I want to thank everyone for your kind words, your support, your prayers, and for reiki. It really means a lot to me.
And so for the update. On the way to the stable this morning, we called the vet to let him know Jordan was still agitated (the stable owner had already called), and still not doing what he needed to do. Since he has ulcers (we discovered), and was so freaked out by being tubed (a tube goes through a nostril down into the stomach. Five gallons of water, Epsom salt, and a laxative, are pumped into the stomach.), the vet didn't want to try that again. He suggested that we let Jordan graze a little, and start giving him small meals later to see if that helped. Otherwise, he would have to go to the hospital and have IV fluids with heavy doses of drugs to help him. Needless to say, we didn't want that.
So, we walked him. Let him graze. Walked him some more. Put him in his stall. Walked him. Let him graze...You get the point. For seven hours. He started getting some bran mash around 3, got some more around 5. And was walked, and walked, and walked. Well, we finally had to come home to feed the dogs and eat dinner. We had JUST pulled up to the house, and the stable owner called. She said she was passing by Jordan's stall, and lo and behold, there was some manure. She said it was dry as a bone, but there nonetheless. YAY!! So, he will get more mash at 8 tonight, and walked. We'll go back at midnight to give him more, and walk him. But this is good news indeed.
We have learned that Jordan is a very stoic horse. We learned he had bad feet for a long time (not anymore, thanks to good supplements and a good farrier), and as a result, had a high pain threshold. As noted above, we learned that he has probably had ulcers for a long time, but just tolerated them - that high pain threshold again. He is now on good drugs for that.
Hopefully, it is the beginning of a full return to health. And I thank you all again for your support during this difficult time. The prayers and good energy seem to be working!
One of my friends mentioned that she is praying to St. Francis, the patron saint of animals, for Jordan. So I want to share this statue from Brookgreen Gardens with you. I had the privilege of meeting the sculptor, the father of a friend, years ago. His name is Julian Harris, and he also did Jimmy Carter's Inaugural Medal. A while back, I had been telling someone about this sculpture, how beautiful it was, turned a corner at Brookgreen Gardens, and there it was! And there it still is to this day! Anyway - this is for you, M.E., and any others who pray to St. Francis, or appreciate beautiful sculpture:
7 comments:
YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so happy about Jordan getting better!!!!
YIPPEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I will keep sending energy
Thanks so much, DT - I really appreciate it. Jordan does, too!!
You're the best!
I just saw your update at No Quarter....YES!!!!!
Like I said at No Quarter, I'll keep bending St. Francis' ear until there is a full recovery. And thank you for the pic of the statue, it's beautiful.
Here's a novena prayer to St. Francis that I said and will continue saying for nine days.
Heavenly Father, our human ties with our friends of other species is wonderful and special gift from You. We now ask You to grant our special animal companions your Fatherly care and healing power to take away any suffering they have. Give us, their human friends, new understanding of our responsibilities to these creatures of Yours. They have trust in us as we have in You; our souls and theirs are on this earth together to give one another friendship, affection, and caring. Take our heartfelt prayers and fill Your ill or suffering animals with healing Light and strength to overcome whatever weakness of body they have.
(Here mention the names of the animals needing prayer).
Your goodness is turned upon every living thing and Your grace flows to all Your creatures. From our souls to theirs goodness flows, touching each of us with the reflection of Your love. Grant to our special animal companions long and healthy lives. Give them good relationships with us, and if You see fit to take them from us, help us to understand that they are not gone from us, but only drawing closer to You. Grant our prayer through the intercession of good St. Francis of Assisi, who honored You through all Your creatures.
Give him the power to watch over our animal friends until they are safely with You in eternity, where we someday hope to join them in giving You honor forever.
Amen.
Here's another, much shorter prayer to St. Francis.
Good St. Francis, you loved all of God's creatures.
To you they were your brothers and sisters.
Help us to follow your example
of treating every living thing with kindness.
St. Francis, Patron Saint of animals,
watch over my pet
and keep my companion safe and healthy.
Amen.
Thanks so much, ME! I really appreciate that! Jordan does, too.
Unfortunately, there had been no more poopage since early evening. I am hoping that has changed this morning. We'll be going there on our way to take two other animals to the vet (routine, thank goodness).
You're a doll, and good to hear from you!
Rev. Amy, hope Jordan's still recovering in good order. I was so upset to read of your heartache and unable to post. My prayers have been with you all - candles have been burning. So glad to read good news and to be able to post some good thought your way.
Hey, Type!
How nice to hear from you! Thanks for your kind words, and your prayers. They are very much appreciated.
And yes, Jordan is MUCH improved. He is moving up to eating his regular meals. He's been on a 4-a-day feeding building him back up. It's AMAZING how fast horses can lose weight, especially in the winter (though honestly, the grass has been growing a little bit here. Actually, the vets think that might be the problem - the grass growing now doesn't have the same flora to which the horses have grown accustomed, so it is changing the regular bacteria in their systems.). But his affect is much better, he seems like himself, and his appetite is VERY good.
Thanks so much for asking! I hope YOU are okay!
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