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Post by cutiepiepmu on Jul 8, 2008 13:56:44 GMT -5
What is with people and thinking they should take a baby who is too young to be weaned? About 2 hours ago my neighbor - well - down the road a ways - shows up at my door because my neighbor that is very close to me said - "She's a nutritionist - she will take them."
She has an old beat up truck and a small trailer in tow - not a horse trailer, or stock trailer - but an uncovered brush trailer that just has rails! In the back - 2 foals - literally - FOALS. One is about 2 weeks, the other MAYBE a month. Her story??? She wanted to be able to show her friends mare had to take the foal and bottle feed it so the mare would dry up- and didn't want it to be alone, so bought the other one at auction in oregon over the 4th..... Are you KIDDING ME?
Well - she obviously realized she had screwed up and was in WAY over her head. The smaller of the 2 is badly dehydrated and running a temp and the other is almost emaciated looking. She just put the two out there with some grain, crappy local hay, and some foal lac pellets - THESE BABIES DONT EVEN HAVE TEETH to chew this stuff! OMG. So - I convinced her to give me the babies(including a bill of sale and ownership release) and I would take care of them till I can find a good, perminant home for them. John is going to absolutely KILL me. But, i couldn't leave them -
So - my vet is swamped today and couldn't even get here on emergency till late tonight - so went and got IV fluids and put in a cath. in the little one's neck to make giving fluids easier and started fluids with sugars and salts to help get her rehydrated - and gave the little one a dose of potassium. Also got some antibiotics to add to the IV's. I have gone ahead and given BOTH foals each a full bag of fluids in the last 2 hours and the older one has perked up alot. I am still not sure the little one will make it. I have now given each 2 full bottles of foal-lac as well.
Apparently the smaller foal is registered paint and the other is an arab/QH cross(and looks it) Currently I have them bedded down in deep straw(no shavings, dust!!!!) in my barn with the overhead fans going. I am due to give another bottle in about 45 minutes. The bigger one suckled right off - but the little one didn't even really know what to do - so, I am working on that - worst case I will go ahead adn tube her to get the milk into her until she is a bit perkier. Hopefully watching her friend will show her how. I did try a bucket, but I think she is too weak to stand for it and on the ground it is too hard for her to suck it out of the pan. (I am guessing she only weighs MAYBE 75 -90 pounds??)
I set up the intercom in their stall to act as a baby monitor so I can hear them when I am in the house, garage or can take the portable with me when I am running around the property.
People just blow me away - I have delt with bottle foals for legitimate reasons(mare refused, mare died, ect) in the past - but I SWEAR this year - so many idiots are taking these babies from the mothers and don't have a clue!
Anyway - will post pictures as soon as I can. Right now just concentrating on getting them perked up some.
Sara in WA
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Post by MustangAppy on Jul 8, 2008 14:09:45 GMT -5
OMG, does anyone in the area know an old broodmare or two that would milk up for these little ones? Or know someone who lost a foal? Unbelievable.
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Post by pnp4kidz on Jul 8, 2008 14:13:10 GMT -5
on SOS there is a mare with an older foal, but she is letting other foals nurse on the feedlot...
you should contact Shawna asap!!!
that could save this foal!!!
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Post by wildwoman on Jul 8, 2008 14:15:40 GMT -5
HOLY CRAP!-wish I was available to come help-I am close to you-but have no less than a MILLION things on my plate right now-how about a million and one? what can we all do to help?
Lisa
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Post by toeps on Jul 8, 2008 14:15:57 GMT -5
I am speechless . . . .
Thank you Sara! You're an angel!
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Post by cutiepiepmu on Jul 8, 2008 14:23:21 GMT -5
Thanks all - We actually have a couple of nurse mare wanna be's in s.oregon at the ranch - so will most likely bring them up - or if the babies perk up alot we might take the babies there and let them live in the mare/foal herd  They are the type of gals that produce milk even if they are dry when there is the SLIGHTEST possibility that could be moms loll. The older Lady(21 - hasn't been bred for over 9 years!) - Sadie - She got milk when she got put in a paddock next to the bottle calves one year! At the moment - these two are so weak - little one can't really even stand for more than a couple of seconds - I gently roll her to her opposite side each time I do fluids or milk to avoid pressure sores - I am waiting to introduce a mare till we can at least get them stabilized. A friend is setting me up with a connection for a nanny goat for milk(loaner!) and luckily because of other circumstances I do have a fair amount of foal-lac on hand. I am giving fluids again shortly - vet called and we came up with a tenative game plan and he will be out later this evening as soon as he can. Full bag fluids with sugars/salts every 2 hours for the next 24 hours - then re-asses. The little girl is also getting another potassium booster in 6 hours as well. I think the little boy(bigger foal) is also going ot need an enima - I saw him straining a bit - but will give him a little while to see if the milk and fluids help things along. The poor little boy is ravenous - he will nurse ANYTHING he can get in his mouth - He keeps trying to nurse the little girls ears - and the poor thing is too weak to fend him off. I put some Apple Bitter on her ears to resolve that problem! Luckily - I do have a really nice barn which is a blessing - and also means that I can sleep in my office/tackroom/craft room out there and not have to stagger out to the barn for feedings. hopefully in 24 hours, i will have 2 MUCH perkier children on my hands. Sara |
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Post by cutiepiepmu on Jul 8, 2008 14:31:47 GMT -5
Uh-ohhhh - New development - Ms. Malibu has discovered BABBIES!!! She is now standing at the back of the stall(which has a full door - so more like a wall - nickering over and over and over. Silly girl - she is only 4 and has NEVER had a baby nor been around them. LOL Geez - maybe I have my nursemare in the making right here at home!! goofy girl. Her motherly side is certainly getting the better of her. Definately unexpected!
Sara
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Post by angelinmydreams on Jul 8, 2008 14:52:11 GMT -5
My boss's mare just foaled this mourning. The foal died. I might go out in a little bit to see the mare. I don't know if the mare would accept a new baby or if we can milk her. I am not getting my head smashed in over it. She did ask me if I knew anyone with orphan foals.
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Post by cutiepiepmu on Jul 8, 2008 15:07:31 GMT -5
I am sitting out here in the barn with the kids - both are having their fluids right now. such sweet babies - the little girl is sleeping and the little boy is laying right next to her. I figure it is too early to name them - their personalities have to shine through. But, the little boy has already figured out that I am the food monster and will try to nurse my hands, elbows, pants, shirt, - anything he can get near - whenver I go into the stall - so his temporary name is " lil ol' hungry!"
I am going to be so excited to see them perk up over the next few days.
Sara
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Post by swissgrl on Jul 8, 2008 15:11:50 GMT -5
All I am going to say is, Thank you Sara for helping these 2. Let us know if we can be of any help!
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Post by cutiepiepmu on Jul 8, 2008 15:19:51 GMT -5
Thank you. Luckily - at this point I am ok with finances, space and time(cleard my entire workload when I hurt my leg - which is actually feeling alot better!) So - the timing of these two is good. Once they finish their fluids I will give them a bottle - then going to run a couple of errands to get some more cath tips and assorted supplies while they sleep. My neighbor is going to sit with them - although she doesn't know didly about horses, she can call me if they seem fussy or off - lord only knows I watch her dogs enough Sara |
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Post by cutiepiepmu on Jul 8, 2008 15:26:47 GMT -5
Ohhh - lol - took out a HUGE teddy bear that John won for me at the fair a few years ago - it is about 5 feet tall - set it in the stall and my little girl inched over and snuggled right in between the legs so she looks surrounded. OMG - why are my camera batteries dead......... SOOOOOOOO cute.... wow. lol. I promise - will slow up on the posts - You guys are my outlet for such silly cuteness. I do hope she makes it.
Sara
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Post by angelinmydreams on Jul 8, 2008 15:36:47 GMT -5
Sara are you interested in the mare for the foals . We are a few hours from you in Arlington. Foal died about 5 am today. I don't know this mare all that well she is a trakehner mare.
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Post by cutiepiepmu on Jul 8, 2008 15:56:17 GMT -5
At this point - I have 2 sweet mares available at the ranch and they are already used to our current herd - so dynamics will be minimal when they go back down So - if there is another foal that needs this mare that is ok. These two kids can't be set up with a mare at this point till they are at LEAST stabilized and the risk of infection is down. It isn't like a healthy foal being transplanted to a new mare unfortunately. I called down south and am having the two mares loaded up on Thursday and they will be here on Friday. I figure by then, at least the little boy will be up and around and stabilized enough to introduced. I am setting up my large foaling stall tonight (13x36) so I can do intruductions over a low temporary wall, and then let them together if all is well. Best case - Both babies healthy, happy and well and can grow up in the herd on 120 acres down in oregon at our ranch in the mare pasture - then when we wean(genearlly at 5-6 months for most) they can wean as part of the weanling group - which seems much less stressful on them. Plus, there will be less pressure to find them homes as quickly since costs are MUCH less overall than if I keep them up here, even on a mare. I can let them grow up, socialize and be happy - then find them great homes (or keep them lol!) Sara |
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Post by Tockita on Jul 8, 2008 16:11:23 GMT -5
 Sara sending good wishes for the foals! Sending a prayer for strength and healing to be delivered through your hands today. This is such a nightmare, and illustrates our earlier concerns were all too real... All it takes is one idiot to see someone raise a baby successfully and they are ready to give it a go without having a clue all that goes into keeping them safe and healthy. Thank God she realized she was over her head, brought them to you, and handed them over! Kittens and puppies keep each other company.. and in a few weeks are ready to be on their own. Foals are months of feeding, and babysitting, and horses are fragile animals health wise even full grown!
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Post by calypso on Jul 8, 2008 16:13:41 GMT -5
Sara you rock! I really needed to read this today. Not the part about the idiot people - that's my problem - but seeing the lengths that others go to when trying to save "worthless" animals. I've had very rocky week and it's inspiring me to keep on keeping on when I ready your posts. So, keep 'em coming!
And, major jingles for the babies! The visual of the baby and the teddy bear - brings tears to my eyes.
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Post by gratefulknits on Jul 8, 2008 16:46:34 GMT -5
Sara, you are the Rock of Gibraltar. Bless you, bless you, bless you.
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Post by jenm on Jul 8, 2008 17:30:26 GMT -5
Wow Sara, you are WONDERFUL!! Thank you for sharing this story and thank you for providing such a great home for these lil orphans. I am looking forward to pictures.
I officially nominate you for Sainthood!
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Post by agilitygal on Jul 8, 2008 18:00:56 GMT -5
Sainthood. . .sounds good! Two at once! Unbelievable. I am at a loss for words in trying to understand why people are thinking they can raise orphan horse babies.
There are a lot of saints/angels in human form working in animal rescue. Thank you, Sara, for being one of them. Best wishes to all three of you.
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Post by earlybp on Jul 8, 2008 21:09:13 GMT -5
I am so glad that you are there, and that you are you! I hope the little girl makes it.
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Post by beejoyfulmk on Jul 8, 2008 23:41:11 GMT -5
Thank you Thank you Thank you so much for saving these little ones!!! Let me know what you need!!
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Post by cutiepiepmu on Jul 9, 2008 3:24:19 GMT -5
Well - tonight the little girl is not doing well. Her fever is higher and she is still borderline lethargic. I am now tube feeding her and the vet has been out several times to re-check. I am at the point of getting ready to haul her up to pilchuck for more intensive treatment than I can give her here. I am nervous about that though, it is a stressful thing to move and am worried she just can't handle that. We went ahead and did a basic ultrasound of her tummy and a chest x-ray. Neither are GREAT quality - but the chest x-ray does show some signs of pnemonia. We are now dosing her with intensive antibiotics as well as a variety of other meds to help her body cope with the stress and infection. The little boy is MUCH perkier - he even started bucking a little tonight when sucking on his bottle - and officially has the poops - no worry of being blocked up now. I have full faith he is going to be ok - but the little girl - I am not so sure. I have gone ahead and put both babies into the large foaling stall now and put up the short half wall so that the "Mr. Hungry" (got to figure out a better name) doesn't poke at the little girl. She needs to rest and is certainly NOt up for playing at this point. Earlier to get her fever down we went ahead and cool hosed her body since she was up to 104.2 and climbing. Poor thing didn't even put up a fuss - I felt so horrible. Afterwards I went ahead sat with her for the longest till she was dry. I have also been giving her cool bottles(well - tube feeding) rather than warm ones up until this last one since it is now cooler outside. She is still on very slow drip fluids - although "Mr. Hungry" no longer is getting the fluids and is drinking and loving his bottles. The little girl is curled up with her giant bear sleeping while the little boy is attacking his jolly ball that I hung up and being a fuss ball. I have a feeling he will be a complete spit fire when he is fully recovered. Definately see that feisty arab in there. I still haven't gotten pictures - I need to get some batteries for the camera and since I ended up not leaving today - I haven't had a chance. My special delivery goat should be here in the morning - I don't know much about goats, but have been assured I will get guidence I do know how to milk so I am ahead on that part. well - I am off to put another pot of coffee on and get ready for the next feeding. Tomorrow I am going to start the little boy on a bucket with a nipple - I don't think it will be an issue for him Ohhh and sainthood - I DONT think so . Odds are - any of you that were in teh same situation would not have blinked an eye if you would have seen these too.... Sara |
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Post by toeps on Jul 9, 2008 4:05:10 GMT -5
Call him "Spunky" ;D
Prayers for "lil one" And hugs for you!
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Post by swissgrl on Jul 9, 2008 7:00:08 GMT -5
how is the little girl doing this morning?
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Post by cutiepiepmu on Jul 9, 2008 8:58:08 GMT -5
Well - the little girl's fever is down some - holding at 102 - whichi s lower than it has been, and she actually stood up and suckled the bottle this morning. This is a huge stride for her - she was exhausted after the meal and is still sleeping. Will feed her again after she wakes up - even though it is longer than I would like between bottles already (3 hours and counting) but, She is sleeping soundly. Our little man - Well - he is something else. He had to have a dose of Manners 101 this morning. When I went out with his 4am bottle he started bouncing around and tried to rear up and play bite - Obviously NOT acceptable. So - we are working on him understanding appropriate feeding time behavior. I am glad he is feeling lots better. He will be getting his very own halter today lol. The vet has recommended we go ahead and give both babies intensive IV vitamins 1 time daily for the next 5 days - so, will be starting that later. I am still extremely guarded on both babies - even though the little boy seems so much better. I have seen babies perk up like this right away and then take a sudden plunge downward - so he will still be staying in his big box stall next to his friend. I will be heading out again in a few to give another bottle - hopefully the little girl will be awake and hungry. She has now been through almost 12 bags of fluids and we are now on a slow constant drip to make sure she gets constant antibiotics into her system and to keep her hydrated. She has had only 1 very runny poo - but was LOADED with worms - which disturbs me for her age. Mr. Hungry is poo-ing like it is going out of style - no visible worms - but figure he is also packing a pretty good wormload. Once everyone is perked up will start with a parasite removal program I am not quite crispy minded yet - figure I have at least another 24 hours before that starts to happen. Sara |
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Post by swissgrl on Jul 9, 2008 9:04:51 GMT -5
Oh, I'll keep jingling for the little girl, and hope the little Tornado stays perked up.
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Post by mtangel on Jul 9, 2008 9:47:45 GMT -5
Jingles for the wee ones, especially the little girl, and jingles for you, Sara, to keep up the routine you have them on. Hugs to you!
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Post by earlybp on Jul 9, 2008 11:59:14 GMT -5
Many Jingles for these sweeties. thanks for doing what you do, Sara!
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Post by cutiepiepmu on Jul 9, 2008 13:04:12 GMT -5
Not alot new- the little girl is still extremely tired - but is now nursing, which is a great thing. She didn't stand up for her last bottle - so after feeding her I helped her and sort of forced her to stand for a couple of minutes - that way I could at least check her over. I am concerned about her digestion with her being down so much - we have now only had 2 VERY worm filled poo's. Her system should be much more active than that. Her little step brother though - WOW - he is a whole new man. lol. He definately has a comedian burried somewhere in that tiny little body. I give the girl her bottle first, then give him his - well, the entire time I was feeding her - he did the "pogo-stick" manuver on the other side of the wall - he can see over it - but it was more like a "HEY - I AM OVER HERE" DOESNT ANYONE SEE ME?  ?" and, since I won't let him buck now while he eats(use a figure 8 soft cotton body rope around him - gives me a "handle" to hold him steady in the middle of his back lol) - he now just stands, eats, grunts and shuffles his feet really fast. It is like he is moon walking in place lol. If he keeps up this way he will be ready for the mare for SURE when she gets here. Not sure the mare is ready for him mind you..... I have a feeling I will be VERY attached to this little one - he is a spitfire with definate opinions about how life should work. His feet look a little strange to me - very flat - so, going to see if I can get my farrier to come back out and take a look.(Use Rich Johnson - and he doesn't normally go to port orchard - lucky me I was a client for so long before I moved that I convinced him it wasn't THAT far!) Promise to try to get some pictures posted. I have not heard anything from the gal that brought them - which is a good thing - I am normally very diplomatic and tend to give everyone the benefit of the doubt - but I have a feeling my emotions might be a little raw, especially regarding the little girl. Sheesh. Sara |
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Post by frr2 on Jul 9, 2008 13:39:14 GMT -5
Good thoughts heading her way... I guess you can't use any wormer on her? I just don't know about that young. Poor, poor baby
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They are the type of gals that produce milk even if they are dry when there is the SLIGHTEST possibility that could be moms loll. The older Lady(21 - hasn't been bred for over 9 years!) - Sadie - She got milk when she got put in a paddock next to the bottle calves one year! 
Sara sending good wishes for the foals! 
?" and, since I won't let him buck now while he eats(use a figure 8 soft cotton body rope around him - gives me a "handle" to hold him steady in the middle of his back lol) - he now just stands, eats, grunts and shuffles his feet really fast. It is like he is moon walking in place lol. If he keeps up this way he will be ready for the mare for SURE when she gets here. Not sure the mare is ready for him mind you..... I have a feeling I will be VERY attached to this little one - he is a spitfire with definate opinions about how life should work. His feet look a little strange to me - very flat - so, going to see if I can get my farrier to come back out and take a look.(Use Rich Johnson - and he doesn't normally go to port orchard - lucky me I was a client for so long before I moved that I convinced him it wasn't THAT far!)