December 1, 2013
Golden Spike Farm
Farm Horses
equine, farm horse, fever, horse, hospital, rescue, SaveNash, surgery
Things are continuing along the positive path, Nash’s temperature remains to be normal. On Saturday they stopped one of the 2 antibiotics that he was receiving via IV. Then on Sunday morning they were please to find the fever didn’t return, they have kept him on the one Antibiotic (Gentamicin). The good news is that if he remains fever free tomorrow they will discuss with me having him come home early next! YES, finally talking about my boy coming home.
Fingers crossed and positive thoughts for Nash. Thanks for all your kind words and support!
November 29, 2013
Golden Spike Farm
Farm Horses
equine, fever, horse, hospital, SaveNash
Went to see Nash today and finally met Dr Parente. At that point he had been back on the iv antibiotics for 2 days. He said his fever went from 104 last night down to 101 this morning. The lung fluid culture grew gram positive bacteria. So that means he does have pneumonia.
What we still dont know is when he can come home. Dr P. said he has to talk to the specialist to ask his thoughts. Maybe a couple more days.
I have to say Nash didn’t look good. He lost weight and the swelling in his legs was really bad. He didn’t even move to say hi. We went in and petted and brushed him, still he didn’t move. Then as we went to leave he gave us the said eyes. He walked to the door gave me the “don’t leave me look”. Oh my gosh, broke my heart.
Can’t wait to get my boy home!
They shaved his chest for the ultra sound.
He licked my face.
Smile Nash!
November 27, 2013
Golden Spike Farm
Farm Horses
equine, horse, hospital, rescue, SaveNash, surgery
Dr Parente said today that there are no bacteria growing in the cultures, which indicates no lung infection or pneumonia. The new antibiotics are not working and he still has a fever. They decided to put him back on the IV antibiotics, with the thought that he didn’t start the fever till they switched him to oral. He indicated he might be able to go home this weekend.
The bill so far for Nash is $5,000. Luckily and thankfully the donations went over my goal and we have about $700 more. Dr P. said that with the IV ABX we will be looking at about $200 per day. It will be close but I think we will be ok.
November 26, 2013
Golden Spike Farm
Farm Horses
equine, fever, horse, horses, hospital, SaveNash, surgery
I wish I had better news but there really is no change.
They performed the tracheal wash to obtain a sample of the fluid in the lungs. Then set up the culture, yesterday. As of today nothing is growing, which is not a surprise as sometime it take 2 days for bacteria to grow. So they are keeping him on the current antibiotics (SMZs) and added Metronidazole (yesterday). The second ABX is one that is commonly used for pneumonia.
This morning his fever spiked over 104 but again responded to the bute and came back down to 101. He said that high of a temperature is usually viral and only lasts 2 – 3 days. Also he doesn’t look or act like a horse with a 104 temperature caused by pneumonia. He does have slightly and occasionally elevated heart rate and respiratory rate but if it was true pneumonia he would look and act sick. He would be coughing, but instead he is still eating, drinking, and going to the bathroom all normally.
With the additional ABX they were really hoping for improvement this morning and are really not sure as to the cause of the high fever. They are starting to think something else is causing the fever. Maybe something related to the swelling in his legs.
So we wait some more for them to figure this out.
November 23, 2013
Golden Spike Farm
Farm Horses
equine, fever, horse, horse farm, horses, hospital, hugs and kisses, rescue, SaveNash, surgery
I woke up this morning to a phone call from the vet helping Dr Parente. She had not so good news… Nash has developed a fever. His temperature is 104. Normal body temperature for horses is 98 – 101 F. They think it is is viral infection but would like to keep him in the hospital over the weekend. She said he can probably go home Monday. While this is very disappointing, I understand it is best for him to stay in the hospital where they can monitor him closely and react quickly should he worsen. She did say he is eating a drinking as normal, which is why it is probably a viral infection.
Lover boy
November 22, 2013
Golden Spike Farm
Farm Horses
farm horse, horse, SaveNash, surgery
I spoke to Dr Parente this morning. He said Nash was still doing good. They did notice his heart rate was slightly elevated and are keeping an eye on it. He has been switched from IV to oral ABs and they are reducing his bute (pain killer). He is not that concerned about the elevate heart rate and said that he can be discharged tomorrow. So we are leaving after my last lesson at 2 pm to bring my boy home.
This picture is from when I first met and rode Nash.
November 20, 2013
Golden Spike Farm
Farm Horses
horse, hospital, SaveNash, surgery
Came to visit my handsome man on the first day after surgery. He saw me picked his head up and went right back to munching on his hay, but Glad to see he is eating. When I came in to his stall he gave my hand a good sniff to say hello oh yeah I know you.
He has a massive bandage around his belly so I can’t see the incision site. When I approached his side he moved away quickly like a fear of being touched pain reaction. But that does not surprise me.
Then I sat down in the hay and hung out. Helping him find the good bits of hay and letting him know I am here with a little scratch on the head every once in a while.
The nurses stopped by and they were pleased to see he has a visitor. One of them said “oh I love him”. Guess that means he has been a good boy.
A different vet called me today with an update. Saying his recovery is going well with him eating and going to the bathroom as normal.
November 19, 2013
Golden Spike Farm
Farm Horses
equitation, horse, lessons, trainer, wisdom
Words of horse wisdom
A great blog/article that gives a few tid bits of wisdom that every rider could use. Some of us already know but we forget.
November 19, 2013
Golden Spike Farm
Farm Horses
abuse, equine, horse, love, rescue, SaveNash, surgery, trust
I am Thankful I have my horse Nash in my farm life. He is the equine example of unconditional love and trust. I quickly realized he was abused before I rescued him. It took him a while to understand that we were not the same people as in his past. Since he was reminded daily of how much we love and respect our horses he learned to love and trust again. Thank you all how convinced me to fund raise for him and thank you to all who donated to the surgery that he is having today.
November 18, 2013
Golden Spike Farm
Farm Activities, Farm Horses
equine, horse, horses, love, nature, rescue, SaveNash, surgery
Pre-Surgical work up day
I got to the barn early and fed him his two cups of grain. He was such a good boy this morning. I told him the plan and about going in the trailer. He followed me right in to the trailer. He was definitely nervous and shaking a little, but is so trusting. When we got on the road the anxiety started and my stomach was in knots.
It took us about 2 hours to get to the hospital. 
Look at that face, he was so upset and confused. Poor guy.
After going to admissions someone meet us at the trailer and escorted Nash to his stall. He we so good; but very nervous and looking around, taking it all in and trying to figure it out. I led him into the stall that was filled with straw bedding. I guess he has not seen that before as he wasn’t sure about walking into it.
Then they put a muzzle on him due to this dietary restrictions (only a little bit of grain). He didn’t like that at all. And thought is was very unfair that there was hay in the hay rack and straw on the ground.
It was time to go and leave him there. I left feeling so bad for him, but knowing it is for the best and the surgery will give him a long life with no worries of the hernia getting bigger.
Dr Parente called me this afternoon. He had a look at him and said we are all set for surgery tomorrow. The hernia is of a good size and shape for the operation. He is going to have the ultrasound done to have a look at the margins and determine the procedure for anchoring the mesh. The surgery will be done tomorrow afternoon and he will call me after. So now we wait.
Thank you to all the Facebook friends who have already sent us positive thoughts, prayers and wished Nash good luck.
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