Equine WellBeing Rescue, Inc.: Jazz's big emergency

The last two weeks have been a blur. We barely wrapped up Arizona Gives Day and our sweet Jazz, who turned 25 years old on April 2nd, came in for breakfast and during his daily eye check it was discovered that a corneal ulcer had appeared. Any eye injury is an emergency so we immediately assessed the situation and called Dr. L.

After getting his vitals we stained the eye to see how large the ulcer was and it turned out to be quite large. There was no obvious sign of how this happened, but we have had high winds and he had been wearing a fly mask in an effort to keep his eye clean. Perhaps he rubbed his eye because dust got inside, it is hard to say, truly we can only guess. What we do know is that two years ago, he had a small puncture ulceration in the very same eye and had to be hospitalized and needed lots of nursing care here so a second injury to the same eye was not good.

If you can treat the injury quickly and frequently you can get the ulcer to heal and hopefully prevent a substantial infection. Talking with Dr. L, we decided on a treatment plan of various antibiotics, antifungals and pain medicine every 3 - 4 hours throughout the day and night. I learned the last time the best way to keep track of when the meds are needed, because some are twice a day, some are 6-8 times a day, is to create a log and document everything. I can guarantee you, after losing sleep getting up during the night for many days, you don't always remember which medicine needs to be administered at what time. The log makes all the difference.

During my conversation with Dr. L, we discussed his history of problems with this eye. Over the years he has had issues with conjunctivitis, what we call goopy eyes. Each day we would check to see if there was any mucoid in his lower eye lid and gently clean it and treat with antibiotics as needed. It has been pretty consistent since his last corneal ulcer 2 years ago. One thing I didn't realize is that Cushings Disease also has an impact on the eyes. Last fall, he was diagnosed with borderline Cushings Disease and he has been on treatment for that for many months. Age and Cushings causes reduced nerve sensitivity and for those with Cushings, the elevated cortisol in tears interferes with healing, making corneal wounds difficult to treat and prone to serious infection. After 6 days of round the clock treatment and no signs of healing, the tough decision to was made to remove the eye and any possibility of future injury or pain.

Dr. L, has experience doing enucleations so we didn't have to travel to the valley for the surgery. We were able to do it at her facility and also used it as a teaching, surgical experience another vet under Dr. L's guidance. Dr. Blume, does some equine procedures, but primarily works on small animals so this was a good opportunity for her. With my veterinary technician experience we made a great team and were able to do the surgery with Jazz standing with the support of sedation and nerve blocks. The surgery was a success and Jazz did awesome. We cannot thank both veterinarian's enough for the great care Jazz received.

Since the surgery he has been getting pain medicine and antibiotics while the surgical area heals. We have fly masks that we have customized with a protective cover over that area so if he bumps it, the mask will prevent injury while he is healing and beyond.

We could tell he was getting tired of being stalled up and after a few days decided to turn him out in the pasture while the other horses were inside the barn eating, that way he could adjust in the pasture without them bothering him. Much to our surprise he took off at a run, kicking up his heels as though nothing had happened. He navigated the pasture with no problems leading us to believe that maybe he had lost much of the sight in that eye from the first injury two years ago and we just never knew it because he adjusted so well. He still has a few more days of medicines and next week the stitches come out, but in the meantime, he is back to his normal self. We could not ask for a better result with this emergency.

With the veterinary and nursing care, medicines, supplies and transport all being done here versus down in the valley at the hospital, the savings has been substantial. Jazz has adjusted well and seems happy and in great spirits. Your donations allow us to give the horses and donkeys at the rescue they care they need to live happy lives and for that we cannot thank you enough. The trust you show in us is a deeply felt compliment that means the world.

Thanks to all of you for your continued support. Without you, we would not be able to help so many horses, donkeys and minis in need. YOU make all the difference in the world and we appreciate you so very much!

If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to help, you can click the button below,

Checks can be sent to EqWBR, 8369 Buckskin Trail, Snowflake AZ 85937

Zelle: donate@equinewellbeing.org

Venmo: @equine-wellbeing Last for of the phone is 4860.

Thank you again so very much!!!

Christine & All of us at EqWBR

Jazz sends his thanks too...pictured enjoying the hay out in the pasture and doing great!