One Escape Vet Day Three Escapes

After breakfast Callie opened her gate and meandered around for a while. When she saw the camera she headed to the lower barn.

She was in the barn waiting for me with a big mule smile on her face.

Dr Darling and Kelly arrived to meet the new family members. Promise and Charity the Standardbreds are in good shape. They will need some dental work and their shots, but otherwise they are fine. They are such sweet girls who love when company comes to see them.

Jackson thought if he hid in the tree we wouldn't find him. Too bad, Jackson. Jackson has Cushings Disease and all that goes with that. He has some sores that need treated, some dental work to be done and some hoof care. He is eating well now, but stays in his hidey spot most of the day.

Jane has a severe case of Cushings, which is a pituitary gland malfunction. She has the three major symptoms of Cushings- laminitis, long hair, and loss of vision. She is very foot sore. On Monday Dr Darling and Aaron will sedate her and trim her feet, do her teeth and give her a good check -up. We think we can give her some very good years.

Juan got checked, too. His hoof is doing so well. The shoe Aaron made for him works just like it is supposed to. Juan can walk on the hoof like everyone else, but can rest it when he needs to. This was a first for all of us.

Wild Bill is making sure his buddy Sparkle is OK with all the strangers in their pen. Wild Bill did not get a hands-on check up but he eats well and seems very healthy. He is a super bright mule.

Dancing Drum, Star and Dunny don't want to miss anything.

There is a difference between starvation and malnutrition. Malnutrition is the lack of proper food, while starvation is the lack of food. Sparkle has been starved. It is as though someone just quit feeding him. The body score for Sparkle is a one in all nine areas that are checked. That is the lowest possible body score a horse can have. Dr Darling said he was about a week away from death. If NorCal -Horse Plus- had not taken him he would have been dead by now.

Dancing Drum was thin, too when she came, but not nearly as bad as Sparkle.
"Look at me now," she says.

Dr Darling and Kelly gave him a thorough check-up. In starvation the metabolism slows down causing organ, tissue and muscle issues. When the liver slows down there is a decrease in insulin production and an increase in counter regulatory hormones that break down the muscle protein.

Sparkle has no fat. There is nothing to protect him from the elements. Hypothermia is a big problem for horses who have been starved.

He weighs about 811 pounds and should weigh about 1100-1200 pounds.
It was hard to get an accurate reading because of the muscle loss.

Starvation means impaired digestion which increases the risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream leading to sepsis

Starvation means that Sparkle's immune system is compromised. There can be possible dental and gum problems, though Sparkle wasn't too bad. He will get some treatment when he is stronger.

Today he got a mild deworming and a Vitamin B shot. We give him probiotics and rice bran daily. Feeding must be done very carefully as abrupt refeeding can result in death 3-5 days after starting the feeding program. He gets beardless wheat and senior feed with a few timothy hay pellets. He has lots of water and drinks often.

Sparkle is one of the worst cases of starvation that Dr. Darling has even seen. He could actually see the hip joint. The good news is that he thinks Sparkle will recover!!!!!! At 21 Saddlebreds are old, but if we can give Sparkle a few good years then we are willing to do all the work necessary to help this wonderful horse. It will be costly and time consuming. We are willing to work. Can you help with the cost? Even $5.00 will make a difference to Sparkle, Jane, Jackson and all the others at Home At Last.

Thank you to Lisa W who opened her heart to the horses and to Cathy S who is a regular sponsor.

At last count we have 33 horses, donkeys and mules who have come from NorCal Equine Rescue-Horse Plus Humane Society. We try to take the animals who cannot be placed elsewhere. We are proud of what Tawnee and Jason do to help the horses. Many of you are so generous in helping them save the horses from slaughter. Now we are asking that you help the ones who were saved, but unplaceable. Please, help them have a wonderful retirement. Thank you.

We can still see you, Jackson.

You can't hide from us.

The garden is just about done. Cute little birds sit on the sunflowers to take their seeds.

Thank you, friends, for helping the Home At Last herd.
OH!! Right before dinner Star opened his gate. He, Dancing Drum and Dunny got in with Sparkle and Wild Bill. Now Sparkle and Wild Bill are in their yard. We'll switch tomorrow.

There must be an equine contest of gate opening and escaping. Wonder whose turn it is next?