I am late in writing this. Not later than some other times, but late for my usual deadline. Since Christmas Day my horse has been sick, and last night we had to put her in the hospital. As of this morning she is improving slowly but definitely not out of the woods yet.
She is a brave girl indeed. Last night, in an outdoor stall, in 46 degree weather, she stood for an hour as three different doctors poked and prodded her, just shy of humiliation. They started a catheter through which they initially took blood for a CBC plus other tests. They tubed her (a very long plastic tube is put through her nose and pushed until it reaches the stomach.) She then refluxed (a term like throwing up for horses but it comes out of the nose – they can’t throw up) five gallons of fluid that had been sitting on her stomach. (I know, TMI – sorry). Her heart rate was elevated to the danger level and her kidney levels were dangerously high. This was due to dehydration. Her initial diagnosis was endotoxemia which was explained to me as bad bacteria taking over the good bacteria in her gut. It can range from serious but treatable to death, in some cases.
She had an ultrasound (twice – once last night and once this morning), something called a “belly tap”, also twice, temp taken and x-rays. (Do I hear “ka-ching”?) For the ultrasound they poured cold rubbing alcohol on her side and underbelly. Remember I said it was 46 degrees? She stood there, like the strong mare she is and let the doctors do their bidding. She had been through something similar many years ago in conjunction with colic surgery. This girl was no novice. I was filled with admiration for her, nevertheless. She gave no one a hard time but stood there like a good soldier. I think she knew they were trying to help her. But it still broke my heart.
When we left the hospital last night, (We were there from 5:45- 8:15) we were told she would get IV fluids all night to combat the dehydration. Things could go in any direction. They would call me with any big changes. Thankfully I got no phone calls. This morning I was told she was on the path to recovery. I went to see her (picture below). I told her a horse story and played music for her on my phone. She liked the music.
The reason I am talking about this is to remind you what it’s like when life happens in the middle of your plans. Suddenly, nothing else is important or relevant. Things that would normally call for your attention are falling on deaf ears. You push everything aside (except for eating and sleeping) to concentrate on the issue at hand. I know you have all experienced this, but I had forgotten until it happened to me last night. First time in a long time.
Friends pop out of the woodwork to help you. (Barn people are like that; horse people in general) I am humbled and so very grateful for the help and prayers we have gotten so far. It warms my heart. It was dark at the barn last night. The Vet was leaving. It was just me and my husband and the horses. We had to find a way to get her to the hospital. (I don’t have a trailer.) My trainer, who has a trailer, was out of town. One of my friends from the barn called me (when she found out) and said, “Give me a few minutes to change my clothes. I’ll be right there. We will get her to the hospital.” I don’t even know her that well. How amazing is that? Wonderful people surround me.
When life trips you up, step back. Do what has to be done. Place all of your focus where it needs to be. Be extra kind to yourself. Don’t forget to eat and get rest and/or sleep whenever possible. Say your prayers and ask others for theirs. Trust that all will be well. And if it isn’t, trust that you will survive.
My wish for you is a Happy New Year, filled with only bumps in the road, and few, if any, boulders. :))
p.s. What she has on her mouth is to keep her from pushing out the tubing that remains in her nose, as well as to keep her from eating anything.
