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Post by moogyver on May 16, 2005 15:53:48 GMT -5
I received an email from Heather, and she asked me to make the following report to the board. (Sorry it took me so long, Heather ... I was outside with the plumbers who were replacing the water heater under the house, and just checked my email.) ~~~~~~~~
Hope is doing excellent – nursing, running, bucking, carrying on. All blood levels are normal. She’s still on antibiotics so may have to stay there for a little while longer.
Gabby is doing very well too. Her incision is healing nicely, her blood levels are all normal except the white blood cells, indicating that there is still an infection somewhere. She spikes a fever ever morning too, which they can’t figure out.
The biggest issue we have to deal with now is that Gabby is rejecting Hope. If Hope goes toward her Gabby will pin her ears and try to kick. Someone has to hold Gabby for Hope to nurse. Gabby cries for Hope if Hope is taken out of the stall to be weighed, etc., but she doesn’t want her near her. They’re going to try again today, but if Gabby continues to act aggressive, they’re going to pull Hope from her and wean her. Too bad, now that she has the hang of it. But it’s a problem we can deal with.
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Post by Heather T on May 16, 2005 15:58:55 GMT -5
Thanks for posting Vicki. Sorry about your plumbing issues...that's never any fun. Shannon and I will be on the road to Georgia tomorrow and we'll hopefully get some more pictures. We'll keep you updated either through Angie, Mona or Vicki. Thanks a bunch!!
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Post by moogyver on May 16, 2005 16:06:28 GMT -5
I'm very glad to help!
We now have hot water for the first time since Friday night! LOL The old water heater was made in 1978, so I think it had earned its keep. ;D
have a great trip to Athens, and enjoy hugging your Gabby & Hope.
I'm really looking forward to the new pics ... both are so lovely.
Still praying and hoping you'll be bringng the girls home SOON.
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Post by MRFShannon on May 16, 2005 17:37:07 GMT -5
We just got a new update on the girls and They separated them at about 3:30. Gabby was charging at hope and trying to trample her so they separated them. Gabby hollered for Hope for about 1 miniute and then she decided that life was good with out her so she is doing good now. Hope does not really care either way. They have successully got hope to drink from a bottle agian and she is happy. We will continue to keep you updated on their progress.
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CackysGirl
Global Moderator
Love at First Sight
Posts: 264
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Post by CackysGirl on May 16, 2005 17:45:33 GMT -5
Thanks for update Shannon. Gabby is just so restless now that she is feeling so much better. She just doesn't know what to think of Lil Hope yet. They have been through so much in such a short span of time. Maybe on your trip there you can whisper to her about how lil Hope needs to be with her. I know Gabby can't wait to see you guys!! I'm positive that will help! Take Pictures...lots and lots of pictures. Lots of love...hugs to Gabby and Hope! Continued Prayers for them both. Connie
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Post by moogyver on May 16, 2005 18:28:06 GMT -5
Thanks for the update, Shannon.
I'm sorry they had to separate Gabby and Hope, but am very glad neither seems distressed by it. It will be a lot more work for you and your Mom to bottle feed Hope, but I know you'll do it gladly. She is sooooo beautiful. I've never seen such a coal black foal before. I think she's going to be a knockout!
Prayers for you all.
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Post by Heather T on May 16, 2005 19:19:36 GMT -5
I agree that the bottle feeding is going to be....hmmm...arduous. is that spelled right? It'll be fun at first, but I think it'll get old really quickly. Angie suggested pan feeding, which we will probably discuss with the vets tomorrow. I just don't know how soon they start that. Could be interesting....
But I know that Hope has alot of AUNTS out there that would LOVE to come help feed and babysit (wink, wink)!!!! We'll have to start a sign up sheet (ha).
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Post by dAnA on May 16, 2005 20:15:08 GMT -5
am glad Gabby and hope r doing so well.......I am sry that Gabby is havin a hard time accepting Hope poor Gaby has been thru so much but I am thrilled both are on the road to recovery and I cont. to pray that thye hav find where this infection is and that they are home sweet home very soon....
I can't remember the name of it but have read posts at Dar's board about how to make a igloo and put a nipple or something like that on it and foal think its mom so to dpeak and away they drink and Dar has had wonderful success with it with orphan foals.I am sure you can find more info on it there and seems like the next best thing to mom's milk store..
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Post by Melody on May 16, 2005 20:29:24 GMT -5
Glad to hear everything is continuing to improve... high hopes they can come home soon!
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Barbara
Outhouse Monitor
Posts: 157
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Post by Barbara on May 16, 2005 22:37:15 GMT -5
Heather, it's a relief that Gabby is recovering, and maybe next time she'll get off to a better start with mothering. Have you seen this? It's instructions on how to make a feeder for abandoned or orphaned foals from an Igloo cooler. Dar at Strohbehn's used it for an orphan this year, and others have mentioned on her MB that they used it successfully too. www.shortassets.com/igloo.htmIt might be worth a try, and has worked for others. Of course, I'd love to hold that beautiful baby and bottle-feed her - but I'm a bit too far away to do any good. Barbara in Arkansas
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Post by Chero on May 16, 2005 23:52:48 GMT -5
So happy to hear that the two of them are coming along, was wondering tho if this infection that Gabby has may be affecting her mentally...as she was doing so well with Hope before?
Its really to bad that they had to separate them, but if Hope is "ok" with then I guess we shouldnt worry all that much, but its ashame in any case. To bad they couldnt have gotten back home and realized everything would be ok for them and go from there together as they should.
Thanks so much for all the updates, and have a wonderful time together in GA...drive safe and God Bless lil Hope and Momma Gabby and all @ MRF.
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Post by Heather T on May 17, 2005 6:05:51 GMT -5
Oh come on Barbara. I see that you're headed out on the road today (woodstock post) and we're not THAT far . I even had a horse shipped in from your area. My sister has already reserved a week at the "MRF Mini Dude Ranch". We can pencil you in too. The food is good....beanie weenies, stale marshmallows....just ask my sisters! ;D
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Aunt Hopey
Stall Mucker
Sometimes your a bug...sometimes your a windshield!!
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Post by Aunt Hopey on May 17, 2005 6:19:44 GMT -5
Hey Heather, that igloo idea is not too bad and looks like it worked for the donkey!! Might want to consider it. You know if Lil' Hope is anything like the rest of us it won't be long before she is finding the food where ever it might be!! If needed I will drive down and assist with the feedings on the weekends. ;)For those of you that are interested in reservations at the MRF Mini Dude Ranch be prepared to choose between stale marshmallows and I mean hard as rocks or chocolate mini morsels. Norrimoe and I stayed over and had that late nite sweet craving. Heather has a hugh pantry full but no sweets. After our unsuccessful search even those hard marshmallows were looking good. Obviously, Heather's grocery attention is for the four legged friends in the barn because they do not lack for nothing. I will be making my reservations in plenty of time for her to stock up for me!! How 'bout you Norrimoe, gonna come stay with me again?
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Norrimoe
Fly Swatter
Give thanks to the Lord for all he has done
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Post by Norrimoe on May 17, 2005 7:46:51 GMT -5
Actually there was no way to determine how Gabby would handle this birth. Its a shame tho that she had to experience it with a trauma such as she went thru. If it were me, this would forever be in my mind, when thinking of birthing. I know that this will be her only baby, but that is ok with me cuz we love her anyways and always will. Now as far as this bottle thing with Lil Hope? I suppose I can just move in the stables and tend to her..I practically live there now anyways..and it has wonderful horsey neighbors to come and visit. something can be worked out, we come to far to turn back now.
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Claire
Global Moderator
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Post by Claire on May 17, 2005 8:50:12 GMT -5
I am so pleased to hear the progress that Gabby and Hope have made. I really dont blame Gabby for not wanting anyone nosing around under her after all shes been through, heck my son is 14 and I still cringe from the thought of that C-section. If she didnt need that surgery I am sure she would have been fine. Main thing is that they are doing well! The Igloo buddy is a fantastic aid, just ask Dar! I am sure you can still do a bottle feeding for your fun, but it would be a great assistant if she takes to it! Can't wait to see new pics! Hugs to all from New York.
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