A long and emotional night...

arwenplusone

arwenplusone

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So my mare went into labour last night at 326 days, birth was fine, no problems at all, foal could have been bigger/could have done with another week but everything seemed fine.

but it quickly became apparent that she was struggling with her breathing (sounded asthmatic) cue the vet who said that it could be that she has fluid on the lungs and/or that she had underdeveloped lungs - so this foal was in some serious trouble.
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Got her into the stable, made decision not to take her to the clinic for oxygen/ventilation but to treat her with drugs & see how she responded. So this we did, steroids, antiinflams, antibiotics, tetanus & we tubed some milk/colostrum in. Vet left & YO and I went for a cup of tea for 20 mins

When we got back to her she had gone downhill. She was clearly exhausted & breathing was so raspy I actually considered calling the vet out to have her PTS.
There was nothing more we could do at this point and we were both convinced she wouldn't last the night so we said a very emotional goodbye to her. By this time it was about 4.30 so we left her & mare in peace & went to bed for half an hour, utterly devastated.

At 5.30 am YO knocked on my door - foaliewas still alive! And sounded better!
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so I shot out to the stables & sure enough, one weak, tired foalie but no laboured breathing. She suckled eventually & then rallied. Vet came out this morning & couldn't believe the difference. More antibiotics & will probably need a plasma tomorrow but (dare I say it) I think we are going to be OK.
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Mare unfortunately then needed cleansing as she had retained the placenta, which had started to rot
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so need to watch her for toxic laminitis/infection.

What a rollercoaster! So she doesn't have a name yet & her conformation is a bit
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due to her weak legs. I will introduce her properly when I have some better picturres, but here she is - poor wee thing! Think the hho good luck vibes worked yet again!
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This morning
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Thank goodness she is ok! Fingers crossed that everything will come right with both mummy & baby. Foalie looks like she will be beautiful too!

And to think I commented on your post yesterday saying that it sounds like your mare had another couple of weeks to go
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She looks really bright in the last picture which is a fantastic sign!!!

I hope that despite her difficult start, she continues to strengthen
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I can't even begin to imagine what a night that must have been for you.

Sending tons of positive vibes that foalie continues to get better (and mum does too), and lots of hugs for you too.

Foal is stunning btw and the size of those legs!
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ah, thankies - I hope so too.
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Just wished she'd stayed put for another week! Bless her - she will be having plasma tomorrow too so that will help her
 
She's beautiful Arwen
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. I wouldn't worry about legs right now, sometimes it just takes a couple of days for them to iron out properly.

Congratulations!!
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What an awful night you've had, but so pleased this morning looks better.

Will keep everything crossed for you that the little un keeps improving.

She looks the spit of mum doesn't she?

Hugs and vibes, I think she's going to be a right little cracker!
 
Oh bless her cottons and you! Huge hugs to you all!! Talk about a dramatic entry to the world and what a little trooper she is!! She's actually not so small you know!
 
Woah! Sounds like you've really been through the mill in the last 12hours!
Really pleased that she looks so bright now though, fingers crossed she continues to improve.

I think her name should reflect her obvious willpower and desire to live!
 
[ QUOTE ]
I think her name should reflect her obvious willpower and desire to live!

[/ QUOTE ]

That's why Matilda is named as she is - means warrior/fighter or similar.
 
Oh I had my heart in my mouth reading this post, so glad she was improved in the morning.

Foalie certainly looks stronger in the last piccie bless her. Her legs will straighten, she looks as though she is going to be very nice actually - love mum too.

Sending some more vibes for luck
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she is very purdy
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lovely long legs and just look at how well she has filled out in such a short time! Well done to everyone sorry to hear that it was such a tough night and long may she continue to flourish!
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I like the name Avyanna which also means strength.

You must be exhausted today - mentally and physically.

What a beautiful lass she is.
 
oh wow, that is certainly a rollercoaster!! I didnt want to open the post just incase

So pleased to hear she is much better, she looks fab in the last pic. Lets hope the plasma etc does its job!
 
She looks like she will be a gorgeous leggy litttle sprite - how fantastic that she fought through, and so thrilled that (hopefully) she is now on the up-and-up. Lots and lots of good vibes from the gang down in Sussex - coming up to our first foaling very soon now, so really identify with your long and traumatic night! - and hope you have a peaceful night tonight and catch up on some sleep. Foalie hugs to your little one from our yearling ((()))
 
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