_________________________________________________________
Aaruba is in the hospital. We checked him in at 11:00 last night with mild, persistent colic symptoms that reminded me too much of his near-fatal impaction in October 2007. Everything is the same this time, only we caught it sooner, and he's not improving at the same rate as before.
He appears to have a small intestine impaction, which my vet tells me is unusual in our area. Even more unusual is the fact that his heart rate is normal (32 bpm) and his pain is mild. He's passed some manure, but he also refluxed 4 gallons a couple hours ago. Surgery is not an option due to poor prognosis for success, given his history. Everything points to some kind of flaw in his intestine, an adhesion or similar, that has persisted for years now and causes occasional, serious problems. Even if he makes it through this time, the underlying issue will remain.
All we can do is keep him on IV fluids and try a drug to enhance intestinal motility. Typically, the drug is contraindicated in cases where an impaction already exists, and you probably wouldn't want it in a horse that might go to surgery, but we're running out of options. I'll be honest with you: this looks very bad.
As they say on the Chronicle of the Horse forums, start jingling.
16 comments:
Jingles from California!
Oh, Tamara, we're thinking about you both! Jingling, crossing fingers, lighting candles, everything I can think of.
Things don't always go the way they look like they're heading. And miracles do happen.
Only good thoughts winging across the miles for a recovery for Aruba. I love your breath taking horse.
Hugs ~E.G.
Tamara, there are few greater challenges than a beloved horse in potentially lethal pain. I am so, so sorry and praying for Arruba's recovery.
Tamara and Arruba...sending you every bit of positive energy I can muster.
Will be praying for strength and discernment and peace for you and Travis and especially Aaruba. From reading along about your training and competition, you two have quite a bond. Hope you don't end up having to make any difficult decisions.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hang in there.
Oh sweet girl and horse Aruba...jingling/praying very hard!
Take heart,
Kac with Wa mare
Jingles from all of us here at Grumpy Old Horse Ranch. Aruba get well soon!
You know you and Aaruba are in my thoughts. *hugs*
I'm so sorry. I know you won't be getting any sleep tonight.
Jingling, praying and sending positive healing energy for Aaruba.
HUGS
~Lisa
New Mexico
I know what it's like to watch my best friend suffer. My heart goes out to you, and to Aaruba. I don't know much about jingles, but I'm sending prayers up that he recovers fast and comes home soon.
HUGS
;)S
I'm so sorry, Tamara. I hope all goes well! Arruba is such a lovely barb!
Oh no!! I lost my first horse to a really horrible impaction and nearly my second (spent a week in the hospital recovering)... I know exactly what you're feeling. Jingles jingles jingles for Aaruba from Connecticut!!!
Thanks, everyone. I can't tell you how much your support means. As of 7:00 this morning, I haven't received a call from the night vet -- which is good news. I'd know if he'd turned for the worse. I'll know more when the clinic opens later this morning...
Tamara, my thoughts and prayers are with you and Aaruba. I know what you are going through.Jingles from Acer Farm. We are pulling for you.
Post a Comment