Vet Day Good News Sad News

Dr Darling came today. We had many animals who needed evaluations and treatments. First, the sad news. Donkey Baby Jane came to us with Cushings disease. We have tried everything we can to help her, but it has become more and more obvious that she has intractable pain. Even with a double dose of pain meds she cannot get comfortable. She doesn't move more than about 10 feet each day. I have been carrying her food and water to her because she just can't get around. She stretches out and rocks on her feet. Dr D says that donkeys are really tough and for her to be exhibiting this much pain, it must be almost unbearable for her. Wednesday she will get her angel wings.
This is the most difficult part of our sanctuary life. We love each animal deeply and it hurts to say good-bye. But then it is not about us, it is about them. If they are not having a good quality of life then it is time to give them their wings.
Baby Jane is only 20, and wasn't with us long, but she is sweet and beautiful.

Dancing Drum decided to take advantage of the warm sunshine. Maybe warm mud baths are the in thing with equines. She was sacked out.

Dobbin was having eating issues. He had begun to loose weight so his teeth were checked. Two of his back teeth were so long that they were digging into his upper gum. He couldn't close his mouth all the way. Chewing was difficult.

Gracie said to never mind about Dobbin. Just let me sleep.

Dr Darling and Kelly had to sit because Dobbin was too short for the head stand.

What a good boy. A little woozy, but good.

Jessie, who is just beginning to trust people, kept her distance and watched from the far corner of the house.

A few sharp edges needed filing.

Let's see. Yep, pretty darned good.

A little off the bottoms, please.

Rinse, spit and we are done!

Chardonnay, Aurora and Sunny were checked. Their stitches are fine.

We heard moaning and groaning and were afraid that someone had colic. We raced to Frankie's pen, only to find out he was enjoying a super deep, really gooey mud bath. He rolled and twisted and managed to get caked with mud. When Dr D tried to look at his neck to see how his surgery was, Frankie turned away from him and stomped off, looking over his shoulder at the doc.

Another evaluation was done- this time on Levi II. It was decided he was well enough to enjoy some freedom. He has been stalled since he arrived. Oh, did he ever enjoy being out. He went from pen to pen and horse to horse to say Howdy.
He nibbled on grass and hay, and at feeding time tonight went into the barn to be stalled for the night. I think he knows that he will get outside time more often now.

He was used to the donkeys and mules because they visit the lower barn, but the calves amazed him. He would watch them for a while, walk away, then come back and stare some more. Their moos really had him confused.

All the goats thought the sunshine was wonderful. They spent the day basking in the warmth.

Sweetie Pie had injured her eyelid and her eye is infected. Dr D sedated her, then flushed her eye and tear duct. She got an antibiotic injection. Usually, she loves people, but tonight she was still mad at me for letting the vet work on her. Whenever I came neat her stall she turned her back to me and walked away.

Babe, Jesse and Tess were, also, checked because they have not put on much weight after having strangles. We will watch them closely and give them necessary supplements.

Navajo's cancer on his side will be treated, too.

Jake is usually camera shy, but today he wanted a close up.

Thank you Lisa A for your donation.

More rain expected. Oh., goodie. More mud. Jim is going to dry the mud and sell it. Instructions:just add water.