I must say a big thank you to Irish Alan, for his work a little while ago.

I received a call from a friend whose pony had colic. She was in a really bad way, and Alan came out to her, she obviously had some sort of reaction to something she had eaten as her tongue was really swollen. The poor mare was in a really suffering

We couldn't get her up, On examination her gut was empty, and being unable to pass a naso-gastric tube due to the engorged tongue, he would have to put up a drip in the stable. By now her heart was pounding soo hard, and Alan was worried it was going to give out. He had to make the decision to give her a steroid injection, although she is in foal, and this could have caused a miscarriage. Fluids had to be got into her as quick as possible, as she was also in shock.
The canula was sewn to her neck, and the tubing plaited and sewn into her mane, and he did a good 'Heath Robinson' job, of making a drip holder from the rafters of the stable. He should have been finishing his shift around six I think, but was there with us till gone nine, when Bob Bentley came out too to have a hand over from him. It was like casualty!

Between a few of us, we had shifts to stay with her all night. She had been given a less then 50/50 chance of getting through the night. And we didn't really think she would be around for our 3am start.

Thanks to Wallice for the company! We certainly put the world to rights! Can't believe how quick the time went! We had to keep talking to keep the rats away well it's an excuse! With the drip on full flow, we got through about 4 big bags of fluids through the night, and luckily didn't have to call Bob out.
By morning she was looking like her self again. It was such a relief!!

Alan then called in on his way to work early in the morning, and we were all soo happy to see she had picked up, was settled and more relaxed.

But just have to say a big thank you for all the care, the speed it had to happen, and it was just very impressive! So very big thanks Alan from all involved.

Obviously I could have written loads on every detail but believe me, it would have been pages, was a very busy evening!!

ClaireK .

Sounds like you all had a scary night - hope the horse continues to improve. Yuck - the rats!! And good job you had a good vet to hand!

Yep, thanks Sam, very happy to say she is fine now. No idea what she had picked up, blood tests didn't pick up anything as far as I know. Fingers crossed for the foal, at the moment all seems well!!

Thats good news - and fingers crossed for the foal. Horses do seem to test us sometimes don't they - but we wouldn't be without them!!

many thanks to Irish Alan from me aswell!!!
He came out to us last night after my gorgeus but rather dozey colt by Elton decided he would try and remove his lower gums/jaw in the stable!!
10 stitches later and he is back eating thank god.
many thanks to Alan for his very neat stitching and patience.

Hope all make a good recovery.

Animals are such a worry when injured/ill. Thank goodness for committed, caring vets and their assistants.