We were at the Unadilla auction on
Friday 10/16/09 when I was asked by another rescue person to please take a look at a horse. I was told by the man who had
the horse in his trailer that it had been purchased in June of 09 but was old and in failing health and a little thin, the
auction management would not let him be run through the sale because this would have violated humane law. In the trailer
was an emaciated gelding, when I tried to determine his age I could not open his mouth, he had hard swellings on both sides
of his face. I asked if the owners would be willing to sign a surrender and he said they were at the auction and he would
find them and ask. He came up to me a few minutes later and introduced me to the owner who was willing to surrender him.
She gave me a history that the horse was fat and happy and healthy in June, at some point he had a suspected allergic reaction
to something and swelled up, the vet treated him (though she could not tell me how) and he declined in health and weight after
this episode. She only had a run in shed where the horse was boarded and was afraid he would die without proper shelter in
his current condition. She signed a surrender and we put him on our trailer.
I was really worried about him so
I called Pine Bush Equine and told them I was coming with a sick and emaciated horse and would be there around 11:30 PM. Upon
arrival he had a full exam as well as blood drawn for labs. He was tubed to make sure he had a clear pathway for food and
water to travel to his stomach, while tubed he was given electrolytes and a few gallons of warm water to help with the dehydration.
Next he had an oral exam and had his teeth floated (they could not be finished however because he was too sick to sedate much
and he was not tolerating his bottom teeth being done.) His lips are enlarged and hard and hang over his teeth, he had a sore
on one side that looks like he has been chewing on them when he eats. He was given some banamine and a shot of pennicillin.
The bloodwork revealed a high WBC
and an IV catheter was placed, he is getting supportive care along with Gentacin and Pennicillin for suspected pneumonia.
Any help with his ongoing care is appreciated.
