Colic claims another - RIP lovely Gem

Kitei

Kitei

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Our lovely Gem has been battling with colic caused by botulism since Saturday. Initially the vet came out, treated her and gave the all clear, assuming it was just spasmodic colic. Last night we had to get an emergancy call out for another round of it, and this time a very thorough search of the field found that one of the houses overlooking the field had been dumping their grass cuttings over the fence. We did midnight and early morning checks on her and she was fine, and when we went up today at 9.45, she was absolutely fine.

However, as we were about to drive away, she started pawing the ground and then went down to roll. Our YM happened to be passing at the time and between the 3 of us, got her towards the gate end of the field. Vet was called instantly, but by the time he arrived (20 minutes), she was too far gone. He reckoned she wouldn't survive surgery, and was doubtful she'd even manage the journey.

We'd only had Gem for 9 months, and before us she'd been a neglect case. She'd lived out in her field since we go her, and was looking so good recently that we were even considering bringing her back into light work. At 17 she had years left to give.

Devastated isn't the word. We were so sure she was on the mend.

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Heartbreaking, I am so sorry to read of your loss. I know how awful it is having lost a mare to colic :-((
RIP beautiful Gem xxx
 
So sorry for your loss, even more sad when it was caused by carelessness or laziness, I hope the YM is going to have a serious conversation with the culprit, they are probably ignorant of the damage grass cuttings can cause but they must be told so it never happens to another horse in that field. RIP Gem.
 
Pearlsasinger said:
How awful for you!
Try to take some comfort from the fact that she had a super 9 months with you.
RIP Gem.
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Perfectly put. She may not have had much before you, but in her final months, all she knew was love and you must remember that and accept that you should be proud of it.

RIP Gem, run free and give Fly a nuzzle from me xx
 
I'm so sorry, how terrible. As someone else said, I hope the owner of the house dumping the grass cuttings is made aware. RIP Gem, a lucky girl to be so loved at the end of her life xx
 
What a tragedy. :( I'm so sorry for your loss. RIP Gem.

It might be worth leafleting (polite and informative leaflet) all the houses that border the field asking them to not dump anything in the field as a horse had died due to grass clippings being put over the fence. Also explain why grass clippings are a problem. Non-horse people struggle to understand why grass clippings are an issue as 'horses eat grass don't they?'
 
Thank you for the kind words, everyone. She's left such a hole and I just feel sick to think of going back to the field and her not being there. Harry has gone to stay at the farm for a few days until his new companion can be transported, as he's older and very arthritic and not quite up to the walk like Harry.

We informed the household last night, when we had the vet out, of the issue and the most likely consequence. They were absolutely mortified and promptly removed all the clippings they'd ever put over, but they have yet to know that she's dead. It's such a horrible shame as everyone in the village loves the horses being there, and really looked out for them. They've been phoning each other up and knocking on doors everytime she went down in order to let us know.

Faracat, that is definitely on the agenda. We planned to do it as soon as she started showing symptoms, but inbetween work and being there with her and the vet, I've not yet had time. Hopefully will make a start on it this evening.
 
I am so, so sorry.Having lost my two boys to colic, I know exactly how you feel.It is such a cruel thing.Gem was beautiful, and she was loved and cared for at least for 9 wonderful months with you.I know you feel devastated but take some comfort in that thought. Hugs to you .RIP beautiful Gem, run free with my boys and all the other lovlies that have left us xx
 
So sorry ... it`s coming up a year since I lost one of mine to colic ... just heart breaking x
 
Just got back from seeing the people who were responsible for the grass cuttings. Let them know she was dead and they've offered to contribute towards the vet bill. They're devastated at the outcome.
 
Kitei said:
Just got back from seeing the people who were responsible for the grass cuttings. Let them know she was dead and they've offered to contribute towards the vet bill. They're devastated at the outcome.
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Bless them, they must be absolutely horrified. If you see them again, do let them know that they will most likely save the lives of other horses through the course of their life now as they will warn others whether they realise they are doing it or not. With something like this, it is just so plausible to think you can just feed grass to horses that eat grass, so I applaud your ability to be kind and keep them informed in a nice way, despite your obvious grief.

Faracats idea is fantastic.

Also, it is totally normal to not be ok with going back to the field. I drive past the spot I stood letting Fly go 6 weeks back and some days I look in for the rabbits as I walk past and it feels like that day again. It's just wrong when they are not there to greet you with a whinney and all that can help that is time.

I am so sorry for you xx
 
Truly awfull, devastating is the word indeed. Agree with Faracat's idea and GG has said it all. Sorry for your loss of a beautiful and much loved girl.
 
Nothing to add to others lovely comments, just wanted to add my commiserations for your loss. Well done for how you have behaved throughout. ((()))
 
Kitei said:
Our lovely Gem has been battling with colic caused by botulism since Saturday. Initially the vet came out, treated her and gave the all clear, assuming it was just spasmodic colic. Last night we had to get an emergancy call out for another round of it, and this time a very thorough search of the field found that one of the houses overlooking the field had been dumping their grass cuttings over the fence. We did midnight and early morning checks on her and she was fine, and when we went up today at 9.45, she was absolutely fine.

However, as we were about to drive away, she started pawing the ground and then went down to roll. Our YM happened to be passing at the time and between the 3 of us, got her towards the gate end of the field. Vet was called instantly, but by the time he arrived (20 minutes), she was too far gone. He reckoned she wouldn't survive surgery, and was doubtful she'd even manage the journey.

We'd only had Gem for 9 months, and before us she'd been a neglect case. She'd lived out in her field since we go her, and was looking so good recently that we were even considering bringing her back into light work. At 17 she had years left to give.

Devastated isn't the word. We were so sure she was on the mend.

10299090_739030662785932_716862485207466756_n.jpg
Click to expand...

similar to mine colic after a week intestine going through the gut wall, rushed to potters bar for surgery , recovered came back muzzled for a while told to gradually remove it- 6 weeks later 9pm colic intestine went through gut wall- 2pm told surgery too late PTS RIP my Bonnie.


Your a better person than me I would not have been so generous - regardless or not they .. They were still fly tipping rubbish in Your field, that in itself is a criminal offense.
 
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