Mini mauled by wild animal IN HIS STALL - update June 3, 2014

[targetsmom]

Copied from Facebook: Rusty update for Sat 11/16: Rusty's 4-Her Kiera went to visit today and the vet said that perked him up! We sent hay samples to see if we could find something he would like to eat and he ate all of one of the samples! We will take more of that hay tomorrow. His wounds seem to be healing better than expected. He has ulcers on both eyes likely from abrasion not from claws. An eye person will check him out tomorrow to see what is the best next step for them. He was wearing a mask today to protect the eyes. We also hear he tried to follow Kiera out the door when she left. Can't wait to see him tomorrow and have photos for the update!

 

[little lady]

I have been following this and my heart just aches for Rusty and his human counterparts. Looking forward to more updates and pics. You most likely will never know how or why this happened so don't make yourself sick about that. You have done your homework and have addressed what you feel are possible problem areas and that is all you can do. Praying that this animal doesn't come back. Rusty is one very lucky lil horse to have such compassionate humans in his life.

 

[amysue]

Glad to hear he is improving! Best of luck with the corneal ulcers theyre no joke. I have a colt who fell with his eyes open and got a nasty ulcer in each eye. We tried severins ulcer solution for weeks and ended up using an anogulus syurm prepared by a specialist. I do remember him recommending keeping the lights dim until the ulcer healed to keep the colt comfortable and to reduce eye strain. The good thing is that if treated quick he probably wont lose his eye sight. It sounds like he is doing better, which proves he is a strong little horse. I bet he'll pull through just fine. He is in our prayers.

 

[Debby - LB]

just seeing this.! Mary I am so very sorry this happened to your little guy! I know how much you love your horses and how well they are cared for. I can't imagine the helpless feeling of not really knowing and the fear you and your family have. I hope Rusty is improving and will watch for updates.

 

[targetsmom]

Rusty update for Sunday 11/17: I guess we found some hay that he liked because he munched on it all the time we were there! He was in the sling but they took his head out so he could eat. Swelling on the head has gone way down and he is moving his head around better, but he still needs the sling to hold his head up. He is wearing mask because his eyes are still dilated from Sat, which they say is a good thing. A couple of the wounds look nasty but they are watched and treated often. Every day he looks and acts better! One photo shows the padded halter he wears in the sling to hold his head up (along with several wounds). Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. One photo shows the wire that was put in under the barn rafters last week.

 

[misty'smom]

Happy to hear Rusty is improving! Mary I will keep you, Rusty and your family in my prayers. I hope each day he shows improvement, he is lucky to have a family that loves him so much!

 

[AnnaC]

Aww bless him! Thank you for the updates Mary, so pleased that he's improving! Hopefully Kiera will be able to visit as often as possible as he was so pleased to see her. Prayers continuing here for him and all of you.

 

[HGFarm]

I certainly dont think this is a bobcat by any means.... it is way out of character for one, and bobcats favorite prey are rabbits. Their 'm/o' is to pounce, grab and run- not fight in an enclosed stall to try to take down a larger heavier animal. They usually stick to stuff that size, an occasional chicken, etc... but as skittish as they are, seriously doubt one would ever come into a barn to do this. I have seen dogs go for the neck - experienced that on a personal basis a couple of times. I still think it's someone's dog.

 

[BSharpRanch]

Unless the bobcat was rabid.

 

OMG! Mary, I've been away without an computer for almost a week, and I just found this! My heart aches for you -- as I know how much you do to keep your horses protected.

Please keep us posted, and give Rusty a gentle HUG -- and let his 4-H 'momma' know that we are all praying for his speedy and complete recovery!

~~Diane at Castle Rock

 

[targetsmom]

Rusty is continuing to make very slow progress toward recovery but it will be a long slog. At least he is eating well now, as he was on insulin for awhile and had high triglycerides for a bit before that happened. They are starting to talk about what needs to happen for him to come home and the biggest thing is some support for his head at least part of the day. It will be awhile before he can hold it up himself and that is why he has been in the sling. My Facebook friends have been awesome in coming up with ideas and even offering parts and labor. It has gone viral there where I cannot keep up with all the comments (over 2,000) and the shares, which as of Saturday were over 1,500. Here is a link to a photo album of Rusty in better times: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.632780420093888.1073741840.100000858077660&type=1&l=c398acf41b. There is also an album Rusty's Road to Recovery with daily updates but I can't get the link. Both are available to the public so you do not need to be on Facebook to see them.

Thank you all for your concern and prayers. Our plan is to put him on Mare Stare when he comes home so maybe watch for a thread on the Mare Stare watchers forum, even though he isn't a mare!

 

[Debby - LB]

We have enough eyes to watch him that's for sure! He is such a gorgeous little guy bless his heart.

 

You KNOW we will be more than happy to provide 'round the clock boy staring' for this special boy, as you know we all love Rusty!

 

[wingnut]

I can't even come up with words. My heart breaks for Rusty, you, his 4-H'er. {{{{ hugs and prayers }}}}}

 

[misty'smom]

Rusty will have lots of friends to keep an eye on him!! It will be a good way for all the "Mini Moms" here to check on him daily and send their love and prayers through their comments!!!!

 

[barnbum]

Heart breaking. I feel so for everyone involved. I will watch his progress...and pray for the happiest of endings.

 

[targetsmom]

Sorry for the gap in updates but I do post on Facebook every day. We visited yesterday and were encouraged but then this is today's update:

Rusty update Thursday 11/21: Good news/bad news. He spent a lot of the day out of his sling but is having some GI issues so was scoped where an impaction was seen. He has a nasogastric tube and will get oil (and water) and be off food for a day or so. Can't say any of us are surprised, but wish his recovery could go a bit more smoothly! The good news is that his regular harness with a halter and side check looks like it will hold his head up. See photo. Please keep the prayers coming - we appreciate them very much!

Unfortunately, this is reminding me too much of his brother Max, who also was in Tufts and scoped right before Thanksgiving (back in 2010) and never recovered...He died the next February. (I did not post that on FB).

 

[eagles ring farm]

Lots of prayers heading your way for little Rusty

So sad that it also brings back such tough memories.

Praying Rusty's outcome is very different

 

[AnnaC]

Regular prayers coming your way from here in the UK.

 

[Debby - LB]

I keep little Rusty in my prayers