Well, things have been a bit of a roller coaster unfortunately.
This is a quick update due to me running around like a mad women between work (so I can afford my horse's care) and time with Lazarus. I think I've slept a total of 6 hrs since Monday.
This picture is from last night. Lazarus still is struggling. Vet has come out three times. He has been tubed twice (though vet is coming again today and may again tube him) with water. Put an IV in him for antibiotics because it seems he is fighting a virus as well (he is updated on all shots other than Flu because the day he was supposed to get the Rhino Flu, was the day he colicked).
Yesterday, I walked in round pen where he seemed to want to move and stretch and did successfully for about 15-20 minutes at a slow and easy pace. He is very lethargic right now. He has been battling a fever that goes up (104.5) to back down to 100, very concerning. Vet put him on banamine (sp?) again, and a stomach ulcer coating to protect him tummy from all the meds. Laz layed down in the round pen with me yesterday where I rubbed his belly, legs and back which he seemed to really enjoy. He stood up after 20 minutes of that and layed down on the other side, so I massaged that side. He has been pooping, but not much, and the oil is starting to come out. His appetite is small. We did get him to eat some hay (about 1 flake) and he did drink about 8 inches of water.
I talked to the barn owner this morning and she said Laz seems to be alert and more himself, however, he again has a high fever of 104.5. Vet is coming back out...
Beyond heartbreaking, scary and I'm struggling to find answers on what is doing this to him so we can nip it in the bud!
More to come as I can...and so many thanks to all of you that are sending your good thoughts! It helps!!!
Sending good thoughts your way - is there any point in referring him to a good vet clinic where he could get 24 hour care? It doesn't sound like he's improving much and the high fever is worrisome. Vet clinics aren't cheap, but a good one might make a difference. He could get IV antibiotics and fluids, which would be easier on his stomach in the case of the antibiotics. Banamine can slow down gut function in certain cases, but I expect your vet is taking that into account.
ReplyDeleteOh man this sucks big time! Poor guy! I am hoping and praying everything turns out ok. I'm with Kate - can you get him to a clinic?
ReplyDeleteOh, poor sweet boy. We are all still thinking good thoughts for him here.
ReplyDeleteHi..the clinic was discussed today. Actually the vet we use is a teaching vet from MSU (Michigan State U which is outstanding for equine care). He thought Laz seemed to be doing better today, which he is..I will write in more detail soon about that. He thought his care, as of now, is better at home. Not to disturb him more, aggervate his ulcers, etc. Laz graze happily for 5 hrs today! Fever is down too, for now...
ReplyDeleteMSU is still an option if need be, of course.