Classy's Diary

CLASSY'S DIARY Please click on the thumbnails below to see a larger picture! *Photos may not be copied without permission.
08/26/09: Classy got her back feet done. It took a little twitching and sedation, but she got through it OK.
06/15/09: Here are some recent photos of Classy, including one of her trach. She's just waiting for her "forever home"!
12/17/08: Classy was returned to the rescue today. It wasn't because she was no longer wanted - her humans loved her very much and did not want to part with her. The family had a change in life circumstance that was out of their control and sadly had to bring Classy back. They said goodbye through tears of love. Classy is as sweet as ever. She's healthy and UTD on everything. She just needs a new human child that will love on her.
03/05/08: Classy has settled in very well to her new home. Here is part of an email we received today from her new "mom": "Classy and Lanie are doing really great together. Lanie absolutely loves her. She gets really upset with us when we take her off. We had some friends over and we gave the little boys a quick ride on Classy. Lanie had a fit! She didn't want them riding her pony." Here is Classy and Lanie - they are perfect for each other! And, what is really nice, is that they are only about two miles from us and we get to visit whenever we want! What a success story this turned out to be!
02/02/08: Classy rides again! She truly seemed to enjoy herself and didn't have any problems. She wasn't short of breath - she and Katie just had a blast!
06/16/07: We'd like to share an awesome picture of Classy visiting with her angels, Kimm and Jeff. Classy really liked them - and they doted on her all day. She got a good bath and lots of treats and hugs.
UPDATE 05/31/07: Classy is doing very good. We recently turned her out into the big paddock with Chloe and Casper. The first few minutes out there she did a little sprint. She stopped and figured out she could run and breathe - and then she took off running and hopping around! She's eating great - she's acting like a real horse should. The trach site has healed nicely. The only thing we do for her daily is clean it with a warm cloth and put SWAT around it. She actually blows any debris from it herself. She's been off antibiotics now for a few weeks - her heart rate is normal. Unless she displays any problems, we don't plan on subjecting her to anymore tests. Even if there is still a small mass at her heart there is nothing that can be done. She is looking great - her lameness has subsided. She is ready for a new forever home!
UPDATE 05/04/07: Classy was seen by the Dr. from the vet school at UF. Her trach site has healed nicely. The day she was released from the hospital the Dr. found a mass at her heart and she has been on antibiotics and closely monitored. The mobile unit came here today to do another ultrasound to see if the mass is smaller. There is good news - her heart rate was normal for the first time. However, the abscess at her heart is still there but is smaller.
UPDATE 04/27/07: We have wonderful news - Maureen G. has made it possible for the mobile unit to come to Classy next week! THANK YOU MAUREEN! And thank you to everyone that has helped Classy and sent good thoughts and prayers her way - please continue to send them! Our next milestone is to recheck the mass at her heart.
UPDATE 04/21/07: This was taken of Classy and Granny yesterday, Sunday.
UPDATE 04/19/07: The mobile unit from the vet school at UF came this morning. The great news is that Classy's heartbeat is normal and the mass at her heart has shrunk to 3 x 4 cm from 6 x 3 cm! She was pretty good for the exam after we took her to the rear of the barn where Granny Jewels could be close for support. The doctor was very impressed with her trach - it is healing great. He was pleased with her overall condition - she is much healthier and full of life! The bad news is that because there is still a small mass, which is likely an infection, she has to continue antibiotics for 2 more weeks and then have another ultrasound done to make sure it is completely gone. They don't want her to come off the antibiotics before the mass is gone because it could get worse again. Today's bill was $524 but with a discount it came to $423. The doctor said if we can get Classy to the vet school in 2 weeks for another (and hopefully the last) EKG he will try to waive some of the fee. However, if they have to come here again the cost will likely be around $300. We could try to take Granny but she may be uncomfortable going - she's foundered in her front feet. We can't trailer them together because our mini-van can't pull the weight. We'll figure something out.
We have been questioned about the additional test being worth the money. What I'd have to ask is - what happens if we continue the antibiotics and the mass goes away (which is highly possible)? The tests would prove we have a healthy and happy mare that has many years of a good, quality life ahead of her that could make someone a very nice horse and friend. If we don't do the tests what do we know? We don't know if she is better or worse - we would not know if she needs to continue on antibiotics. If, in fact, the antibiotics are shrinking the mass and we stop giving them - doesn't that make us guilty of neglect? And then, the infection could grow and spread. What do we gain by not running the tests? Yes, we would save about $300 at this point in time. But when you are so close to having a healthy, happy horse that could live a normal life - why take a risk when she's come so far? I invite people to take the time to email me with their thoughts on this. This isn't an elderly mare with many health issues. This is a young mare with a lot of life left in her eyes and heart that would love a human of her own to love, and to be loved in return. What makes Classy any less important than any other horse that needs medical care? I agree that often, in rescue, there are some that are warrant humane euthanasia. But to just put them out to pasture to live out their life if they are in pain or discomfort - I can't do that. I want to thank everyone for your continued support. Personally, I find great relief and satisfaction in seeing Classy grow stronger and healthy. She has a great will to live and I refuse to rob her of that or to turn my head on a horse that has a great future ahead of her. We're very proud of her and the strength and determination she has demonstrated. Her condition went neglected for almost 3 years. She came to this rescue for a reason - with the mass that was growing at her heart (which had been working overtime for a long time), she likely would not have made it much longer. We feel very blessed to have been able to help her, which we couldn't have done, without the support of so many kind and loving people. God bless you all!
As of 04/18/07 $304 is still needed for the follow-up and stitches removed on 04/10/07 and for the mobile unit that came to Classy on 04/19/07 to do an EKG and ultrasound on her heart. We tried to take her to her appointment on 04/18/07 for her testing but she had a panic attack, her blood pressure and heart rate went way up, and she passed out for a few seconds. We discussed it with the doctor and he feels it is best for their mobile lab to come to her.
Donations received to date:	$50 New Life Equine Rescue (thanks Cathy!) $25 Marty R. $25 Susan S. $615 Maureen G. $230 Jen S. (in PA) $25 Stephanie T. $25 Donna D.	$100 Carolyn $25 Kelly $50 Lisa L. $100 Gillian A. $50 Sandra I. $50 Kimm S. $25 Lorraine W. $75 Susan R.	$50 Jan M. (Tailwinds Farm) $20 P. Bowlin $25 Linda M. $250 Cheryl K. $125 Susan H. $15 Linda $30 Grandma Memorial Fund
Thank you everyone for your thoughts, prayers, donations, emails, and phone calls. As of 9 pm tonight I think enough funds have been donated to pay for the current known costs. There will be more - throat medicine that we'll have to apply via a tube up her nose after she gets back to the rescue and antibiotics. There will be post-op charges for a follow-up but we don't know those yet either. We feel very blessed that in only 48 hours so much support has come through for this deserving little mare. I truly don't know how to thank everyone. It was a VERY long day here and I am exhausted and need to call it a day. I will update again tomorrow after I receive a call from the hospital. Again, thank you! We didn't post it because it came up at the last minute, but Peaches, another pony mare that has been having neurological problems for over a year, was admitted with Classy today. Here is Peaches being led to the trailer by a volunteer, Jim, after Classy was loaded. It was Jim's last day -- we're going to miss him - he's a snowbird and has returned to Maine.
04/12/07: Our vet was out yesterday and removed the stitches. The wound is healing nicely. Her heart and breathing rates were up a bit. But she could have been a bit anxious that the vet was talking out the stitches. The wound is much easier to clean without the stitches. Classy goes back to the vet hospital next Wednesday, April 18th, for a follow-up and an EKG and ultrasound on her heart.
04/10/07: There is a strange odor around her wound. I emailed her angel, Kimm, to see if that had happened with Raindrop (a horse Kimm had that looks so much like Classy that had the same medical problem and surgery) and she said she did. There is no apparent infection and her temp is ok. She's still eating fine. It seems a bit difficult for her to eat off the ground - like it hurts to stretch her neck. When cleaning the wound today it looked a lot better. The vet will be out tomorrow and if it's ready, he'll be able to take out the remaining stitches - but I don't think its ready. She still hates the throat wash via nasal tube treatments. Here is a picture of the trach from the side - you can see her jaw line to give you an idea how far down it is on her neck.
And here it is from the front (at right). The swelling has gone down quite a bit. We hope Classy's experience will help others in some way. She must have a tremendous will to live - her laryngeal hyperplasia was a grade 4. That's pretty remarkable.
04/08/07: Classy: It got very cold last night (30's) and we were worried about Classy staying warm. We put Beauty's stable blanket on her and put her in a stall with a heat lamp. We checked on her around midnight and she was fine. This morning she was ready for breakfast and her morning walk. It was a cool and damp day so she didn't get out much. We cut away some of the dead skin around her trach site - there was an area about the size of a dime that we were concerned about just above the hole that was loose - we were afraid it would become unattached and she'd suck it in. She still has times of fast breathing but most of the time you really can't even hear her unless you really listen closely. I have to say that support for Classy has been wonderful. It truly helps to know we're not alone in this effort to help this little mare. It's not just the financial support that is much appreciated and needed, but the emails, prayers, calls, and even cards we have received in the mail - it all means so very much to us. We have been very blessed in helping Classy - and for that we thank you all. And I have to send a big "Thank You" to Jen S. for keeping an update of Classy on the FOB group - there are some awesome people there and I hope to be able to participate in that group soon. We had 2 new arrivals come in yesterday that are taking up more of my time and I am behind on many things. But please know that if I haven't returned your email or phone call I'm not ignoring you - things are just a bit overwhelming right now but we truly do appreciate all of you!
04/07/07: Classy is coming along on her road to recovery. The trach area is healing. Her breathing can be loud at times. At other times it is quiet and calm. We did turn her out for just a few minutes today with Granny and she LOVED it! What she does NOT like is getting the throat wash via nasal tube. She is very good about getting her 2 shots twice a day and about getting the wound area cleaned.
04/02/07: Classy is doing good. She looks a bit more bright eyed and alert. Her appetite is great. We received the bill from the hospital and costs were much greater than expected due to the additional testing on her heart. We truly appreciate all the support we've received - even much support out of the FOB group - thank you everyone! And thank you J. Stein for keeping people updated on the FOB group. If you look under her chin in the picture below you can see the trach site.
04/01/07: Classy still seems a bit tired but she was more alert today. She's a real trooper at getting her 2 shots twice a day and at having the wound area cleaned. But she really does not like the throat wash via nasal tube and we have to do it twice a day - for 19 more days! Her appetite is good and her breathing seemed better. It seems to be faster and louder when nobody is at the barn (human that is - Granny is just outside of her window or stall door most of the day and night). But when humans are at the barn it seems to slow down and you can barely hear her breathe. She got a good grooming today - a couple of times - and loved it. Kept turning her body to position it where she wanted brushed. She enjoys the hand walks she gets at least 3 times a day. The wound really does a good job of keeping itself clean. Every time she exhales it blows everything away from it - just like a dolphin when they exhale.
03/31/07: When I first got to the barn this am Classy was breathing a bit heavy - nostrils were flared. After breakfast her breathing was much, much better. She is anxious to get out of her stall but she must stay there for 2 weeks. We hand walk her twice a day for 15 minutes. I don't think keeping the hole clean will be too difficult. Every time she exhales it blows everything away from it - like a dolphin expels air. What was really cute this morning was Classy and her carrot. Before the surgery she would only eat pellet grain - wouldn't touch a carrot or treat. Today she ate a carrot broken up into very small pieces and LOVED it! She was really good when I did her throat wash (via nasal tube) and gave her 2 injections. I hope she doesn't end up disliking me because of the doctoring things I have to do to her. It will be better after a week - then she won't have to have the 2 injections twice a day.
UPDATE 03/30/07: Classy - She has a mass between her heart and the pericardium membrane in her left ventricle. She will get Gentomyacin once a day and Penicillin twice a day for the next week and then SMZ's for 2 additional weeks. She will go back to the hospital for another EKG and ultrasound in 3 weeks and between now and then we will say prayers that the mass decreases in size. It could be an infection, a blood clot, a tumor, or maybe it is genetic. The doctors agree Classy has a very strong will to live. The way she somehow learned to survive on such little air was amazing. She will be on stall rest for 2 weeks and then she'll be able to go into a small paddock. Her medicines for the next week are $45 per day ($315 for 7 days) plus SMZ's for the following 2 weeks ($80). Donations are still be accepted to help with her post-op meds and follow-up (EKG and ultrasound) in 3 weeks. In summary, donations to date have covered all expenses except $345 for meds and a TBD cost for the next EKG and ultrasound. Update 7:00 pm: Classy is settled in her stall and Peaches is in a small turn-out area behind the barn. Here is a picture of Classy just off the trailer and another of her in her stall. You can see the trach just below her jaw. She looks likes she has lost a little weight but her appetite is great. The hole is larger than I expected but it will decrease in size as it heals. Classy gets seen again by our vet in 2 weeks and by the vet at UF on the 18th of April. Classy's wound has to be kept clean. We have to do a pharyngeal flush through a nasal tube every 12 hours, then there is bute twice a day, Penicillin (via IM) twice a day, Gentamicin (via IM) once a day, hand walking for 15 minutes twice a day. I'm tired already! Anyone want to put in some volunteer time? I'll try to get a better picture of Classy's trach tomorrow.

The FOB have lit a candle for Classy. Thank you FOB! http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=class
UPDATE 03/29/07: I finally received a call from the vet! Classy is doing good! She came out of anesthesia and realized she could breathe without obstruction a very calming look came over her. She is now eating peacefully in her stall. We will pick her up tomorrow and she will need to stay on stall rest for 2 weeks, then a small turnout area for 2 weeks, and then normal turn-out! We do have to have our vet come out in 2 weeks and remove the stitches and just check it out.
03/28/07: Classy loaded great this morning along with Peaches, another pony that is having some diagnostics testing done. Once at the hospital, she was scoped and some initial tests were done. The flaps at her trachea are only opening 5% of what they should be. That's not much! The vet and techs were amazed that Classy is even coherent! She has bilateral hemiplegia. There is a lot of swelling along her throat and there are a lot of lesions. The vet decided they will do some additional x-rays of her head to ensure there isn't something else to worry about - like an abscess.
(at right) This is what a normal trach looks like.			(at left) Here is Classy's. You can see the inflammation, and the hole is just a slit.
	(at left) 03/28/07: Here you can see how swollen the areas and the little area where air passes through.	(at right) 03/28/07: Here you can see the many lesions along her airway.
We n eed your support to help Classy. She's young, sweet, and needs the surgery very badly. We were told that she's been ridden by many kids and always took care of them. It's time to take care of her. She will, after recovery and rehab, make some little girl or boy an awesome little pony. Or she may be perfect for an equi-therapy program and be an extraordinary asset for them to have if they should wind up with a client who has to have, or who has had, a tracheotomy themselves - it would be a great reassurance/bonding experience for the client to meet and love on and be loved by Classy. Please help - donations are tax deductible. Receipts will be mailed within 30 days. Surgery cost: $1581 Enough donations were received to cover the surgery. Thank you everyone that has lit a candle and/or sent good thoughts, prayers, donations, and emails to help Classy. Light a candle for Classy at: http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=class
03/26/07: Classy did not do good over the weekend. Her breathing was very bad (the hotter it gets the worse her breathing gets) and we feel we can't wait until after our May benefit show for her surgery. With the high temps that have moved in she is having a very hard time breathing. Cost for surgery at the vet school at the vet school at the University of Florida will be $885 (includes a three-night stay and routine post-op meds). If there are any complications or she has to stay longer it will cost more. The good news is that she will be admitted this Wednesday, March 28th, and surgery will be on March 29th. We'll keep this page updated with her progress.			Thank you to the Schmidt family! They signed up to angel Classy in memory of Raindrop. She was a mare that had the same condition as Classy. She crossed Rainbow Bridge at the age of 27 from colic.
03/21/07: The weather was so beautiful today Classy got a good bath. She has rain rot in several places. Her skin and coat are not very healthy, likely because her body is not getting the amount of oxygen it needs.
03/17/07: We did some checking into Classy's past today and learned that she had the flu in 2002. In 2003 she was scoped and had "roaring" on the left side. In 2004 she was again scoped and had "roaring" on both sides. It's rare for a horse to have it on both sides. 03/19/07: Our holistic vet will be out this week to evaluate and treat Classy. She stated it will likely take up to 6 treatments to see if it will help her. If the treatments don't help we will have to go ahead and do the tracheotomy. In any event, the holistic treatments are going to be costly, as is surgery, if needed. If you would like to help please go to our home page and use the Google Checkout button or the PayPal button. No amount is too small -- any amount is appreciated. Donations can also be made to our vet.
03/16/07: This is Classy. She's a sweet, sweet little pony mare that is about 9 years old. She has a condition that is only allowing a very small amount of air to get into her lungs.