen today! He's still pretty weak, but is looking better. |
Tiffany Wright
Breeding Stock
Username: Wrightkoss
Post Number: 211
Registered: 01-2007
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 - 07:06 pm: |
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Congrats Chelsea. Glad to hear that he is doing well! Keep us posted! |
Nancy McGee
Breeding Stock
Username: Ndv101
Post Number: 108
Registered: 08-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 - 07:56 pm: |
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Yes Chelsea I am hoping and praying he continues to improve. |
Chelsea
Neonate
Username: Cmarko
Post Number: 4
Registered: 02-2007
| | Posted on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 08:11 am: |
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Looks like he will be coming home this week!!
We went up for a visit yesterday, and the improvement is AMAZING. He went from a limp rag-doll to an impish little man-- running and bucking all over his stall.
Thanks to everyone for the support and advice.
Chelsea |
Heather Kutyba
Breeding Stock
Username: Heatherck11
Post Number: 444
Registered: 01-2006
| | Posted on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 09:29 pm: |
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Excellent Chelsea, wonderful news. A standing ovation for you and all that helped save your foal. 
When he gets home, takes some pics so we can all see the the little miracle, ok? |
Chelsea
Neonate
Username: Cmarko
Post Number: 5
Registered: 02-2007
| | Posted on Sunday, March 04, 2007 - 09:13 pm: |
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He's finally home -- I'll tell you, my hat is off to anyone who breeds horses for a living!
As promised, I will post a link to his photos; these are from the day he was born. When I get them, I will post some new pics.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g296/cmarko/nickdayone6.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g296/cmarko/nickdayone9.jpg
Thanks everyone for the support!
...also figured I'd thrown in a pic of sire (http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g296/cmarko/larryheadshots7.jpg)and dam (http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g296/cmarko/8e1a1542.jpg): |
Nancy McGee
Breeding Stock
Username: Ndv101
Post Number: 133
Registered: 08-2006
| | Posted on Monday, March 05, 2007 - 09:52 am: |
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Good news Chelsea, that is awesome |
Mood Swings
Weanling
Username: Mood_swings
Post Number: 27
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Monday, March 05, 2007 - 01:05 pm: |
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Yeah! I am glad to hear that he is home and doing well, he is very cute and he has good taste in clothes LOL |
Jan Owen
Breeding Stock
Username: 1frosty1
Post Number: 191
Registered: 04-2006
| | Posted on Monday, March 05, 2007 - 05:27 pm: |
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Chelsea,
Your colt is darn right handsome! Congratulations! I am so happy for you! Yea for a success story! Jan |
