LIZ

[drjinva]

Mama and baby both look beautiful! Congratulations!

[patrolhorse]

We need jingles and prayers for our baby. Came home to find Liz's baby very lame on her one hind leg Wednesday. It has been so wet and muddy here this week- I figured she probably pulled something running around in their somewhat muddy paddock.
Had it looked at by the vet right away-but found no obvious swelling or bone injury. I've had her on pain meds for two days now and no real improvement.
It appears to be a problem in her stifle area. We have an appointment at WSU vet hospital tommorrow morning and will get x-rays to find out what is going on.
I am really worried and pray it is something we can affordable take care of. I will update when we find out what is going on.
Please keep her in your prayers.
Rebecca

[calypso]

Diva got a stifle injury at 7 months. Playgound accident we assume. Her's was swollen and obvious and she was 3 legged lame. They xray'd looking for OCD/epiphisitis (she was in the middle of a huge growth spurt) and ultra sound looking for soft tissue damage - all negative. She ended up on prolonged stall rest. It turned out to be 5 months, but it was probably that long cause the BO where she was apparently was turning her out. Long story, don't need to go into it here - but end of January she went to Founder Rehab (yay Beth and Peg) and within a couple months she was on all full turnout on their steep pastures.

It's important to keep her on level-level-level ground. I don't know what to tell you about mud - can you stall them?

jingles for the baby! And for you! It's so hard when our little ones are struggling....

[patrolhorse]

Liz and her foal have been at WSU since Saurday. After a nerve block to the hoof area on Saturday- they were able to definately determine the problem was in the hoof area. Further tests this morning seems to show an infection in the coffin bone area.
Talked to the vet this morning- unfortunately the only real option is to do surgery and remove the infectious material and follow up with intense post-op treatment. Dr Schneider, who would do the surgery, says he is optomistic but there is always the possibility the infection can travel to other areas and cause problems later.
I have struggled all day to make the right decision. It is a tough financial time for me- and many of us- with rising hay prices. I have taken in several older horses who were rescues in the recent past and in my mind I had decided that I could only do limmtted veterinary care if they had major medical issues. But this is different. Here I have a foal- her whole life ahead of her. She is a very strong, brave girl- I know she is the fighting type!
So, after alot of thought- I've decided we will go ahead with the surgery tommorrow morning. I finally came to the conclusion the this foal is already a miracle baby- without CBER she would not be here. So who am I to make the decision to end the life of such a special gift. I believe God has a plan for her.
Dr Schneider had her tentatively scheduled for surgery in the morning. Just have to call him and let him know it is a go. So please continue to keep her in our prayers. It will be a long road to recovery- but I believe she has it in her.
Will update when she comes out of surgery. Praying for the best.

[swissgrl]

Just found this, so sorry baby isn't doing well. Sending tons of jingles for a speedy recovery!!!

[drjinva]

Jingles for that precious baby.

[kidznhorses]

I am SO sorry to hear this. If you would, please start a thread for her on the General Board so that we can stay current. I agree that this special baby is a miracle and deserves a chance. I will start praying right now for her recovery! Please keep us posted!

[patrolhorse]

GOOD NEWS!
After a very long and stressful week- it seems prayers have been answered!
I am sure many of you can identify with THAT talk with the vet.... the one where you discuss what to do if things look really bad during surgery.... Well after having that talk and giving the go-ahead for surgery on Liz's foal- I was a nervous wreck on Tuesday. We were prepared to do surgery for what appeared to be an infection in the coffin joint of her foot-which we were afraid was caused by a blood-carried infection- however, when the foal was put under general anesthia and Dr Schneider was able to carve away at the hoof sole- it appears we have a hoof abscess. He did not tap the joint for infection because he is confident the infection is isolated to the sole area. He said that once he was able to get a good look, a small punture wound became evident. I've never been so happy to hear of a punture wound to the foot!
He opened up a dime sized spot in her sole to allow the area to drain and she will be treated with antiboitics and soaking for the next few weeks. Prognosis is very good!
We are VERY thankful and thinking she should recover without too much trouble. Will need to be on stall confinement with antibiotics and foot soakings for a week or so- but we can definately deal with that! Hoping to get her home in the next day or so- even with the wonderful care they get over at WSU- I am sure mom and baby will be more relaxed here at home. Hard to imagine but I know it has probably been a more stressful week for them, than me!
I will continue to update you all and appreciate the jingles and prayers!
Rebecca

[calypso]

Yipee!!!!!! I am so glad to read this!

Jingles for her continued recovery!! (and yours! You must be exhausted!)

[kidznhorses]

HURRAY!!!!! Happy dance!!!! This is the stuff I LOVE to hear! What is our miracle baby's name?

[agilitygal]

Boy. That is one lucky little foal! Lucky twice!!! I love WSU. They give such good care to both horse and owner. I think this is very good news!

[gratefulknits]

Gosh, I'm so very happy to read of this wonderful turn of events! What great news, for the baby and for you! Please keep us updated on Liz and baby, and tell us what her name is!

[sundancer]

Oh, PHEW! I'm so glad that things have turned out well for the baby. How is the mom doing?

[patrolhorse]

Our baby came home on Saturday. I was advised to keep her quiet in a small paddock for a week or so- not much luck there...
When she got home she was full of bucks and must have made 20 galloping laps around mom in her small paddock! A good sign- I guess
We are soaking and rebandaging her foot every day and will need to continue that for about 10 days- I hope she doesn't hate me by then! Everyone at the hospital told me she was one of the best babies they had treated, took all her treatments so well. So I was very proud of her!
Liz is taking everything in stride too. I swear I love that mare more every day! She is such a great mom. They did have to sedate her when they took baby into surgery- I was not surprised to hear that- because she is VERY protective of baby and keeps a close eye on everything we do.
I have not settled on a name for the foal- I am so bad about names! I feel like I have to find just the right name! I was hoping to do something in memory of Eight Belles- since she was born on May 8th. But also something symbolic of her rescue and courage through this ordeal- I NEED HELP. Any suggestions? We are calling her Roxy right now- but that is much too bland.
Wish I could post pictures but our computer is not reading our camera discs. Will try to get some posted soon.
Thanks again for all the jingles- seems to be working ;D

[swissgrl]

what about Epona (Celtic Horse Godess), or Carys (beloved), Shona (lucky)

[Tate]

May-bells. ? Mable

[patrolhorse]

A quick update on our girl (still unamed but considering all your suggestions!) She is still on daily epsom salt soaks which she is taking so well! I am amazed that a 7 week-old foal will stand with her foot in a bucket for 20 minutes a day and not fuss! She is SUCH A GREAT BABY !
She is sound on the foot- but new sole has not really started to cover the damaged spot so daily bandaging and limitted excercise for now. Her and I both can't wait for the day she gets to take a good gallop out in the pasture!
She is chowing down on mom's grain these days and growing like a weed! It has been an quite an emotional ride. I will say that these horses bring such happiness into my life- there is no doubt that the stress is all worth it!
I will really try to get some pictures up this weekend.

[agilitygal]

Very good reports. Amazing that she is cooperating at such a young age! I think they know you are trying to help them.

[patrolhorse]

Finally got the camera working- so here's a few new pictures of the girls.
"Winnie" (official name still undecided ) is now almost 4 months! They grow up waaayyy too fast. She is a real sweetheart and is doing great with leading, brushing and having her feet handled. Her stay at WSU and follow-up treatments, really helped to get her used to being handled.
I have taken Liz (now named Willa) out for several short rides in the field. She is just as CBER described her- probably only track-broke, but very laid back and gentle. She seems to enjoy getting out. I think the light exercise will help with her lingering baby belly- she is still pretty big around! I am happy to see her holding her weight well- at her age and with a nursing foal !

[piopico]

Success building on success. They are so lucky to have you. I suppose Willa may not be as old as judged because of her worn down teeth, but still, she looks wonderful, AND able to go for a ride.

[swissgrl]

AWE, she is adorable!!! Momma looks really good too!

[halfwayhome]

SO glad to hear they are doing well! They look great and baby is a cutie! Nice job seeing them thru all the trauma!

[patrolhorse]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our girl! Can't believe she is a year old yesterday- they grow up so fast!
She is starting to get alot of gray in her coat- wondering what her color will eventually be???
She is a a real sweetheart and is learning fast! A few pictures from the last year...








Willa is doing great and thoroughly enjoying warm weather and spring pastures ;D

[Tate]

She's so cute, look at those long TB legs...I think there's no mistaking what her daddy was.lol

[patrolhorse]

Hard to believe.. but our LITTLE girl turned 2 in May! She is a gentle giant now at about 16 hands. She is an energetic but polite young lady and so fun to be around. I think she has the potential to be a great hunter/ jumper.. just trying to decide if I have the time to devote to her or if for her own benefit.. I should try to rehome her. Willa is doing great as well. Will try to post some new pics of our girls this weekend.

[jenm]

Wow, would love to see some new pictures, I bet she looks fabulous!

[patrolhorse]

Been away for awhile so will get new pics of all my CBER horses up soon. They are all still here and doing well. This "little" girl is coming up on three and a real giant! This going to be her year- really excited to get aboard! Pics to come...

[patrolhorse]

Had to add....Willa is doing great. She just love her for her polite, respectful attitiude. I still have not been able to read her tatoo- going to have to get a black light because it is just too faded. She has been pinfired- which makes me think either she had some lameness issues or she had a great track record and they were trying to extend her track career. So I really want to track down her history at some point. Anyways.. She really is one of those horse that is a pleasure to own. So thankful for all those that pulled together to give her another lease on life!