Thank you all so very much for your concern and best wishes for this little filly. I am overwhelmed with your response to this topic and your many expressions of support. It has been a long couple of days but she is still hanging in there. Last night she nursed from mom pretty agressively but today, not nearly as alert and seems to be tiring. She lies down nearly all the time, getting up only briefly to nurse for only a short period. Vet came back this morning for second Tetracycline injection and to assess her legs. Suggested, in addition to splinting the two back legs, that we put a soft wrap on one of her front legs which was not straight. She thought it might give her some additional support to help her to stand and nurse. Vet will be back tomorrow morning to give third injection.
When we unsplinted the back legs, there was not a lot of change. But there is some improvement so we are thankful and hopeful. We have been massaging it and gently applying tension in the correct direction as some of you suggested. Thankfully we are a retired couple so we have been able to spend all day with her and give her support. Someone mentioned that her hooves looked long for a newborn. Just wanted to say the picture was taken immediately after birth and those were her milk toes. But we did do some minor trimming today on her feet to shorten them as much as we can and remove what is left of the milk toes as she could not wear them off. Thank you for that suggestion also.
Also, several have suggested x-rays and possible surgery. We have a terrific vet and, with her recommendations, we will have to make a rough decision in the next few days if she continues to live. Even if we can get her vigorous and strong, there is still the problem with the deformity, making confortable walking impossible, which will greatly affect her quality of life. Our hearts are broken when we watch her struggle to even stand to seek nourishment.
So, we will see what tomorrow brings. Continue to send up prayers for her. I can not bring myself to give this little sweetheart a name yet.
But please know we are trying to help her as much as we can. Again, thank you for all of your suggestions and encouragement. Mom is a maiden mare but could not be more patient and nurturing.