Meet Matilda! Pictures 10/1

Nope, nothing yet. She said it takes several days and it was submitted Monday because the vet on Friday couldn’t have returned in time to get it to the lab Friday.

3 Likes

The vet is coming out later this morning to give Matilda vaccines and, hopefully, with information about her skin condition.

8 Likes

Latest vet update!

You guys that guessed skin reaction to the sun, I owe you an adult beverage of your choice. :beer::wine_glass:

The vet was more certain that’s what was going on when I showed her how the darker spot on Matilda’s back was flat but the white areas all around were raised and scabby. She had not noticed a reaction from doxycycline in other horses she’s treated, but Matilda’s skin is so very pink and her hair is so very thin from malnourishment and a past fungal infection. She is off quarantine, since it isn’t practical at this point, and she can go into her stall at night. The shady paddock is doing wonders for her right now. We need to find her a fly sheet that covers her neck as well and then she can enjoy some turn out once she’s off the doxy. Her face looks a lot better, especially around her eyes. The wearing of a fly mask continually has made a difference. We also have that fungal shampoo which should help the last bits of fungal infection in her mane and tail.

Bloodwork was redrawn. Red blood cell numbers haven’t changed as much as she hoped. She saw what we were feeding and really thinks her blood should have been building up faster and the anemia should be at least a little better. She doesn’t suspect ulcers (did a simple field test to see if it was a big issue). It could be the anaplasmosis. She still has ten days left of doxy. It could be roundworms that are resistant to the power pack (we have another dewormer to give, just in case). It could be something for worse, such as cancer. Or, it could be pregnancy. That would drain her and slow her down. She drew blood for a pregnancy test. Results won’t be back until late next week because of the holiday.

Matilda got her vaccines today (yay!). We’ve added another senior and alfalfa pellets feeding at lunchtime. I’m picking up red cell, the other dewormer, and I’ll look at fly sheets. :grin:

27 Likes

The nicest flysheet I’ve used is the Premier Equine Cool mesh combo, which has a neck covering attached.

It’s a very well made sheet and does seem to be cooler for my horse than the others I’ve used–a Rambo and an Amigo.

3 Likes

Plain ol’ Pepsi is fine with me. I’m a cheap date. :sunglasses:

Seriously, though… I’m just really happy that you have some information and are navigating a path forward. Your kindness is inspiring.

13 Likes

No additional advice…just sending lots of support Matilda’s way.

You take exceptional care of your critters and keep seeking the advice of practical professionals.

I suspect that once she sheds her Winter '23/'24 coat you won’t even recognize her!

3 Likes

I’m so happy for you and Matilda that it wasn’t mange or something like that!

Hope that she’s not in foal. :grimacing:

4 Likes

I’m so glad you have an answer! Hoping she continues to improve, and that her blood work gets better. Wish I had more wisdom on the fly sheets, but I have only ever had Rambo’s.

1 Like

Check out the Smartpak sheets. I ordered some a few years ago (not available now) that have the neck and belly band, and are lightweight, soft, cool, and are still going strong, and were under $75. They have a big sale going on right now.

1 Like

I ordered an inexpensive one because she’ll likely change size as she puts on more weight. Vet thinks she’s a paint, based on how she’s filling out.

3 Likes

First night with the whole herd. She only gets about 45 mins. Got to get her used to the grass.

33 Likes

I’m gonna need more pics of that little black or dark bay pony. Too cute!

2 Likes

That’s Maggie the magnificent Shetland. She’s actually quite well behaved, for a pony. She knows all the tricks, but uses them to teach daydreaming children.

11 Likes

She’s quite adorable in her pink outfit.

1 Like

And inside tonight with everyone else. We added shavings and she didn’t react at all. She knows stalls and shavings bags. I think she’s really a lost princess.

40 Likes

Aww she has her own stall name plate now . Fingers crossed she’s not pregnant.

P.

10 Likes

What a cute pair! Love your farm, too.

2 Likes

Wanted to chime in from my experience with an anemic horse. Hopefully she’s not pregnant! For mine, even tho he was on a solid complete feed, he needed a good multivitamin added & that resolved his blood count issues. We used the SmartVite pellets & he didn’t have any further issues with it.

3 Likes

Thank you. The vet suggested Go Max or Red Cell. I couldn’t find either at several stores yesterday. I’ll try some others today. If I can’t find it, I’ll look at what they do have.

1 Like

Matilda probably is a lost Princess - the condition you found her in is why I l love my animals more than I like a lot of people.

It is so great to watch her improve​:heart_eyes::heart_eyes:

10 Likes