What a difference a year makes!

Here we are, almost a year later and boy what a difference a year makes. Teddy has regained all of his weight back and more. Last month our veterinarian came out to administer vaccinations when he checked Teddy's weight he said I needed to cut back on the groceries a bit!! OOPS!!

It turns out that Teddy should not be ridden. It seems as though he is riddled with arthritis most likely due to the emaciation and chronic illness he had when I got him. Oh well, that's the risk of a rescue. Soooo, I don't have the horse anyone can ride but we have Teddy who anyone can pet and love. He has a very quirky and cute personality. I learned a lot doing this and it was an interesting experience.

OMG Check This Out

Teddy has now joined the other horses in the stall area. He has received a clean bill of health and has all of his vaccinations. He's really doing great! My neighbor and I take morning walks, her with her dogs and me with Teddy. He's very relaxed with dogs, cars and even equipment trucks driving by. It's really helped in building his strength and developing muscle. 

Last week I put a saddle on him. He didn't even flinch. We walked around the property and I lunged him around a bit. It's clear that he has been saddled.

The logical next step is to have someone lay on his back to see how he reacts. Again, he was very calm and relaxed. I walked him around with Roland draped over him like a sack of potatoes....no problem. So Roland hopped on. The picture speaks for itself. A wonderful successful day!!

A Horse is Emerging.

Teddy continues to make head way. He has quite the personality! Most mornings I am greeted with a whinny and then he proceeds to tap his front feet...almost like pawing but not quite, while I serve him breakfast. 

I've also created a bit of a monster when it comes to an open gate. I mentioned that he used to follow me from his corral to the turn-out. Well now it's turned into an all out run to the other horses and on occasion it turns into a game of chase. It usually ends with him running, not trotting or cantering, into his corral. 

Teddy loves to have his belly scratched. He'll start swaying back and forth and make funny faces while I'm scratching his belly. 

He's just an adorable little horse. 

Things Looking a Bit Better!

It seems that Teddy is responding to the antibiotics. His appetite has increased, his energy level is better and he's really vocal when it's feeding time. With the fluid in his chest he was unable to whinny or blow through his nose to clear it. He didn't have the lung capacity to take a deep breath to whinny. Also his breaths per minute is now 28 instead of the 44 that I was recording before antibiotics. I'm trying to catch is whinny on video because it is soooo cute! So keep doing what you're doing and I'll keep doing what I'm doing because it seems to be working! Teddy will go back to the vet in 3 weeks for a check up. 

Not So Good News

It's with heavy heart that I write this post. I took Teddy to the veterinarian yesterday. His breathing has not improved even though he's getting more alert. It seems that Teddy has a type of pneumonia or influenza. He has what the doctor called a water line in his chest. He told me that the prognosis is not good but we could try antibiotics for 10 days to see if it can turn itself around. Then I called another vet in Bakersfield to see how much it would cost to drain the fluid since the fluid may harbor the bacteria. Unfortunately not only was it really expensive but the prognosis is still not great. He suggested trying antibiotics as well only do it for 2 to 3 weeks if he's still eating and drinking (which he is.) I'm not sure if I'll write during this time. I don't want to get my hopes up but I don't want to give up hope. This is the chance part in taking chances. 

Don't Google Your Symptoms!

Shortly after I wrote my last post I came out to hang with Teddy and I noticed he had what is called a pitting edema on his belly. A pitting edema is  like a swelling that when you press on it it maintains your fingers imprints. Away. I went to the internet to see what would cause this. Jim is always saying do not google your symptoms. Let me say, don't google your horses symptoms either. A few things came up but the one that stuck was renal failure. I was bummed! 

I emailed Julie again before I called the vet. Her response was great. Here is what she wrote:

"Ok this is going to sound weird.  All our emaciated rescues get what feels like edema.  It generally starts at the center line, aka belly and works up through the ribs.  Kind of feels like a fat tumor on an old dog. It's actually weight gain.  The first time I felt it I freaked out."

Teddy's just gaining weight!! 

The list of improvements is getting longer everyday. He lifts his head up when I come over and sometimes he even slips it through the fence to ask for something to eat. He walks across the corral to greet me too. I held my hand on his head and he bobbed it up and down to initiate a head rubbing. There is such a great personality emerging from this little bag of bones. 

Here's a picture of Teddy hanging out in the pasture. 

Thank you for the nudge Tracy, I needed that!!

Some Days Are Better Than Others....

This weekend was tough. I battled with writing on the blog, not wanting to post my worries. But as with everything in life, there's ups and downs and rescuing Teddy is no different.

A few days ago I notice Teddy's breathing was somewhat labored. Instead of the normal 10 to 24 breaths per minute, his was closer to 40 breaths per minute. I had increased our walk the day before to across the highway and back. I worried I had pushed him too far. Sunday Teddy didn't eat quite as much as he had been eating, he was still eating though and he was cleaning up his senior feed mixture. His temperature was 101.7 within normal and his pulse was normal too. Since it was the weekend I decided to wait to call the vet, I know I have to choose those calls wisely because we have quite a few ahead of us and they aren't cheap.

I called a rescue organization in Bakersfield called Whiskers Paws Hooves and Claws for guidance, questions and hope. Thank goodness Julie called me back she gave me her email. I emailed her my feeding routine, exercise, worming schedule and observations. She agreed with the veterinarian recommended feeding schedule and eased my worries. She sent me a before and after picture of a horse named Cricket.

That's after 90 days!! Amazing huh?

Julie reminded me that everything is work for Teddy, even eating can wear him out. It was nice to just speak (via email) with someone who has been through this many times. I think I just got nervous, started doubting myself and over thought everything. Poor Teddy, he probably feels like he's living in a fishbowl the way I keep watching him.

Today was a bit better. His intake was good, he's passing poop well, drinking and walking around a bit on his own. Julie's advice, "Patience." A word I will be focusing on for a while. I just needed some hope. 

Checkout Whiskers Paws Hooves and Claws website.

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