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!

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This is what COMMUNITY means!!!

 

Dear Friends,   Because of you, we did it… and then some.   We set out to raise the final $140 needed to unlock our $5,000 matching gift for Arizona Gives Day—and thanks to your incredible generosity, we not only reached that goal… we exceeded it.   What truly touched our hearts is how many of you stepped forward to help close that gap. So many gifts came in at just the right time, each one given with the hope of making a difference. And they did.   Every single donation—no matter the size—mattered. Together, you made this happen.   We also received a few unexpected larger gifts that helped carry us even further, and we are deeply grateful.   But this moment belongs to all of you. It was a collective effort, and it’s a beautiful reminder of what this community can do when we come together for the horses and donkeys who need us most.   Because of you, lives will be saved, care will be provided, and more animals will get the second chance they deserve.   From the bottom of our hearts—thank you for believing in this work and being part of it.   With gratitude, Lary & Christine and all of us at Equine WellBeing Rescue Donate through AZ Gives Donate Through our website Checks can be sent to: Equine WellBeing Rescue, 8369 Buckskin Trail, Snowflake AZ 85937 Venmo   @Equine-WellBeing          Zelle use:  donate@equinewellbeing.org

EQUINE WELLBEING RESCUE INC 8369 Buckskin Trl Snowflake, AZ 85937 Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser Unsubscribe

You got us this close...can we finish together?

 

Dear Friends,   We wanted to share a quick update on our Arizona Gives Day fundraiser…   Because of you, we’ve raised $4,860 toward our $5,000 match—we’re just $140 away from unlocking every dollar.   We are truly humbled by the support we’ve received and so grateful for each and every one of you who has given.   The horses and donkeys in our care are here because of your kindness—and every gift makes a real difference in their lives.   Your support helps provide:      Emergency veterinary care         Daily feed and supplements      Farrier services      Safe shelter and a place to heal   If you’ve been thinking about giving, this is a beautiful moment to help us cross the finish line.   A gift of $25, $50, or whatever feels right could be what carries us across the finish line.   We’ll be counting donations for the next few days, and we would love to celebrate reaching this goal with you.   Thank you for being part of our rescue family. Because of you, more animals will get the second chances they deserve.   With gratitude, Lary & Christine Griffin and everyone at Equine WellBeing Rescue   Donate through AZ Gives Donate Through our website Checks can be sent to: Equine WellBeing Rescue, 8369 Buckskin Trail, Snowflake AZ 85937 Venmo   @Equine-WellBeing          Zelle use:  donate@equinewellbeing.org

EQUINE WELLBEING RESCUE INC 8369 Buckskin Trl Snowflake, AZ 85937 Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser Unsubscribe

AZ Gives Day is here! Double your donation.

 

Whiskey arrived safely at his new home on April 4th—and he’s settling in beautifully.  You can see his herd-mate, Mr. G in the background. Mr. G was adopted by the Melick family back in 2018.  We could not be happier to have Whiskey be a wonderful addition to their family.    Because of your support, 7 horses and donkeys have already found loving families so far this year… and we’re just getting started.   Today is Arizona Gives Day, one of our biggest fundraisers of the year—and thanks to a generous donor, the first $5,000 will be matched, doubling every gift.   We know times are tough, and there are so many worthy charities doing important work. If you’re planning to give, we humbly ask that you would consider including Equine WellBeing Rescue.    As a 100% volunteer charity, your donations are not used for salaries or wages, so each dollar goes farther to help those in such great need.    Every donation—no matter the size—goes directly toward rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming horses, donkeys, mules, and minis in need.   You don’t have to live in Arizona to participate—this is a day of giving to Charities statewide, open to everyone.    2026 marks our 20th year of this work, with nearly 1,000 lives saved—all made possible by supporters like you.   If you’re able, your gift will go twice as far. And if not, we are still so grateful to have you as part of this journey.  Your support means the world and helps us save lives and change lives!      Thank you all so very, very much!   Donate through AZ Gives Donate Through our website Checks can be sent to: Equine WellBeing Rescue, 8369 Buckskin Trail, Snowflake AZ 85937 Venmo   @Equine-WellBeing          Zelle use:  donate@equinewellbeing.org

EQUINE WELLBEING RESCUE INC 8369 Buckskin Trl Snowflake, AZ 85937 Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser Unsubscribe