This has been a week of joy and sorrow. We cling to the horses that we can save as a way to cope with the loss of those that we cannot. On Saturday, we confined a three year old mare that had a one and a quarter inch roofing nail lodged deeply into the sole of her foot. We began the process at 11:00 a.m. We pulled our horse trailer nearly 10 miles up the beach in deep sand. The vet (in Chesapeake, VA) had to be brought in by boat as Saturdays incoming traffic was backed up for 17 miles. She arrived around 2:30. The process of tranquilizing and administering anesthesia is and was incredibly dangerous for both horse and humans. The mare reacted violently, as expected. Galvanized steel panels were bent. The administration of anesthesia in a hospital setting, in the best of conditions, carries many inherent risks. Testing for pre-existing conditions is done and monitoring of vital signs is paramount. In the field it is far more dangerous as none of these procedures are possible. X-rays indicated close proximity to vital navicular structures (bone, bursa, impar ligament). The nail was removed, the puncture wound was cleaned and dressed, she was given a tetanus shot and pain medication, and a referral was made to an equine surgeon in Ashland, VA.The mare awoke from anesthesia, thrashed violently, took off, and fell repeatedly. She drug a staff member with her. We were eventually able to get her into the trailer. We drove her to Ashland arriving at 12:45 a.m. and returned to Corolla at 5 a.m. on Sunday. At 8:30 a.m, the surgeon called to report that the prognosis was very poor and the decision was made to euthanize. Her name was Charlotte. EVERY horse is important to us and every action we take is guided by veterinarians who are experts. The long-term well being of the horse is the basis for every decision that is made. We did everything that we were advised to do for Charlotte and we are so grateful to the dedicated equine veterinarians who did so as well. R.I.P.
Posted on: Thu, 31 Jul 2014 17:19:52 +0000
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