Filly that was found starved, frozen to ground: setback, improvements, requests for help

[magical thyme]

The filly that I posted about last week continued to improve until the weekend, when she suffered a prolapsed rectum. The vet believes it was caused by strain when she lays back down after her standing time -- she had so much muscle wasting from the starvation.

The good news is they were able to push the rectum back in and so far it has been holding up, and she is eating and drinking again. Additional good news is that she has passed some gravel (which she ate to fill her belly while starving ) which cannot have helped her prolapse and probably didn't feel so great. And even more good news is that her blood work shows her bloodwork values are headed back to normal! Her eyes look bright in her recent photos, and her mother Anna, who is recovering much more quickly, is brought in daily so they can visit.

The rescue is looking for volunteers to help with her care, specifically a nurse with equine experience, in the Cedar City, Utah area.


Anna (Elsa's mother)

Any horse people who can assist I'm sure will be welcome. Elsa requires care 24x7. It takes several people to help get roll her upright to drink, roll her to her other side, get her to her feet and into the sling, and back down again safely. Last I read, even with the sling she can only stay on her feet for about an hour before she is too exhausted and must lie down again. And she eats whenever she's not asleep, even while resting on her side, so somebody is with her continuously to keep replacing the hay within her reach.

If you are a horse person in that area, or know of any who might be willing and able (damn, it kills me to be trapped on the east coast or I'd be pulling shifts for them every friggin day), they can be contacted at FB or email to [e-mail]. FB at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dust-Devil-Ranch-Sanctuary-for-Horses/339164949499108 (no phone calls please. they are flat out 24x7 caring for the horses there.)

[nolabear]

1. Poor darling. I hope she gets everything she needs for the rest of her life.

I wish I knew someone. I expect they'll find plenty of love. Keep us posted if you find out how she's doing.

[magical thyme]

5. I check their facebook page daily

I don't do facebook, but can see all the front page stuff on this. I will continue to post updates as her situation changes (for better or worse).

The improving bloodwork is a very good sign, as it means the nutrients she needs are getting to her and her body is healing. Also getting that gravel out of her stomach and gut, as it impedes digestion and absorption, as well as potentially causing damage to the delicate tissues.

Psyllium fiber is a great discovery. It seems to bind everything up into a rubbery mass and slides it through.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

2. kicking for exposure. anyone that can help. please. n/t

[SamKnause]

3. Precious filly

Thanks for the update.

I wish I lived in the area.

I laid in the barn on a quilt with my horse when she was ill.

I hope the pretty little filly makes a full recovery.

[magical thyme]

4. I spent a winter night wrapped in a horse blanket

by my horse's side when I almost lost him to a poisonous spider bite.

They've been caring for this filly around the clock for 2 weeks now. Thanks to some angels, they have a loaner RV parked outside the barn for the volunteers to rest up, warm up and eat in. For the first 10 days or so, they were literally living inside the barn.

[arthritisR_US]

6. k & r! nt

[magical thyme]

7. kicking for exposure. they need experienced horsepeople to help with 24x7 care...

The just posted a morning update with pic a short time ago. She still looks emaciated, but her wounds look much improved and her eye is wide open.


Elsa getting ready to be lifted to her feet. Apparently she's turned night owl, wide awake, nickering and looking around at night, mostly sleeping during the day. Along with her starvation and hypothermia, she also has a pinched nerve so still does not have use of one leg. But she is trying to flex the heel. They're hoping once she redevelops some muscle mass, it will heal. It's too soon to try any therapy on it...

[riderinthestorm]

8. K&R magical thyme! Thanks for the update. I'm in IL or I too would be there

I've done this work before and I know that even a few hours per week can mean the difference between "enough" helping hands and failure...

[Orrex]

9. I have never before read a story that included this line:

The good news is they were able to push the rectum back in

At that point, I truly don't want to hear the bad news.


I applaud everyone working to heal this poor animal.

[joeybee12]

10. Poor baby...

How did this happen to her?

[magical thyme]

11. neglect abuse. owner says he didn't have money to feed her or her mother

so he left them to starve to death in his paddock. By chance, a neighbor saw them and reported it. Both were found as "1s" on the condition scale, with 5 being normal and 1 emaciated/starving to death. The mother still had the strength to stand and walk. The filly had collapsed, was in hypothermia, and frozen to the ground, still moving her legs trying to get back up. They had to pry her off the ground and carry her out. She weighed approximately 350 pounds -- half what she should have for her age and size -- and was within hours of dying.

The owner has been charged with 2 counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals. they need stronger animal abuse laws in Utah.

[joeybee12]

12. Amen to that...throw the guy in jail and throw away the key...

How the phuck does anyone not even look around for help?