Advice needed on horse at hospital

[starsandsun]

May I suggest that you get a stomach fluid sample to check for pH and bacteria? That was the big problem for us, and it created the intestinal inflammation. I had to treat with enrofloxacin for about 2 months, along with steroids, to get to improvement. As long as he is at vet hospital, a quick gastroscopy to pull fluids will help give answers to the ‘why’. Also, what’s the steroid dose?

ETA - if your vets disagree with the bacterial testing, and you’re at the end of the rope, please please do try an antibiotic like enrofloxacin. If there is no other option on the table and you’re grasping for straws, this may make a difference. I would literally beg them at that point since you’d be otherwise out of options.

[TWH_Girl]

Really pulling for your guy!

[lenapesadie]

Jingling for your horse

[starsandsun]

Checking in - how is your boy?

[Jlkeiser70]

He’s home & the steroids fit IBD have worked to get his poop from water to cow pie. Eating better. He is so happy to be home! He was so cute when we picked him up from the hospital. He was like I’m shock to see us & like “my people came back for me”. He loaded right up. After 13 days in an isolation stall he is happy to be outside & with his friends. He’s eating almost back to normal (still no grain). Time will tell as he’s on steroids for the inflammation of his intestines (IBD) & I hope it’s that vs cancer.
Thank you all so much for your support <3

[starsandsun]

Great news. Sure do hope he continues to improve! If you ever have any Qs about our long story, just PM me and I’d be happy to share.

[avjudge]

@Jlkeiser70

He loaded right up.

The first time I picked my horse up after a stay at a clinic she practically ran onto the trailer! They are happy to go home.

(The second time, the back of the trailer was in a grassy area and she focused on trying to grab bites of that rather than loading. )

Here’s hoping for continued improvement!!!

[PaddockWood]

@Jlkeiser70 That is SUCH good news and I love picturing him seeing you show up and knowing how much he is loved. I sure hope he continues to heal and has a good life going forward.

[SLW]

What a wonderful update and I hope your Mustang continues to improve!

[Jlkeiser70]

Sadly my update is not a good one. He seemed to initially respond well to the steroids but since he has been home he is losing weight at an alarming rate even though he is eating much better and should be gaining weight. This past week all the other horses came in from pasture and he was laying down and stayed down. The barn owner haltered him and still he stayed down. She had to give some tugs to get him up.
This IBD is grave prognosis, I was just hoping he would be one of the lucky ones, Bringing him home was the best decision as he is happy but very sick. After the 3rd vet came to see him it is obvious he won’t recover as the steroids never got him fully recovered. He is only 5 and only been with me for 1 year (as of 2/10) and should be a healthy mustang. I have scheduled him to be pts this Tuesday as he isn’t going to recover and I don’t want to see him get to a point where he is suffering. It is so hard, I have cried so many tears each day as he’s happy and bright eyed but wasting away. My solace is at least he was with me and got to know love as a domestic horse vs. a terrible death in the wild and maybe the next BLM horse I adopt is for a reason. As my sister said: It is about the journay - I will forever remember him and the trust and bond we created. <3

[Sdel]

@Jlkeiser70

My solace is at least he was with me and got to know love as a domestic horse vs. a terrible death in the wild

I’m sorry to hear this update. He’s a lucky boy to have found his way to you. I fully believe that experiencing human love is transformative for all animals.

[lenapesadie]

Hugs

[Posting_Trot]

I’m so sorry, but I’m glad that he got the chance to come home and be with you and his pasture mates for a time.

You’ve done everything you could for him and he’s known love and security.

[Alex_and_Bodie_s_Mom]

I’m so sorry. I was hoping he would be one of the lucky ones, too - but in truth, he already is. He has you. Jingles to you both.

[TWH_Girl]

Oh I’m so very sorry to hear this. It is the right answer for this little sweetheart though. Many hugs. What is your boy’s name? It’ just seems more personal to remember him by his name.
Will be thinking of you Tuesday.

[Jlkeiser70]

Regal Red Robin as he was so regal as a lieutenant in the Custer band (South Steens), red as he is a red roan, and Robin after my childhood best friend who shared the love for horses & died in the line of duty as a fire fighter. We called him Robbie

[fanfayre]

My deepest sympathies

[2DogsFarm]

So sorry to read this ending.
But there’s a COTHism I believe with all my heart:
Better a day too soon than a minute too late

Godspeed, Regal Red Robin
& Peace to you @Jlkeiser70

[Pippigirl]

I’m so so sorry. My deepest sympathies for you and Robbie

[jvanrens]

So sorry to read your update. Sending hugs.