The Daffodils Are Out And Dolly Delivered
As the white rabbit said in Alice and Wonderland, “I’m late, I’m late for a very important date!” I promised an update on Dolly’s vet appointment but didn’t deliver. But it seems our little filly did though it was sometime ago. Dr. Craig Smith came this past week and was heartened to see Dolly much improved; breathing more easily and the swelling greatly reduced in size. And because of the amount of time I had spent applying those comforting hot compress she’d become considerably more trusting.
So, Dr. Smith decided it was time—given the sounds of air gushing from her vaginal area he’d heard on his last visit—to take a peek under her tail. Dolly tolerated the intrusion though she certainly didn’t care for it.
Apparently, --and it would have been at least a year ago--Dolly had had a foal which resulted in considerable vaginal tearing. This can invite fecal contamination and infection so it must be addressed. Yet another dimension added to her past neglect. There was no one there for her at a most critical time. She’s lucky she survived. And I can’t help but wondering if her poor foal did, and if so, what became of it.
And how did this come to pass? Probably some uninformed fool looking to make money threw a stallion out with a herd, shut the gate, and turned his back. This is the worst kind of horse breeder. We’ve already deduced that stunted little Dolly received not a scrap of vet care or nutrition during her brief three and half years of life so the idea that she might have gotten prenatal consideration is ludicrous at best. It is actually amazing that this emaciated horse could have conceived at all. Malnutrition reduces estrogen levels necessary for ovulation. But, obviously, miraculous conceptions can occur.
So Dolly will remain quarantined for an additional week and out, of an abundance of caution, continue her course of oral antibiotics. But as you can see from the pictures she is making friends with all of us. My students and friends here at Windflower are so looking forward to giving her continued care and training. With these Dolly will develop the level of health and dignity she—and every horse--is entitled to. And an abundance of scratches as you see here from her new best friend Juliane:
Ainslie Sheridan copyright 2011
Thank you for reading this week's Windflower update, and I do promise to be back in a few days. -- Ainslie
Thank you for reading this week's Windflower update, and I do promise to be back in a few days. -- Ainslie
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