Lucy is very ill - UPDATE 6/09 Waiting

[notadumbld]

Some of you probably remember Lucy, our little rescue mini who foaled a filly last year. (A big thank you - again - to all who helped me keep watch!)

She was ultra thin when we got her in Oct 05 and she's never really been able to bulk up at all but she's been at a consistant weight and the vets were not concerned. I work at a vet hosp with 5 large animal vets and 4 have seen her off and on over the time we've had her.

This Wed I noticed her having what I thought was a colic episode. She almost collaped, wouldn't drink water, very shakey - and OH SOOOO THIN! We gave her IV banamine and the vet got there shortly after. He didn't think it was colic and gave her a good exam. He thought he heard crackles in her lungs so we started her on penicillen in case she was fighting an upper resp infection.

The next morning she was still very shakey and not interested in food. We took her to the vet clinic (15 min from the house) and blood was drawn, and we ran a fecal and a UA. Blood was somewhat abn but not grossly so and fecal and UA were both okay. We took her home and kept a close watch.

The next morning Chels went to feed the gang and came back saying Lucy looked worse. Since I was to work all day and Chels had school we put her in the trailer back to the clinic. Vet #2 suspected ulcers so started gastroguard and we watched her closely all day. She would eat a little, then roll, eat a little, paw the ground and pin her ears, and repeat the cycle. Since I was working in the same building I was able to peek in on her quite often. We left her at the clinic overnight.

This morning Chel went to the clinic early to feed Lucy. Vet #2 stopped by on her day off to check on the little girl. Gave her more gastroguard and banamine. Vet #3 came over later and agreed that her symptoms sounded like ulcers. Vet number #1 then got there and started her on IV fluids since she seemed dehydrated. I stayed with her all morning, but of course the one time I left her stall us answer "nature's call" she rolled and pulled out the tube from the bag. Saline everywhere and a pool of blood on the floor. Started the IV solution again and didn't leave her until it was finished. Vet #1 stopped by twice while working on the road. He gave her more fluids this evening and when we left at 6pm he was sitting on a chair in her stall doing the day's ppwk. Chels is on her way there now (9pm) to take a peek and we;ll stop in on the way to Church in the morning.

Please keep her in your prayers. This poor little lady was neglected and abused for years before we got her and I'm thinking her digestive system is toast from all that stress. I'm sure the vets are on the right tract and she'll improve but it hurts to look at her thin body and know she's in pain. I'll try to keep you up dated.

I hope to be able to spend more time with you wonderful people once life settles down this summer.

[wisteriafarms]

I will definitely keep her in my prayers. I'm glad she has a good home now with someone who loves her so much!

[notadumbld]

Thank you. I don't understand how she lost so much weight so quickly. She was her normal thinnish weight last week but she looks almost skeletal now.

[Star]

We will keep Lucy in our prayers!

[Sandyb]

Here is a for Lucy from the Bolens. Hope all turns out just fine. Will be thinking of you all.

[darbyponygirl]

prayers

[tinypony]

awww lucy i watched you for SOOOO long on that cam waiting for you to deliver little Legz!!! sending prayers your way!!!!!

[Linda]

I'm sorry to hear that Lucy isn't feeling well. You should be very proud of yourself for caring so much. These are wonderful horses and nobody should have to go through getting their horse on the road to good health because of past owners neglect. Sending prayers to Lucy for a full recovery and you for being such a good human mommy.

[Golden Girl]

So sorry to hear that Lucy is having such a tough time I pray that the Vets will be able to save her & that she will be able to come home soon

[Heather T]

Of course we remember Lucy - I'm so sorry that she isn't feeling well. Please keep us updated on how she's doing.

[barbw]

Keeping Lucy in my thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery

[notadumbld]

Update - She is a little improved today. We spent several hours with her at the clinic yesterday and she was so-so. When we left the vet had her on an IV drip and he was watching her. THis morning she was very quiet and in obvious pain. She got her banaine and some gastroguard. Ate a little grain and hay, then lay down and rolled. Chelsea and I went to Church and then stopped back on our way home.

The vet - sweetest man alive! - stopped by to check on her with his family. She seemed brighter and was more interested in food. She'd eat a bit and lay down but no rolling.

So some improvement but she still has a ways to go. She's staying overnight at least tonight and we'll see how she is tomorrow. SHe's a brave little thing. Legz and Mars are lost without her!

[Deb12c]

Lucy is in my prayers. I am glad she is feeling a little better. I am on my way to light a candle for her now. If anyone else wants to light one the link is in my signature.

[AngieCiesla]

I am sorry to hear Lucy is not feeling well. I read where you posted the vets did blood work on Lucy and it was abnormal but not bad, have they checked her for Hyperlimpa? I had 2 mares that quit eating & drinking,both of my girls had hyperlipma. I sure hope it is not but maybe you could mention it to your vets .
Prayers for Lucy and her family

[margie1947]

lit a candle and sending healing thoughts and prayers for lucy.....jingles