Banner's filly, Melody, an ongoing saga

[Wendi]

You all might remember when Melody coliced in May at the ripe old age of 4 weeks and had to have surgery -- they found a big hairball of Banner's black mane and tail hair. Well, she's at it again.

She coliced on 7/26 and 8/6 but we were able to get her through it with just tubing, enemas, and Banamine. Then on 8/13 she sliced the back of her foot open while in the stall, but that has healed up just great. It had been three weeks and I thought we were taking a turn for the better.

I was wrong. She coliced last Sunday and had surgery again late Sunday night up at New Bolton Center. This time the hair looks to be Banner's coat hair that she's injested from when the two groom each other. She is recovering from surgery, so far so good. Hopefully she'll be coming home this weekend and I'll have her back on cam. A lightning strike destroyed by computer a few weeks ago, so I have to get it fixed before the weekend.

Short of keeping her in a pasture by herself or in a muzzle, I have no idea what to do for this little one to keep her healthy. Will she outgrown this?? Has anybody every had a foal continually injest hair like this??

Thanks for any suggestions or advice.

p.s. - I asked, but they wouldn't let me see Barbaro.

[Regret]

Haha.. Wendi, you read my mind. I was going to ask if you saw Barbaro.

Oy.. what a horrible saga it is, too! Maybe you can fit her for a little muzzle or something? I don't know what else to do in this situation.

[mystykunicorn]

Hi Wendi,

Wish I could tell you if she will grow out of this, but I have no clue. I know that you probably don't want to muzzle Melody, but in the long run, it may be cheaper than all the vet visits and surgerys. I was looking around and found these sites for you if you are at all interested. Please give Banner & Melody a big hug from me & good luck!!

www.allhorsestuff.com/custom.em?pid=281071 (bottom of page on the right)

www.aminihorsesupply.com/mihomu.html

www.valhallafarm.net/equipment.htm (11th, 12th & 13 items on page)

www.millbrook-tack.com/millbrook/dept.asp?s_id=0&dept_id=4058

[twnpnds]

Are you sure she's not part cat? LOL. Is Melody eating grain? Could you add a little oil to her feed or give it to her with a syringe? Psyllium might be another option. Would have to talk to your vet about the dosage. Not sure if it's safe for foals. Wonder if Petromalt (cat hairball remedy) comes in tubs. LOL. I sure hope she outgrows this. Little stinker.