We'd like to thank Caroline B. and her family for dropping by for a visit today. For her senior project, Caroline chose to do a presentation on senior horses. As part of that project, she built a display which featured some of TREES' residents (Miss Mona in particular) to take to local horse shows, and also collected donations and used tack for Traveller's Rest to use in fundraising efforts. Today TREES was presented with 8 saddles, among other items, that will be used to generate funds for residents' care. Caroline will also be building a PowerPoint presentation as the final phase of her project. We hope she'll send us a copy!
As a side note........Sherman - (formerly) timid, detached Sherman - thoroughly enjoyed Caroline's company and I think would have stayed right next to her as long as she stood in one place.
Thank you, again, Caroline. Hope you enjoy your holiday weekend in DC!
--- On Sat, 11/21/09, Mike & Chris Smith <smithmc@...> wrote:
From: Mike & Chris Smith <smithmc@...> Subject: [VirginiaEquineRescue] Sherman's Rehab Plan To: VirginiaEquineRescue@yahoogroups.com Date: Saturday, November 21, 2009, 7:20 AM
One of TREES facebook fans (Thanks, Michelle!) asked if we would share Sherman's diet plan.
Our reply:
"Oh, sure! Before he got here, Sherman was obviously not getting much to eat, let alone getting a good diet. When he did get anything in addition to some hay, we were told it was an inexpensive general livestock grain. Usually that means a lot of whole oats, whole corn and other whole grains that an older horse can't chew and, therefore, can't digest. When he got here, he'd had very serious diarrhea for some time.
For his first meal, he got half a flake of grass hay. No senior feed right then. At the next meal, he was offered 2 cups of Triple Crown senior feed, soaked, then another half flake of hay. (He is given senior feed in four small meals during the day.) The next day, we gave him a whole flake of hay at a time since he didn't seem to be wolfing it down. On the third day, we began slowly increasing the portion of senior feed and introducing small handfuls of soaked alfalfa cubes.
The only thing we added to the hay and senior feed to this point was some ProBios. In general, unless recommended by the vet, we try not to introduce a lot of new things to a gut that's already in an uproar. After about 5-6 days, the diarrhea was more of an intermittent problem rather than a constant issue, then we figured out that some of the hay had clover in it and that seemed to be what he was sensitive to.
We eliminated the clover and started adding Accel (thank you, Dover Saddlery!) to two meals a day since it contains probiotic ingredients. That seemed to do the trick, and though Sherman occasionally has softer manure than normal, its still well formed and not a major concern at this point.
Right now, Sherman is eating four meals a day, each consisting of 2-1/4 qt of senior feed and 1-1/2 qt of alfalfa, free choice grass hay and Accel 2x/day. Since he does still have some soft manure now and then, we're going to be very cautious introducing him to grass. We'll probably continue to increase his feed portions until he's getting 3 quarts 4x/day and maintain that diet until he regains the weight he needs.
Keep in mind that this is a customized Sherman Rehab Plan. We have a general outline we follow for each horse, but the details are always different."
One of TREES facebook fans (Thanks, Michelle!) asked if we would share Sherman's diet plan.
Our reply:
"Oh, sure! Before he got here, Sherman was obviously not getting much to eat, let alone getting a good diet. When he did get anything in addition to some hay, we were told it was an inexpensive general livestock grain. Usually that means a lot of whole oats, whole corn and other whole grains that an older horse can't chew and, therefore, can't digest. When he got here, he'd had very serious diarrhea for some time.
For his first meal, he got half a flake of grass hay. No senior feed right then. At the next meal, he was offered 2 cups of Triple Crown senior feed, soaked, then another half flake of hay. (He is given senior feed in four small meals during the day.) The next day, we gave him a whole flake of hay at a time since he didn't seem to be wolfing it down. On the third day, we began slowly increasing the portion of senior feed and introducing small handfuls of soaked alfalfa cubes.
The only thing we added to the hay and senior feed to this point was some ProBios. In general, unless recommended by the vet, we try not to introduce a lot of new things to a gut that's already in an uproar. After about 5-6 days, the diarrhea was more of an intermittent problem rather than a constant issue, then we figured out that some of the hay had clover in it and that seemed to be what he was sensitive to.
We eliminated the clover and started adding Accel (thank you, Dover Saddlery!) to two meals a day since it contains probiotic ingredients. That seemed to do the trick, and though Sherman occasionally has softer manure than normal, its still well formed and not a major concern at this point.
Right now, Sherman is eating four meals a day, each consisting of 2-1/4 qt of senior feed and 1-1/2 qt of alfalfa, free choice grass hay and Accel 2x/day. Since he does still have some soft manure now and then, we're going to be very cautious introducing him to grass. We'll probably continue to increase his feed portions until he's getting 3 quarts 4x/day and maintain that diet until he regains the weight he needs.
Keep in mind that this is a customized Sherman Rehab Plan. We have a general outline we follow for each horse, but the details are always different."
Yes, Nathan Fans, what you are looking at is a horse that is muddy on both sides of his body. Why is that odd? Wellllllllll, if you recall, when Nate first arrived, he could only get to his feet if he slept or rested on his right side. What you are seeing here is a horse who is able to roll around in the mud on BOTH sides and get up under his own power. Bravo, Natey!
Baby steps for some, leaps of faith for Nate's supporters! Thank you to everyone who encouraged us to not give up on this grand gentleman.
(Note: Nate is "pointing," or standing with one foot in front of him, because that foot is still a work in progress. Two days ago, Nate's heel was lowered a little more, and his sole and frog pared back as needed, so he may be feeling some tendon stretching and some "new" sensation on the bottom of that foot.)
Once the "remnants" of Tropical Storm Ida depart, the horses say they MAY venture out of their sheds. Anyone with an extra hour or two to spare, Fri, Sat, or Sun would be very very much appreciated. (And you get to meet Sherman!)
Mona two days after being removed from the Polo Pony Retirement Foundation.
August 8, 2009
Mona, November 7, 2009
While we were hoping to gain some insight at the trial as to why this happened to Mona and her herdmates, we can now put this behind us and focus on the future.
Its long been known that the administration of oral or injectible steroids like dexamethasone could cause complications in horses with Cushings. This study shows that steroids in topical creams can be absorbed through the skin, causing measurable amounts to show up blood samples.
"We were really surprised to see such massive systemic changes in such a short time," Abraham said. "And this was in healthy horses.
The study, "Effects of dermal dexamethasone application on ACTH and both basal and ACTH-stimulated cortisol concentration in normal horses," was published in the August 2009 Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics.
Those of you who "worm" according to fecal egg counts rather than by the calendar will want to read this article. How you store the sample may affect the result:
Sometime last night, the shell cracked open and, both literally and figuratively, Sherman emerged! Rather than staying sequestered in his stall all day and night, Sherm is now strolling outside on a frequent basis. His eye has softened, he's inquisitive and seeking attention. A far cry from the timid guy of the past few days.
Because he is very thin and is showing some physical signs that may point to Cushings, we are proceeding cautiously with Sherman's refeeding program. Lack of weight can sometimes mask the severity of illnesses like Cushings and we want to avoid tiggering any complications like an episode of laminitis.
It appears Sherman is over his suspicion about the camera being a predator. Don't be surprised if you see a lot of closeups of his nose from here on out!
I just realized we frequently talk about our Cushings Club, but we've never really told you who the members are. The official membership stands at six, but last summer's testing revealed two more may be at the jumping off point. As we mentioned a few days ago, our new arrival, Sherman, looks pretty suspicious as well. Not long ago, a diagnosis of "Cushings Disease," now known as PPID (Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction,) was viewed by many as a death sentence. Not any more!
And so, without further ado...........The Traveller's Rest Equine Elders Sanctuary Cushings Club:
Nate, mid 30's
Freddy, 26
Wade, 26
Sonny, 38
Josh, late 30's?
Henry, 25
Interestingly, all are geldings. All are managed with pergolide and a carefully controlled diet (thanks to all of our visitors for being very understanding about our "No Treats" policy,) and all are retested each year with pergolide dosages adjusted accordingly.
Gifts continue to arrive no matter what time of year it is!
Thank you, Tim, for the muck bucket full of goodies: Five new breakaway halters, cotton leads, ivermectin, a complete grooming kit, Swat ointment, Vetwrap and a clock almost too nice to put up in a barn. It may need to go on the porch or in the room used for small tour groups.Thank you, too, for your generous contribution directly to TREES' account at REVC. We look forward to seeing you again soon as a volunteer.
And Trish! Toothless Wonders, one and all, thank you for 50 lbs of alfalfa cubes as well as the grooming supplies. The extra soft brush and curry are perfect for new arrivals like Sherman that may be carrying little flesh over their weary old bones. Since we've seen more bot eggs this year than we usually do, the bot knife is particularly welcome!
At the risk of sounding a little repetitive, we could not offer TREES' residents the level of care we strive to meet without community support. Every gift, big, small, cash, goods, or time, adds to the sanctuary's ability to execute its stated mission and goals.
Need info on Emerald Transport Company - Please respond ASAP
Need info on Emerald Transport Company: Please send replies directly to idahonc@...
Perhaps someone you know used them. I think they may do cross country transports so please ask this question to your friends and list groups. I need this ASAP, please.
This is what I need to know:
Has anyone used them?
What kind of results did they get?
Were the horses delivered on time and in good condition?
Was the experience a bad one. If so, why?
Details about the experience: "I used them and I will use them again because," or "I used them and will never use them again because."
Anything else you think someone considering using this company should know.
WHAT I DO KNOW
I found their website and did several others who have replied, and thank you all who have.
Emerald Horse Transportation - Nationwide, Enumclaw, WA
More info from the website: Apparently they are new in the business, only since '07, but with 10 years experience with another transport company, and experience in trucking. Their primary vehicle is a 2008 Volvo semi, with a horse van trailer.