WELCOME AALEYAH BELLE AND MAMA SUE --
BUTTERCUP, TOO!

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06/19/08:  The girls had a good day.  The weather was hot and we had a huge storm that did damages to our neighbors run-ins and lightening struck a tree 2 farms down and split it in half.  All of the horses were a bit nervous.  The lightening and thunder were incredible!  After the storms the girls went out to play.

Chloe, a 2 yr old nurse mare filly came up to visit over the fence with them and for awhile they just stood and stared at her like "oh my gosh she is really big - and so pretty!" 

I've had many talks with both Buttercup and Aaleyah Belle about Chloe.  I explained to Buttercup that Chloe was taken away from her mom when she was only days old just like she was taken from her mom.  And I've explained to Chloe that Buttercup is going through the same feelings she went through after she was taken from her mom.  Chloe seemed to understand and doesn't pin her ears at Buttercup anymore.

Chloe - a 2 yr old nurse mare filly.
She's a big girl now!


 

06/17/08:  Little Belle and her mom are doing great!  Dr. Meeks came out to check out her stitches and see how she is doing.  Just before he went to look in her mouth she decided to stick her nose in Momma Sue’s poop!  This is so like Aaleyah – she has such a strong personality – very vibrant and curious – a mischievous one. 

Momma Sue is looking so much better Dr. Meeks didn't even recognize her!

Dr. Meeks first had to wash Aaleyah's mouth out – yuck!  He was amazed at how great her upper and lower jaws now line up.  He spoke with Dr. Cleary while he was here and they agreed that she is healing nicely and she should keep the muzzle on for another week.  The only issue with that is then she will want to nurse Momma Sue.  Momma Sue doesn’t really want her to nurse and we have been trying to dry her up.  In two weeks, Aaleyah will be able to eat milk replacer pellets, if she is willing.

Aaleyah loves to come up to you and stick her face into your face.  She is adorable and loves attention and she sure gets it!  She was fascinated by Dr. Meeks cell phone and tried to borrow it.

Time to be a big girl for Dr. Meeks so he can look in her mouth to see if the stitches are healing.

But first he had to wash her mouth out - she buried her nose in her mom's poop just minutes before!

 

Let's play "Ring Around Momma Sue!"




 

06/11/08:  It's been awhile since we've updated this page because we've been busy taking care of 3 babies and 3 new arrivals - two abandoned Paso's & a blind Appaloosa.

Aaleyah Belle is doing wonderful.  She and Momma Sue stay in their stall during most of the day but are turned out in early mornings and late afternoons unless we're having storms.  And we've had bad storms these last few days and there are damages to the property we have to repair / clean up.

Aaleyah had the stitches in her nose removed a few days ago and she is healing nicely.  She wears her muzzle to help deter her from nursing or chewing on things that could potentially harm the stitches inside of her mouth on her soft palate.  Her diarrhea is gone and she is feeling like a spunky young TB filly!  She is itching to run and play with Buttercup - and Buttercup is itching to play with her!

She saw her friend, Sand Storm (aka Golden Boy) leave for his new home this past Sunday and she was very happy for him.  He has his own human family and a new sister that is a couple of weeks younger.  But are very happy for him! 
 

Aaleyah is bright and enthusiastic about life.

05/30/08:  The day started out a bit stressful when we learned how much the hospital bill was but with the help caring people we were able to make payment at the very last minute - prayers were answered.  Aaleyah and Momma Sue had quite a few people show up to see them off from the hospital - even the local news station!  They loaded onto the trailer and seemed ready to come home.  We all said our goodbye's to hospital staff and students that were absolutely awesome.  The ride home was nice and smooth thanks to Teri and Stacy (thanks ladies!). 

Once we got home Momma Sue and Aaleyah were turned out for just a few minutes into the quarantine paddock.  The first thing Aaleyah did was to run all around, jump up and play.  Momma had a good roll in the sand.

Little Belle still has two virus' - one is transmittable to humans and both are transmittable to foals so we have to take extra precautions.  We'll have a person assigned day and night to care for momma and baby - we have to wear gloves and a gown and step into a solution that kills the germs when we exit their stall.  It will be this way for at least 2 weeks when the vet runs the fecal tests again. 

Aaleyah gets fed milk every 2 - 3 hours.  She wears her muzzle to prevent her from trying to nurse on her mom or to chew on things - we don't want her ripping the stitches out again in her soft palate.  Momma and Aaleyah will stay in their "suite" in the days when it is sunny and at nights.  When weather permits, they will be turned out into the quarantine paddock.

It sure is good to have them home.  Buttercup welcomed them with a lot of whinnies.  Aaleyah ran all over the place and even Momma Sue seemed to be glad to be back.  Our vet will be out next week to check out her stitches and general healing. 

How did they feel when they got back from the hospital?  Just look at them!
 

05/31/08:  Momma Sue and Aaleyah had a good night.  It was pretty hot, even at night, in their stall so today we put 2 additional fans up for them helped a lot.  They went out to the quarantine paddock in late afternoon and had a blast.  Aaleyah is so full of energy!

We had another orphan foal arrive today.  A 6 week old Palomino colt.  We were told that shortly after his birth another horse kicked him so hard he went flying in the air and landed wrapped around a fence post.  His little body is all out of sorts.  At, and behind, his tummy one side is "pushed" out and the other side is "pushed" in.  He hasn't had any handling and is a bit leery of humans.  When he was only about a month old his mom was sold and he was pretty much left to fend for himself as an orphan.

He doesn't seem to be in any discomfort.  We'll have the vet out on Monday to examine him unless there is reason to call him over the weekend.  We'd like the foal to have some time to settle in - he's been through quite a bit.  We're calling him "Golden Boy" for now.

Sand Storm (aka Golden Boy) - an orphan foal.

05/29/08:  Aaleyah and Momma Sue are coming home tomorrow!  Dr. Cleary said she still has rotavirus as well as another (I can't remember the name) and will have to be tested again in 2 weeks.  They will stay in quarantine here for at least 3 weeks.  They'll be stalled most of the time but will also be able to use our quarantine paddock for a few hours in the evenings before being tucked back into their 12 X 24 stall for the night.  Aaleyah will have to wear her soft muzzle when she isn't drinking milk from a bucket.  We'll have to check her temperature throughout the days and nights.  We'll have to wear gloves and be very careful not to do anything that could possibly transmit the virus to Buttercup.  Adult horses don't get it.  We're currently short about $700 for the hospital bill.  Please consider participating in the raffle to help Aaleyah or buying some horse muffins?  Thank you!
 

05/27/08:  Dr. Cleary called this morning as they were getting ready to take Aaleyah back into surgery.  It wasn't until then, talking with Dr. Cleary, that I realized this was a semi-major surgery for Aaleyah.  They had to put her under general anesthesia and put her trach tube back in.  They grafted skin from inside Aaleyah's lip to the middle of her soft palate.  This should prevent the stitches from coming out again - we pray it does because there is no alternative.

Anne, one of our Directors, stopped in to visit them after the surgery and she said Aaleyah looked a little unsteady but ok.  Momma Sue looked really good.

Dr. Cleary called later in the evening and said Aaleyah did will through surgery and that they moved her and her mom to another stall in another barn where they wouldn't get the afternoon sun beating down on them.  The latest fecal test still tested positive but Aaleyah's stool was much firmer.  They will take the trach tube out again tomorrow and if there are no more complications Aaleyah and Momma Sue will come home on Friday.

Due to complications and the need for a second surgery, the hospital bill is higher then originally quoted.  We need to raise another $1000+ and will be posting a raffle soon.

Any amount of help would be greatly appreciated.
Donations are tax deductible.  Thank you!
 

05/26/08:  Dr. Cleary called this morning and said Aaleyah is doing well.  However, she somehow managed to get a suture or two out and milk is coming out her nose. 

The good news is that the diarrhea has about cleared up, even though a fecal test still showed her being positive for rotavirus.  She is in good spirits but I'm sure she'd rather be out playing.  Momma Sue is doing well.  She has to test negative twice before being declared over the rotavirus.  Another fecal test will be done tomorrow morning.

Late today Dr. Cleary called and said they had just finished a major surgery and tomorrow morning she and Dr. Brown will be putting the sutures back in.  They don't expect any problems. 

 

Hay - will you play peek-a-boo through the door with me?  Anything!  I'm bored in here!  I wanna go home!
 

05/26/08:  Dr. Cleary called last night and said Aaleyah wasn’t feeling good and had diarrhea and a temperature.  They did blood work and tested her poop.  This morning, when we got to the hospital, Aaleyah was up and looking like her spunky little self – bright eyed and inquisitive.  I felt better the minute I saw her – yesterday she just didn’t look right and I was a worried.  The trach tube had been taken out this morning and she was wearing a soft muzzle to keep her from trying to get milk from her mom.  They quit giving her milk last night and started an IV.

Dr. Cleary said we could take them out for a short walk, which we did, and they loved it.  Momma Sue grazed and Aaleyah got to run around and jump up like a cricket. 

After a couple of minutes Dr. Cleary got back the lab results.  Aaleyah has rotavirus so she and Momma Sue had to be put back in their stall and quarantined. 

Aaleyah got tired and wandered back to her stall which, by then, had been decorated with rope and posts and a new sign that said “Rotavirus+”.  She had to check it all out.  Hugh was there to welcome her and guide her back into her stall.  Dr. Cleary, and the staff taking care of Aaleyah, really like her.  They are an awesome group of people.

After Momma Sue and Aaleyah were back in their stall, Dr. Cleary put the grazing muzzle back on Aaleyah, which Aaleyah didn’t really appreciate.  But she stood there like a good girl and Dr. Cleary praised her and gave her a hug.

She’ll be in isolation for a couple of days.  We don’t know when they will be coming back to the rescue - possibly Wednesday or Thursday.  We’d like to ask everyone to please continue sending Momma Sue and Aaleyah good thoughts and prayers.  Thank you!
 

05/24/08:  Momma Sue and Aaleyah are doing very well.  Momma Sue was examined for bladder stones and none were found.  Her water intake and urine are normal.  The vet wants to give her a couple of days and then run the blood tests again. 

Aaleyah was more energetic today then yesterday.  She's drinking her milk by the bucket now.  Her trach was removed today for 15 minutes and she did fine.  Her catheter was removed, cleaned, and put back in the opposite side.  The wonderful folks at UF that work with her are amazed at her attitude and well she is doing. 

If all is well - both mom and filly will come home on Tuesday!

05/23/08:  Blodwyn went with me to UF today to visit Momma Sue and Aaleyah Belle.  Both looked very good.  Little Belle was bright and alert and didn't seem to be in any discomfort - she is on antibiotics and pain meds.  She welcomed attention and we were happy to give her all she wanted!

We were met with kisses....

While we were there we noticed that Aaleyah's bottle was almost full and she'd tried to drink from it a couple of times - then she'd go to Momma Sue and try to nurse but didn't get much.  She was getting frustrated so we asked for a bucket.  You can see how well it worked...

Little Belle was being fed milk from a bucket every 2 hours while someone held Momma Sue - but we wanted to find a way to have milk available to her 24/7.  We tried a foal feeder that could hang on the window.  Well, Momma Sue didn't care that it is meant to be a foal feeder - she thought it worked well for her too! 

After Aaleyah got her tummy full she did what most babies do.  She took a nap.

Now, how precious is this?

The Dr. took Aaleyah's trach tube out this evening to clean it up.  It was left out for 12 minutes and Aaleyah did fine.  They blocked off the tube a bit later and she also did fine.  They will repeat this tomorrow and if all goes well the tube may come out on Sunday! 

Momma's Sue's tests came back and there is blood and protein in her urine and there is nothing to indicate there is an infection brewing anywhere.  The Dr. is going to check tomorrow for stones.  If this is the case - it is possible that what we thought was a gassy colic a few days ago was really pain related to stones.  We'll have an update tomorrow.  Thanks everyone for your continued good thoughts, prayers, and support.
 

May 22nd:  Surgery started around 10 am and was over around 2 PM – I watched the whole thing.  It was quite the relief when the Dr. looked up at me and gave me a “thumbs up” before leaving the operating room.  We met in the waiting room and he said was very pleased with how things went.  Aaleyah’s nose is much better but it still has a little twist to it but it may improve as she grows.  She still has an “under bite” but it is not nearly as bad as it was.  Dr. Brown and Dr. Cleary did a great job and made sure that her jaws were lined up as much as possible.  She got many stitches, wires, and pins.  She'll be on antibiotics and pain meds for a few days.  Her once right tiny nostril is bigger and the airflow will be better.  She has a temporary trach tube and catheter in her neck which is wrapped in bandages - it somewhat limits her neck movements.  I didn't enjoy watching them cut on her, chisel away at her jaw with a mallet and punch, drill and insert pins and wires, stitch her up, and do other things but I am glad I was there – I know what they did and how they did it – it may be helpful in the future.  This surgery was long and Dr. Brown said it will take her weeks to heal.  Now we need to make sure swelling is controlled and there is no chance for infection.

The operating room with little Aaleyah Belle on the table.  I had a window view from above. 

Aaleyah Belle and Momma Sue were back in their stall around 2:45.  When I got there Aaleyah was shivering like she was cold – like a person does coming out of anesthesia.  Momma Sue was eating her hay – she looked good – like some sort of relief had come over her.  I went in and gave Momma Sue a hug and then knelt down by the window.  Little Belle came over and stuck her cute little stitched up nose (which was still bleeding) in my face.  It felt good to hug her and kiss her forehead.  When she walked over to me it felt awesome – I felt her strength and I saw the life and determination in her eyes that told me it will be ok.  I couldn't help but to cry and hold her as long as she'd let me.  I know this may sound silly, but smelling her and seeing those eyes made me feel so much better.  She’s a strong little baby, only 19 days old, that has a life ahead of her now - thanks to people that helped us to help her, the wonderful doctors, staff, and students at UF, and angels seeing her through the surgery.  

She kept opening and closing her mouth – like she was trying out a new set of teeth.  We let her take her time to settle and when she stopped shaking she tried to drink from her bottle.  The angle to nurse from the bottle was too much for her and she got frustrated and went to Momma Sue.  She tried nursing Momma Sue and managed to get some milk but not much.  I took the bottle out of the holder and held it at an angle that made it easier to get milk from but she still didn't get much – her entire mouth is different and it will take her some time to get used to it and to learn how to use it.  Aaleyah will be able to eat and drink on her own and for that we are very grateful.  I ended up squirting milk into her mouth for a bit and she seemed appreciative but still hungry.  The vet tech came in to give her some meds through the catheter - I held Aaleyah’s head against my chest with one hand and put my other hand on her butt and she stood very still - I was so proud of her.  The folks there all love her - a couple of them told me she’s the sweetest and kindest baby they'd ever met! 

While I was there I noticed Momma Sue taking short pees every now and then and asked the care takers if they had noticed it too.  They said that yesterday she did the same thing but that she is drinking her water ok.  They suggested that if she is still doing it tomorrow that they do some tests - it could be an infection. 

Aaleyah having this surgery was very worth it.  I wish I could take away the discomfort she will be feeling for awhile.  While watching the surgery there was talk about why there are very few surgeries for wry nose babies.  The answer was that a wry nose is not as uncommon as people believe but most foals born with a wry nose are put down right after birth – they don't stand a chance – God bless them all.  This is what rescue is about – giving them all a chance – even the ones that most people would give up on.  It’s quite an emotional roller coaster ride but when you see the results of your efforts it makes it all worth it.  Aaleyah Belle, in her short life, has displayed what it means to have the will, determination, and the heart, to beat the odds.  She’s a special little girl.  Isn't she beautiful?

I stayed awhile and made sure Aaleyah went poop and pee before I left and that someone was going to be with her constantly and monitoring the amount of milk she was getting.  She won't be discharged before Monday or Tuesday.  I got home around 4 PM and around 5:30 the doctor called and told me Aaleyah and Momma Sue were doing well.  I'll check on her tonight before going to bed.  It’s been a long 2 days and the trips to and from the hospital aren't kind to my body - there has been very little sleep. 

There are some graphic pictures of the surgery in a folder on our Yahoo group at: http://pets.ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/BHF_Equine_Rescue/photos

Little Belle – our strong and proud baby girl.

We are still accepting donations to help with the surgery and hospital stay.  Also, a vet bill will be coming for $270 for Momma Sue's treatment on the 18th.  Transport funds ($150) to the hospital were donated but we still need funds ($150) to get Aaleyah and her mom back next week.  Momma Sue has to have some tests run and the stay at the hospital is longer then expected so the bill is going to be higher then originally estimated.  Please consider passing up a night out to dinner, coffee at the mall, or even a movie to help.  No amount is too small and all donations are appreciated.  Donations are tax deductible.
 

05/22/08:  Aaleyah and Momma Sue were transported to the University of Florida this morning.  They did really well and we're very proud of Aaleyah for being such a trooper.  Here is a short recap of the day.

Aaleyah Belle was pretty tired this morning.   

First things first.  “Milk please!”

OK, I have a full belly -– time for a nap in the cool sand and warm sun. 

A “mother” – daughter talk and prayer before the transporter arrives. 

Aaleyah and her mom loaded onto the trailer great and unloaded even better.
She followed Momma Sue to their “suite” and took in all the sites on the way. 

They both settled right in.  Quite a few people came to meet “the cute baby with the little "crooked nose,” and they all fell in love with her –- how could they not?  Dr. Brown was very nice and informative.   

“Hay!  My bottle is here!  Mom - look at the view from the window - there’s horses out there playing in a field!”   
 

We won't know what time the surgery is tomorrow until am.  I spoke at length with Dr. Brown today.  He said he's seen cases worse then hers that were successful.  He said that the top of little Belle's mouth will always be somewhat shorter then the bottom.  She will be able to eat grain ok and drink ok.  Only time will tell if she will be able to graze.  His technique does not require the use of one of Aaleyah’s ribs.  Recovery will take weeks.  She'll be confined to a stall for several days and then will be able to go out for short periods of time and as she heals, over time, she'll be able to stay out longer.  She will be at the hospital at least until Monday.  I did ask if Momma Sue could have her teeth done while she is there and they are going to try to arrange it.  Momma Sue seemed to be feeling good today.

Saying goodbye wasn’t easy but we know surgery is the only answer.  I’ll be at the hospital all day tomorrow and will update tomorrow night.  Buttercup is doing ok but misses Momma Sue and Aaleyah.  She will be staying in Momma Sue and little Belle's "suite" (birthing stall) until they return.  Little E will be in the paddock around the barn to keep her company.  Thank all of you for the good thoughts, emails, phone calls, prayers, and donations to help Aaleyah Belle.  I apologize to those that have emailed that I haven't responded to - I won't be on the computer for a few days. 
 

May 20th:  They play hard and sleep hard!
 

05/18/08:  Momma Sue went down today and couldn't get back up.  Her temp and respiration were normal and her appetite was fine.  She did seem dehydrated. 

As soon as I listened to her gut I got a sinking feeling we may be dealing with a colic.  I called the vet and he told me to give her some Banamine.  It had started working by the time he arrived. 

We got her up and got her to her stall.  Refluxing her was normal.  He oiled her and gave her some Buscopan.  She got IV fluids.  The vet said the long term neglect she'd endured, even while pregnant, and receiving no vet care after giving birth, contributed to her condition today.  We are very careful when horses like Momma Sue arrive.  They are brought back to health slowly - the first few days are the most critical.  She was doing so well but it was very hot and humid today.  

This evening she is better but still not out of the woods.  She is supposed to leave with Aaleyah Belle on Wednesday for UF for Belle's surgery.  We'll see how she is doing but we won't put any stress on her. 

The vet bill from today alone was $297.70.  If you'd like to help please go to our "Donate" page and there are various ways to donate to help Momma Sue.  Any amount would be greatly appreciated - no amount is too small.

The picture of her standing over the 2 babies was taken yesterday.  Each day that goes by brings the 3 of them closer together as a family. 
 

OK -- nap time is over. 
It's time to play!
 

Buttercup drinks from a bottle too but she also eats
milk replacer pellets.  Each bag of milk replacer costs
$136.  A bag lasts less than a week.
 

She does love her milk!  Would you like to provide
a bag of milk replacer to Aaleyah Belle? 
You can call a credit into our feed store.
 

Aaleyah tried for days to graze like a normal horse but just couldn't.  So she found her own way to graze.
 

She lays in a low spot and turns her head to the side and is able to pull grass out of the sand.
 

Aaleyah is full of life.  She does tire easy.
She doesn't get much air through her nostrils.
 

Let's play kickball!
 

Please help if you can.  Every donation, no matter how big or small, makes a big difference.
Donations are 100% tax deductible.  Thank you.
 

Peek-a-boo!
 

Play time!  Charge!

Go in, mommy -- I think there's food in there!
 

Relaxing in the cool sand and warm sun.
 

Whew - it's been a long day.  I'm beat!

Momma Sue felt so good after her bath!
 

Buttercup first meeting Momma Sue.

05/07/08:  This is a nurse mare foal that was born on Barbaro's birthday - April 29th.  Her mother was bred in order to be able to nurse a different foal whose mother was to be shipped off to be bred again by live cover.  This is another "business" that many people don't know about.

When this foal, now named Buttercup, arrived she hadn't been handled by humans.  She called out for her mom for the first couple of days and it was so sad.  As time passed Momma Sue and Aaleyah accepted her as part of their "family." 

The girls are great for each other and Momma Sue keeps them in line - but they are a handful!  There's never a dull minute - that's for sure. 

05/06/08: Momma Sue and Aaleyah Belle

05/03/08:  We picked this mare up only a few hours after she gave birth to a baby that had a wry nose.  The baby was very weak but at the same time appeared very determined at everything she did.  We named her Aaleyah Belle (after Eight Belles).  Aaleyah means "the greatest gift from God."  Eight Belles was a 3 yr old TB filly that gave her all, including her life, after winning second place at the Kentucky Derby today.  Aaleyah's mom's name is "Currently Sue" and we are calling her "Momma Sue."  She arrived very much underweight and had no vet care after giving birth just hours before.

Aaleyah Belle can't nurse because she has a wry nose.  She didn't get any milk (or colostrum) before arriving here and was very weak.  She had to have a plasma treatment because her IGG (antibody) levels were so low (17!).  We are taking shifts around the clock to bottle feed Aaleyah.  She deserves a chance - as does her mom.

We have contacted a surgeon that has performed surgery to correct a wry nose in only one operation.  We will do all we can to get Aaleyah Belle the needed surgery.  Without it, she won't be able to graze, drink, or eat grain.  

Check back often for updates.
 

Aaleyah Belle and Momma Sue arriving at the rescue when Aaleyah was only a few hours old.

It was clear from the moment they arrived
that these two needed help.

 

Aaleyah's first night on earth - safe here at the rescue.
 

" Life is about determination.  You don't give up just because of the obstacles...Regardless of what obstacles face you, just keep going.  Go through, go around, jump through.  But never give up."