I guess I didn't announce this on my blog, but this summer, I adopted Gracie, the chestnut filly who has figured rather prominently in my work since she was born. When the decision was made by her owners not to pursue a racing career and they wanted to find her a new home, I couldn't help but step up. :-) I have to admit I had always hoped she'd be mine - I've never had a connection with a horse quite like this (sorry, Monster! hehe).
A month ago, Gracie got sick. She had a very high temperature and mild colic symptoms - something was obviously not right. I had the vet come out to examine her, and he found no obvious cause for the symptoms, so he oiled her and I continued to treat her fever and watch her closely. Two days later I called the emergency vet out to check her again, and she was oiled again, but still no alarming findings on examination. The next evening I was calling again, this time knowing we would be going for a trailer ride. She wasn't eating, was becoming dehydrated, and needed hospitalization.
Off we went to Guelph and OVCTH's new isolation unit. Examination still gave no explanation for the ongoing intermittent colic symptoms, but bloodwork confirmed the dehydration and she was put on fluids and would be observed overnight, and more tests done in the morning.
I'll spare you the blow-by-blow account of her stay at OVCTH - suffice to say that eleven days later, I was able to bring my girl back home. Despite all the tests and procedures, there was never a final diagnosis - only that lovely, vague one of "enteritis." Enough to drive you crazy, but I'm grateful she's back in my barn and eating and behaving like her old self. Grateful as well for the team at OVCTH - the techs, interns, residents, clinicians, surgeons, pathologists and barn staff - and for the support of Worley Equine Services.
Needless to say I had a fairly substantial vet bill - but I guess some things you can't put a price on. Thank goodness for a healthy emergency fund, that's all I'm going to say about that! If you're looking to buy a painting, call me! ;-)
Off to walk my girl before the festivities begin. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and/or happy holiday season, and best wishes for 2012! I hope you are all as blessed as I am.
5 comments:
Linda, i wish you a very happy Christmas, and all the best with Gracie!
Not sure how I missed this on FB but I'm sorry to hear about Gracie and your probs. Glad there was a happy ending and hoping there won't be any comeback. A very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to regenerate the emergency fund.....
Happy Christmas. So glad Gracie is back with you and you are spending time together for the Hilidays :) hoping for some rides together in 2012 ~ !!!
Wow, Linda, I'm so sorry to hear that you went through such a trying time with Gracie! I'm glad there was a good outcome. Here's hoping there are no repeats.
Thanks everyone. I'm pretty relieved, needless to say. Hoping she keeps going in the right direction. :-)
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