12/1/2021 While in quarantine at Starburst Ranch with Kathy, she noticed that JASPER's sheath was swollen.  We scheduled a vet visit so that the vet could give him a really good cleaning and possible bean removal. (http://buckeyevet.org/blog/92447-oh-beans-by-ken-keckler-dvm_2 )

We also wanted the vet to check out the progress of the lacerations on his tongue.  Sheath was pretty dirty, but there was no bean.  Kathy had been giving JASPER daily doses of Uniprim (antibiotic), bute (pain/inflammation reducer), and rinsing his mouth with a Chlorhexidne solution (anti bacterial).  

Tongue prior to treatment, 11/15/2021

The picture above was taken on 11/15/2021 at the Vet Clinic.  Painful lacerations covering his tongue.  It is thought that perhaps he got a mouthful of hay with barbed wire in it or an aluminum soda can that had been crushed.  Who knows?  Kathy and Dr. Walker were amazed at the healing that took place in just 2 weeks!  WOW!

Tongue after treatment, 12/1/2021

I am FLABBERGASTED! I was sure there would be major scarring on that tongue!  Due to the condition of his tongue and the pain involved at the first visit in November, Dr. Walker was unable to do a really good job on his teeth.  Today he was able to take care of all his teeth.

JASPER got treated from one end to the other and is doing well.  There is still the broken hip issue, but he is moving well, seems pain free & happy!

Once Jasper had arrived at Kathy’s for Quarantine, we asked her to pick up some Bute for pain/inflammation from the Vet for his hip.  He seemed to respond well, but he wasn’t eating his grain very well.  Kathy also noticed a bit of froth around his lips.  Kathy transported JASPER to the vet for an overall health evaluation, possible x-rays of his hips and to have his teeth floated if necessary.  Boy!  Were the vets and us in for a surprise!

Due to the location of JASPER’s hip issue and the fact that the veterinary hospital didn’t have the large x-ray equipment needed for an image of this part of his body, x-rays were not taken.  JASPER moved about freely without any difficulty with a slight hitch.  Vet told us that if you saw him moving out in the pasture, you wouldn’t even know that there was an issue with his hip.  Of course, later in life he will have arthritis, but for now he was stable.  We opted to wait until he comes to TIER and have him transported to a clinic that has the needed equipment since he didn’t appear to be in any pain.

He was placed in the veterinary stocks and sedated for his teeth to be examined.  His teeth were not in too terrible shape and they were floated.  However, when they pulled out his tongue everybody gasped!  It was a horror show.  No wonder he couldn’t eat properly.  Vet took a biopsy to be sent out to the lab.  The results from the labs involved came back negative for any bacterial or viral issues.  There were what appeared to be lacerations all over his tongue, some on his lips, cheeks and the roof of his mouth.  They weren’t lesions, but looked like cuts.  Kathy thought that maybe he got a mouthful of hay that had barbed wire in it or perhaps an aluminum soda can that had been crushed up.  Either way, his tongue was hurting.

Kathy took him back to QT and continued with the Bute, Uniprim antibiotics and did a Chlorhexidine rinse on his mouth daily while awaiting the lab results.  The results were negative and the combination of treatment has helped him tremendously.  He is eating well, drinking well, no more frothy mouth and his whole demeanor is more relaxed.

JASPER was due to be picked up on December 9 th to come to TIER, but plans changed.  There will be forthcoming update explaining the change in arrival at TIER.  In the meantime he is doing quite well and we cannot wait to meet this lovely boy!

JASPER made the trip from the killpen to his overnight accomodations without any issues.  He was picked up mid morning by our short haul transporter Rikki and brought to quarantine at Starburst Ranch with Kathy!  YAY!

He has a nice stall with shavings, coastal hay and alfalfa hay and, of course, fresh water.  He will be getting some anti inflammatory/pain medication to keep him comfortable.  

As you can see in the pictures below, there is significant atrophy in the right hip area.  No telling the cause, how long it has been there, etc.  He moves ok, but has some trouble with turning left or right.

An appointment has been set up for an overall evaluation on Monday, 11/15/2021.  We asked for x-rays to be taken and that is why the appointment is set for the beginning of next week.  If the vets don't think they can get good x-rays with their equipment, he will then be scheduled to see the Equine Orthopedic specialist.  This will be a day long trip there and back for Kathy & Jasper.

We asked our Supporters:  Can we do this? 

Well, according to our supporters, YOU CAN & DID!!

Do you know just how amazing you folks are????  YOU did it!  YOU saved JASPER!  (We have named him Jasper)

There were a lot of moving parts to be addressed in a short time.  YOU pulled this off in record time while TIER dealt with the first bunch of details.  One of the details we were working on was transport to get him out and to quarantine at Kathy's as soon as possible.  As of this writing, his status is:

He's out of the killpen, on the trailer and headed to an overnight layover.  Rikki, our short distance hauler, will pick him up tomorrow and he will arrive at Quarantine with Kathiy sometime in the late afternoon.

OMG!  YOU did it!!  Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU!!