This is about our miracle gift. On June 3, 2008, Samoa (who is 22 years old), gave birth to a filly after 12 months, 16 days gestation! We had bred Samoa AI on May 17, 2007, but when checked in June was found not to be in foal. So, when we had Samoa checked in April 2008, preparing for rebreeding, we found she was indeed in foal, to Freedom!
Monica and I were present when Samoa’s water broke at 6:30 AM, but after 15 minutes, the birth was not progressing and I was headed to call our vet, Dr. Barrow, when I saw just the tip of an ear being presented… not good! The foal was not in the proper position for birth. I immediately called Dr. Barrow and while she was en route, Samoa strained so hard (she sounded like a wounded elephant) and the foal was forced through the birth canal in that position… her front legs were underneath her and not out in front… technically she was “presented crown first with limbs retained at the elbows.” The filly was small, thank God, or she could not have been born in that position.
Dr. Barrow arrived minutes after the birth; she checked the foal and all looked “normal” except for her size (she weighed about 75 lbs.)… Samoa was checked and there was no tearing or bleeding, just bruising. Before Dr. Barrow left, the foal was up and looking for milk. Everything seemed okay, all things considered. She nursed within the hour and continued to do so, but not as aggressively as most foals…
Next day, Dr. Barrow came to check her IGG (immune transfer from the colostrum) and the results were a score of 400 instead of the preferred 800… she recommended we give her plasma to help boost her immune system. Dr. Barrow was already suspecting a potential problem… sepsis… failure to thrive, hypoglycemia and dehydration. She recommended aggressive treatment and proceeded with the plasma, 1 litre of fluids infused with DMSO, and 1 litre infused with Vitamin E/Selenium, Thiamine, Banamine, Dextrose (and Normasol). Naxcel, Amikacin and Gastroguard were also administered.
The Amikacin was administered IV daily through an indwelling catheter in her neck, and she appeared to be thriving, gaining weight and was active for the next 5 days. On Sunday, June 8, I noticed a slight swelling in her right fetlock but she was not lame and I intended to call the vet on Monday. Early Monday morning, June 9th, Monica checked her before going to work and found that she was three legged lame! …not using her left front leg at all. Dr. Barrow was called and she came out immediately. After examination, she strongly urged that we send the filly to Auburn or UGA for treatment of “joint ill” (infection systemically) that was suspected in three joints.
On Monday June 9, just hours after diagnosis, we took Angel to AuburnVeterinaryHospital for evaluation and treatment. Dr. Justin Harper, Head of Surgery, was her primary doctor, assisted by Melissa Fleming, Senior Student, and a staff of wonderful students took over and immediately began diagnostics and treatment. After ultra sounds and x-rays, they proceeded to surgery to lavage the three joints and found infection in the left elbow, right fore fetlock and right hock. The initial fluid from the joints was a dark brownish/orange color (really bad as it should be clear!). Over the period of two weeks they performed numerous lavages and took samples of fluid for analysis. The culture of the bacteria was shown to be susceptible to the Amikacin (thank God Dr. Barrow made the right call) and this medicine was continued for the duration of her hospitalization.
I began to learn what joint ill is all about… in 28 years of breeding this is my first experience and I pray it will be my last! Many prayers accompanied Samoa and Angel!
Initially, the daily updates from Dr. Harper were rather grave, as there were a large number of neutrophils in the joint fluid and he continued to flush the joints numerous 
times and infuse antibiotics into the joint itself. Infection in the elbow joint bone was seen on x-ray and was cause for concern. A suggestion was made that euthanasia may be an alternative… we chose to proceed with treatment and Dr. Harper persisted diligently, doing everything possible for her… then on Saturday June 21st, he gave me a “guarded” hope that she may be able to live in a pasture but seriously thought she would be lame… the question was whether I wanted her to live out a long life in pain. We continued the treatments (in faith!).
On Monday, June 23rd, she was discharged with a “guarded prognosis for athletic soundness, fair prognosis for broodmare/pasture soundness”. Now that was a good report! When she came home and got off the trailer, it was as if she was shot out of a cannon… running, rearing and bucking… with no signs of lameness or stiffness. The following day she showed no signs of being sore from ripping around the day before. It was difficult to keep her confined in a stall (as recommended), with only limited turnout during the day.
After about 10 days, we turned them out in the big pasture….oh how happy they were! Angel has not had one lame step since the day she got home!
Praise the Lord from whom all blessings flow. We made a video on 7/5/08 and she has grown and gained strength EVERY day since then.
We are believing for a complete and total recovery… all to the glory of God and look forward to many years of joy from this precious “Angel.”
Newsflash!
Dr. Barrow was here this morning (July 15, 2008) to X-ray Angel’s elbow joint and in her words: “She’s excellent.” Of course, Angel was frisky and wanted Dr. Barrow to see she was not lame when she first arrived.
I am so thankful for Dr. Barrow and for the wonderful people at AuburnVetHospital, Dr. Justin Harper and Melissa Fleming, Sr. Vet Student, for their amazing skill and expertise.
By Sherry Smith
Newsroom Associate
Staff Writer
support@horsesinthesouth.com