I cannot thank each and every one of you enough. I have told this to Diane, but it really is like having a family from all over the world. You are all truly amazing for praying for Summer and I, and I apologize it has taken me this long to get on here and finally post.
Sunday morning was a disaster. The fillies head and 2 front legs were out but when a couple pushes came and nothing happened I started to assist Summer. The vets were already called before any of us knew anything was even wrong, thank god because I don't know how long it would have been if I waited to recognize the problem. I pulled with Summer's contractions and the shoulders popped out after about a minute or two. Then I could see halfway down the foals barrel/rib cage. Thats where nothing else happened, no budge, nothing. It was like the foal was being held by a vice grip. I knew something was wrong before I knew she was stuck. Oh backing up a bit.... I had broken the bag and cleared the nose one head/neck and legs were out. Tons of fluid came pouring out of her nose, and in my heart I knew the foal was no longer with us. Complete devastation. I just stared at her gorgeous face in complete disbelief that this was even happening.
My help/friends went from 2 others to roughly 12-20, I never counted as I was kind of on a different planet with everything unfolding. My vet arrived and immediately took over. I knew she was gone, wether she was before birth or not her chest cavity was compressed and stuck for way to long. I gently asked the vet if Summer could be saved and when his reply was "Thats what I am now trying to do" it was like the entire world crashed down. This may sound a bit dramatic, and I know everyone loves each and every animal they have, but there has always been something so very special about Summer. I have had many horses come in my life, and she has always been the most amazing soul and personality I have ever gotten to know. I couldn't bare the thought of losing her and when I went into hysterics I was brought out of the stall and went to sit outside. I was having a hard time breathing, I knew I had to call Diane. The foal was not hiplocked, but was in the dog sitting position.
Diane I have told my entire family, but especially my mom just how special you really are. Its like talking to an angel, and I truly mean that. You are so amazingly strong and intelligent, it was like talking with you made everything a bit better. I knew Summer had a chance, it was just a question as whether or not the vets could save her. The foal had been stuck just shy of an hour and a half when 2 friends walked out of the barn with both thumbs up in the air. The foal was finally out of Summer. Summer had been having a hard time breathing, using every ounce of energy and strength she had left to help get her baby out. It was immediate relief to hear they had freed the stuck foal.
We lost a beautiful black filly with a big, and perfect white blaze. She had 2 white stockings up to her back hocks, almost identical to Summers. I think she may have been a pinto, but I only ever saw the right side of her body. She was big, and I measured her cannon which was exactly 9 inches. So with a projected mature height of about 38' she was big. Her legs went on forever. I took photos of her to compare with a foal my friend had lost last month and she was easily double the size. But I still cannot believe I have now buried my second filly with a period of 5 months
Then came the conversation about Summer's well being. She was immediately given banamine, penicillin, and iv fluids. I started taking her temp the next morning and she was eating her hay with no fever. Then in the afternoon I temped her at 102.7, vet was called and arrived no more than 10 minutes later. I asked about flushing her, she told me to listen to her "spiel." My mom and I decided best thing for Summer was to keep her with her familiar surroundings and not move her to the hospital (this little horse does not adapt well). She was started on gentamicin which was administered with her penicillin and banamine. She was also flushed out. She was flushed yesterday as well, and given all the same medication. She was very mopey and depressed which has been very upsetting to see.
This morning I had just gotten out of my first class and headed right for the barn. I was walking down the aisle and said her name and heard the biggest, and happiest whinny!!! She came right to the door all happy and very alert. Tears of joy!! No fever, got her banamine and will be flushed again later in the day. After spending some time with her I gather my things and went to leave. I was stopped at the end of the aisle by the man who feeds her for me when I have college classes early in the morning. He said that when he went back to check Summer she had finished all of her bran mash! Which she has never had more than a few bites. BIG STEPS!!! He told me how happy he was to see her eating again, he made my entire day!! Summer has not eaten her grain since last Saturday so to finish all her mash today was a big accomplishment!!!
I spoke with Diane about 2 hours ago and apologized for not getting back with her earlier. We have now shared tears of complete sadness and complete joy!! You are SUCH a special person Ms. Diane!! I told her as soon as I was home I wanted to post and thank you all, for everything! All of this happened just before my week of finals, so I am trying to pull myself together and finish the college year with good grades
Thanks again to each and every one of you! The well wishes and prayers have undoubtedly helped Summer and my whole family get through this very rough time. BIG HUGS back to all of you! xo
