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Devastation can occur in an instant. I found this out the hard way when what was supposed to be a joyous occasion quickly became a nightmare. My young, soon to be next competition horse recently gave birth to a very large filly. All had gone well with the foaling but joy quickly turned to fear when mom failed to pass the placenta in a timely manner. After several long hours, and medication to help her through this she did pass what we soon discovered was only part of the membranes. The rather large non pregnant horn remained in the uterus. The wonderful vets at the Unionville Equine clinic were right on the problem and we began aggressive antibiotics as well as frequent flushings of the uterus with sterile saline. After approximately 72 hours we were finally able to retrieve the reluctant piece and again we thought all was well.
The next morning at 5:00 am, I checked Mikayla's temperature only to find it was 103.5 F. Panic set in! The vet came immediately and we began rapid treatment for toxemia. Then the vet began to use the dreaded "L" word.laminitis. Despite aggressive treatment, Mikayla's temperature continued to rise to an all time high of 104.5 F at 2:00pm that afternoon even though she was on IV, IM and intrauterine antibiotics. We discussed a trip to the New Bolton hospital for large animals, as well as some experimental treatments to ward off the potentially devastating effects of laminitis. One of the suggestions by the experts was to keep her feet in ice around the clock for 72 hours after the trigger event. I had to become creative to achieve her comfort as well as the recommended constant ice. Your easysoaker boots were a perfect solution. I changed the ice around her feet every 2 hours and they stayed nice and cold. The vets also began to discuss therapeutic pads and hoof devices and as they were handing me the Lily Pad therapeutic pads to tape to Mikayla's feet, my mind quickly raced to your recent line of hoof pads with frog support. I couldn't get my barefoot trimmer Dawn Willoughby on the phone fast enough. We discussed the options and what would benefit Mikayla the most. Dawn assured me that no matter the final outcome we would be able to handle it with good trimming and your excellent line of products! We opted for the Old Mac G2's as her foot measures 2 sizes (length vs. width) different in the other boots. I am very comfortable with the G2's as my navicular event horse happily shows his off every chance he gets.
I was so saddened when this event occurred as I was afraid this would be a career ending injury for such a talented horse. Retained placenta is one of the biggest causes of laminitis. With the expertise of my veterinary practice, constant nursing care, and excellent products such as yours, it looks as though Mikayla will have a successful competition life ahead of her. Look for us next year out on the cross country course at the USEA events, I'll be the one on the large bay mare sporting the Old Mac G2 boots!
Sincerely, Amy Jo Magee
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