December photos/Equine Affaire: On Target Miniature 2012 foals

[targetsmom]

Update from Tufts: Good news - they figured out what the problem is!!! They found esophogeal ulcers, (in her throat), very new, must have happened this week. That would explain why she acted hungry and then got angry when we tried to feed her. So they have Mira on more fluids, soft diet and treating with Sucralfate which coats mucous membranes. Of course, it also means it is very probably something I gave her in my attempt to resolve the hypocalcemia, and would explain why she started eating Monday and then was off her feed & angry on Tuesday and Wednesday.

 

[Becky]

That's great news, Mary! They should be able to get her straightened out now. Miniature horses are very suseptible to ulcers and it seems to take a combination of treatment to heal them sometimes. Ulcerguard, ranitidine and sucralfate are what I use here for the worst cases. Hope she gets to come home soon!

 

[targetsmom]

Diane- I am afraid I added to confusion in my terminology. My understanding is that these ulcers are NOT in the stomach but are in her THROAT (esophagus) - multiple long ulcers. Trust me, I have plenty of experience with ulcers (and Sucralfate) and even the scoping of ulcers at Tufts. I was hesitant to have them scope Mira because I know that just the fasting needed to scope can make the ulcers worse. But she had already been fasted, so it was an easy decision. And yes, a stomach ulcer could certainly have been caused by her not eating from the thumps, which was exactly why she was on Gastroguard as soon as it happened. And given alfalfa and Stomach Soother. I do think it was something I gave her (on advice of my vet) and the vets at Tufts had never heard of that used like that. They don't think the Stomach Soother could have done it, and I doubt molasses or Gatorade would. I would really rather not say any more about it except to say I do not feel guilty about anything I did for her. She acted like a horse with a sore mouth - wanting to eat but not eating when fed - and the throat ulcers would just be an extension of that soreness. My experience is that a horse with a stomach ulcer does not act the way Mira was acting.

Sorry for the confusion.

 

[eagles ring farm]

Congratulations on your beautiful little girl

and now that they know Miras problem I hope she mends quickly

 

[AnnaC]

Great to hear they have found the problem Mary - now, hopefully they can get her sorted, bless her, and she will be back home with her devoted family before very long.

 

[sar09006]

Speedy recovery Mira so Bunny can come back and play with Clyde and Snappy (is that how you are spelling it?)

I love new baby's bum! A nice big QH butt but still has long legs and long neck!

 

[sar09006]

very quick video of Clyde.

 

[cassie]

hehe thanks

he is so cute

any pics on the new baby dry? would love to see her, with her QH butt hehe

 

[Eagle]

Morning All, Mary I am so glad that they have found out what is wrong with Mira so now they can make her better.

We will probably never know what caused these ulcers it was just a combination of things. Once she is home and safe we can all have a chat about it for educational reasons if you like.

In the meantime a big hug, I am so happy that Mira will soon be better

 

[AnnaC]

Morning Renee and all.

Look at that Clyde - goodness his legs look even longer if that is possible!!

Hope you are having a good sleep Mary? Snappy?? Is that the new filly's name?

 

[Eagle]

Morning Anna

How are you today?

 

[AnnaC]

Fine in myself thank you Renee, but so fed up with all this rain. I'm so glad that we are following our new idea of foaling later this year - dont know how we would cope getting new foals outside for exercise in this weather, and it's been weeks now with no sign of a let up!!

The Queen and Prince Philip have been in our area for a two day visit - such a shame about the rain as everything is getting drowned out and a lot of the well wishers - including a lot of school kiddies - are getting pretty wet!! But the Queen herself is so calm and relaxed, showing no sign of being bothered by the weather, and always smiling, bless her!

 

[Eagle]

Oh yes I forgot about your visit from the Queen, how is the old girl looking?

The weather is a nightmare here too, I think that is what is causing Odette to take her time :arg!

 

[little lady]

((HUGS))

 

[targetsmom]

Well, imagine my surprise when I see that this thread on Sox et al has the most recent post this morning! And then the first thing I read is about the Queen. That brought back old memories and a smile to my face. The VERY first thing I remember watching on TV - as a 6 year old child - was the Coronation of the Queen in 1956. It was in black and white, of course. I think my parents bought the TV just for that, because we hadn't had one up until that time.

Here is a somewhat blurry photo of Snappy - it is so hard to get a photo inside the stall. I also realized why I had trouble finding her other front leg - with Bunny and Clyde, their legs are so long it was easy to know where they were! With Snappy, her legs are so (relatively) short that the second leg was back a little, so it was next to her head! They are all just so different!!!

 

[Eagle]

Morning Mary, I must admit I am somewhat smitten with Little Legs

 

[Eagle]

Yes Mary, as soon as Mira is home with Bunny I think we should have a cyber party

 

[targetsmom]

I don't think I can ever thank you friends enough for all your help - I honestly could not have done it without you!!! I want to make sure that Mary Lou knows how valuable this "chat" forum is, maybe later in the season when more people will have good reports.

Actually, we still don't know what color Bunny is or will be, but before she went to Tufts I pulled hair samples and sent them off to be tested for agouti, gray, splash and frame. Should have results back next week. So we might actually have 2 bays and one silver bay, but definitely a mix of sizes and sex!! Snappy is already a pocket pet like Bunny, and I am working on Clyde. We know from his older sister Taffy that it will be more difficult, but once they are all out together, we think his natural curiosity will take over and he will become a pocket pet too. And there are 8 4-Hers that I am sure will want to help! Even Toffee seems to be getting friendlier!

 

[Eagle]

I would like to thank you for having shared your girls with us through the good and the bad. When I first heard your story and all the bad luck you have had I just had a feeling that this year was going to be different. Mira has had a little set back and I am sure your purse too but she will soon be home and healthy.

 

[targetsmom]

Just got today's update on Mira: She is eating mash (but they need to find a recipe she will like better), hand grazing, and is on Sucralfate, no signs of colic. Her triglycerides are normal. So things are looking up! Vet said that one of the ulcers in her throat - and near her mouth - is 5 cm long!!!