Even if the colt passed away, we'd all like an update. As I tried to suggest a few times, NONE of us here can make any sort of diagnosis without seeing the patient, and even then most of us are not licensed vets with tools such as labs for blood work and such. How could any of us even know if the horse was underfed without even a picture?
Anyway, moving forward, I hope that this can serve as a wake up call to anyone who does not have easy access to a vet, to plan ahead for emergency events.
Every circumstance is different; maybe you don't have a trailer. So find a friend or neighbor or rental facility. Get numbers of vets, no matter how far away.
Animals cannot talk, so if they are suffering, sometimes suffer quietly. They are at our mercy for proper care. They don't ask or choose to be too far away for medical help, or to be stranded somewhere without a way to get to help. As animal owners, that is an ethical decision we must consider. Personally I would not own a pet that I couldn't do such for, but others might be comfortable with it.
I am fortunate that I have a ton of vets within minutes, and I do have them out for even minor things like a spider bite or mild colic. I always let my vet know I appreciate them!
