I'm at my wit's end

Vibes from here too (NZ). Have they suggested getting her out of a box and into the field 24/7 restricted movement doesn't help with colic? Might be an option when she comes home.
 
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Bit of straw-clutching, but could it be caused by transferred pain from somewhere else, or a nerve playing up in the way sciatica causes pain? The gut problems being brought on by the pain, rather than being the primary cause themselves? Odd that it goes in cycles, almost like a build up of something.

Hope you find something soon. :)
 
Hi there in my previous post I did suggest bladder stones and can see the vet is going to check for those I wondered if you read up on false colic in horse s really is very difficult to tell the difference from true colic i e guts Have the vets tested her dropping for sand if you look on the net sand colic it is a very easy test to do I dont know if sand would show up on scan if there is food in the guts I do recall some one saying the horse is getting sanded on the inside as food passes over the top Is the same vet treating Ruby some times we need fresh eyes to look if they are at a loss with regard a diagnosis can they seek an opinion else where Some one must have dealt with case like this before I will be saying a prayer for you and Ruby I wish I could do more to help you
 
Visited my baby last night and she was having yet another attack. :eek:Not a huge one but enough to see that she was in pain. It's so heartbreaking just standing there trying to comfort her and not being able to do anything. :(:(:(:(
Poo has been tested - no sand. So far 3 different vets have looked at her and they have all pointed to the thickened small intestine walls as the probable root cause of the colic. The problem is identifying what is causing these walls to be so inflamed. :confused:
They started her on the new diet and feeding regime on Monday so now we have to wait to see if this makes a difference. If not then we are going to let them operate. I need to give her the chance. If they find something that can be fixed then fantastic, if not, then I will know that I have done all in my power to help her and we will have to call it a day. Unless they come up with a miracle. I can't let her go on suffering as she is.
At least when we left last night she was comfortable and was feeling a little better. They had to muzzle her as she was starting to eat her straw bed :)
Waiting for an update from them today.
She is the darling of the students there. She loves to be cuddled and fussed over and they all do it (even the vets and animal carers). They all love her and she is certainly getting enough exercise as they all love to walk her around and take turns throughout the day. She also goes into the horsewalker a couple of times a day.
When she comes home I will be asking the yo about a field shelter and see if it is possible to keep her out 24/7. The only problem I can foresee with that is she gets mud fever very badly on one leg if it becomes too muddy. But we'll deal with that at a later date.
I am taking all the information people are giving me and discussing it with the vets.
Thank you to everyone who has suggested possibilties, to those who have pm'd m and to all of you for supporting me so far. HH forum at it's very best!
 
Sending positive thoughts your way!! I hope she doesn't have to go to surgery, but wishing you all the best if she does!

Keeping my fingers crossed for you xxx
 
Still no news. Rang them and vet is busy with an emergency patient but will ring me later. Fingers crossed the news is better than yesterday. I wish it wasn't so far away. I'd be there before work and a permanent fixture after work.
 
Finally got a call about 6pm. Ruby has been fine today. No attacks at all. The new diet and feeding regime started yesterday and we have to wait at least 4/5 days to see if there is an improvement. Asked them again what they think the cause of the colic is. They think that it's not only the inflammation of the small intestine walls but an infarct in her appendix. She is on the prednisolon for the inflammation, the gastrogard for the stomach ulcers and blood thinners for the infarct. Fingers crossed that all this starts to work.
She is in the university veterinary hospital in Utrecht which ia 102 kms away. I work full time and my daughter and I have 3 other horses as well so I can't just drop everything to be with her as much as I would like to. We try to get there at least 3 times a week. On top of this I've come down with a heavy cold/flu and can't take any time off work as my colleague is sick with the flu. Oh dear, I sound like a right whinge. Sorry! I'm trying to stay positive, after all negativity attracts negativity :rolleyes:
really appreciating the support from this forum at the minute. :)
When I have more news I'll update again.
 
Not surprising you have the flu - your poor body is stressed and will be run down with what you are dealing with, take care of yourself and great that things seem to be on the improve.
 
I'm so pleased she's not had another attack today! Let's hope she's on the up!
:)
I can imagine how hard it is not being able to see her, plus the everyday stress of kids animals and work!
I'm lucky enough to be 20min drive from the hospital Zeus is in.

Whinge away its what we are here for :D
Don't forget to look after yourself too x lots of hugs for you all xxx
 
Interesting point about the bladder stones have they ruled those out?

My friends mum had gall stones, started with stomach pains which then became so bad they had to call an ambulance and apparently the pain was 10 times worse than childbirth! She had to not eat anything for 4 days I think before they could operate so I think there must be some link to the stomach I think there might have been some inflamation to the gut well.

Hope your horse makes a full recovery but as it sounds like it was seasonal unlike gall stones logically that would probably rule them out.
 
Update from the vets. Ruby had another colic attack last night but a minor one. The vet thinks that they are diminishing in intensity :) I wish they would disppear altogether. They also scanned (externally) the bladder today as they are having trouble catching her urine :p. everything looks ok but they'll still try to get some urine to test. Have to have patience. If she could get through 5 days without an attack I would be hopeful.
Succumbed to the flu today and spent the day in bed. Had VIP tickets for the tennis in Rotterdam tonight but not going, not up to it. Was a valentine's pressie for OH but will have to sort out something else instead. He's been really supportive. He is totally non horsey but he does have a soft spot for them all and can't bear to see them in pain.
Hope to feel a little better tomorrow as going to see Ruby again tomorrow night.
 
My worst nightmare has come true. :(:(:(:
Ruby is not improving. Another really severe colic attack last night. :(:confused::(Now we have to make the decision to operate or not. There is a very high chance that it's not going to make a difference.
There are 3 scenario's - 1) they open her up and find nothing inwhich case is it fair to let her come round just to suffer again, 2) they find something which can't be repaired so will be pts there and then 3) they find something that can be repaired.
The 3rd scenario also leaves us with questions. How bad will it be? What are the recovery chances? What are her prospects for the future? Will she need further surgery? I want to give her a chance but I also have to be realistic. Do I just bring her home and have her enjoy one last day with her friends and family and then PTS or do I give her the slim chance of the operation?
I have some questions to ask before I make the decision. If we decide to go ahead then the op would take place on Monday or Tuesday. Naturally I would want to be there, try stopping me.
I have also been toying with the idea of asking them to speak to some of the top vets in England to see if they can help with a solution other than surgery.
This is where I need your help. I have been abroad for so long now I no longer know the best people to talk to. Who are they?
I feel as though I am in a living hell :(:(:(:(
 
Such sad news , i would personally speak tO Leahurst , I think if she is stable enough then sx could be poss the way forward possibly ,. At least u will have done everything poss but also you would have to be prepared that you won't find anything !!, keep us updated x x
 
No oh I was really hoping she didn't have another attack. I just straight to page 12 of this post ans my heart sank reading "such sad news :("

So glad she's still with us Xx what ever you decide will be right stay strong. Xxx
 
Ok, the decision has been made. They will operate Tuesday morning and naturally I (and my daughter) will be there to make any decisions. We are also allowed to watch the operation. Not surr yet if I want to do that. I am hoping that I am just being over emotional about it all and that it will be something really simple and easy but my gut feeling is teeling me somthing else:(:(:(
Leaving soon to go see her and I will be spending as much time as possible with her this weekend. If they let me I would sleep in her stable.
These next few days are going to be a nightmare which will either get better or worse.
 
I was so sorry to hear that Ruby is still so unwell every one is saying a prayer for her If you were nearer I would becoming round to help you out I hope you are taking care of your self and getting over that flu I found number for you for ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS 020 7202 0789 www rcvs org uk I am sure this would be best people to ask with regard to top vets over here probably worth trying they were very good when I had a problem We are all thinking of you and Ruby
 
Ruby was her normal self when we saw her this evening. Looking for food and cuddles :D This is what is making it so hard. Took loads of photos of her pampered her a bit and had a little sit on her :p
Back tomorrow afternoon and hoping she is fit enough to go for a walk.
Shergar - thank you so muchfor you offer. That would have been so nice.
Racebuddy - i'm not at all brave. I've cried nearly all day today. I'm actually terrified but I'm trying to do what's best for Ruby.
I spoke to the vet in charge of her case today and asked her to call some of the top equine hospitals in the UK. They are going to consider doing this. The vets that are looking after her are some of the top vets in The Netherlands and they have been really good so far and are open to suggestions. I really couldn't ask for better vets.
I'll update again after our visit tomorrow. I'm going to try to get some sleep now as I am exhausted.
 
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