Boss Mare
Well-Known Member
I just wanted to take a minute and re-introduce myself to the forum. Some of you may have noticed I've been 'missing' for a long time. I did still read the forum, but never had it in my heart to post..
It feels good to be back on the forum.
There are so many new people. I welcome you all and to those I know, I'm back!
I had a rough beginning in 2007 with the horses. I lost four of the Miniature Horses from March through April. Two fillies and two stallions..
'Something' went through my herd, the vet's basically lived here on the farm during the day and there were several emergency night visits made - this went on for about 6 weeks. We all were mentally and emotionally drained.
We never quite figured out what it was, but talk about massive fevers, refusing to eat and a few would fall right over while standing or trying to do anything more than a walk. We had elevated white cell counts, but basically everything else was normal.
My barn turned into a horse-hospital and at once we had five on constant IV fluid drips. All of them were on antibiotics and other meds. Tests, after tests.. more blood.. I don't even like to think about all we went through.
I lost my first foal born here, Fantasy and the next day I lost my filly, Sky. To those who remember Sky is the one who we saved a couple years ago by having emergency colic surgery done to remove her 13 lb. impaction.
I thought for sure I was going to lose my 2005 filly too. She was so weak and whatever this thing was, it was really hard on her little body. She spent more of her time laid out on her side, lifeless.. she'd barely blink an eye and throughout the day we'd have to go out there and literally pick her up and put her on her feet and walk beside her for even a few steps without her falling to the ground.. She has made a full recovery.
The other two I lost were two out of three of my stallions. MacGyver and Ozzy, they died the very same night..
The other Miniature Horses were ill also, but not as bad. They all recovered.
Ironically enough, I have two Quarterhorses - a 9 year old and a 30 year old and they were perfectly fine. I recently found the aged QH a great home to retire at with many, many acres to run and get fat and be spoiled by lots of lesson kids! I am thrilled.
We were checking and testing everyday from hays, grains, etc. to things they could have gotten into in the pasture and lots and everything checked safe. I was even considering neighbors doing something out of spite, but where I live this is unlikely.
We honestly were and still are clueless.
My horses are extremely well cared for. Any of you who know me know they are like my children and get the best. They all were up to date on vaccinations, including West Nile.. but if they weren't from the way they were acting this would've been my first guess..
Anyway, we are all over this and I am ready to move on..
..and to introduce myself. I am Michelle, the proud owner of one Quarterhorse and seven Miniature Horses.
It feels good to be back on the forum.
There are so many new people. I welcome you all and to those I know, I'm back!
I had a rough beginning in 2007 with the horses. I lost four of the Miniature Horses from March through April. Two fillies and two stallions..
'Something' went through my herd, the vet's basically lived here on the farm during the day and there were several emergency night visits made - this went on for about 6 weeks. We all were mentally and emotionally drained.
We never quite figured out what it was, but talk about massive fevers, refusing to eat and a few would fall right over while standing or trying to do anything more than a walk. We had elevated white cell counts, but basically everything else was normal.
My barn turned into a horse-hospital and at once we had five on constant IV fluid drips. All of them were on antibiotics and other meds. Tests, after tests.. more blood.. I don't even like to think about all we went through.
I lost my first foal born here, Fantasy and the next day I lost my filly, Sky. To those who remember Sky is the one who we saved a couple years ago by having emergency colic surgery done to remove her 13 lb. impaction.
I thought for sure I was going to lose my 2005 filly too. She was so weak and whatever this thing was, it was really hard on her little body. She spent more of her time laid out on her side, lifeless.. she'd barely blink an eye and throughout the day we'd have to go out there and literally pick her up and put her on her feet and walk beside her for even a few steps without her falling to the ground.. She has made a full recovery.
The other two I lost were two out of three of my stallions. MacGyver and Ozzy, they died the very same night..
The other Miniature Horses were ill also, but not as bad. They all recovered.
Ironically enough, I have two Quarterhorses - a 9 year old and a 30 year old and they were perfectly fine. I recently found the aged QH a great home to retire at with many, many acres to run and get fat and be spoiled by lots of lesson kids! I am thrilled.
We were checking and testing everyday from hays, grains, etc. to things they could have gotten into in the pasture and lots and everything checked safe. I was even considering neighbors doing something out of spite, but where I live this is unlikely.
We honestly were and still are clueless.
My horses are extremely well cared for. Any of you who know me know they are like my children and get the best. They all were up to date on vaccinations, including West Nile.. but if they weren't from the way they were acting this would've been my first guess..
Anyway, we are all over this and I am ready to move on..
..and to introduce myself. I am Michelle, the proud owner of one Quarterhorse and seven Miniature Horses.
