February 25, 2013

Willow's X-rays and update!

Dr. Ruggles from Rood & Riddle just called with an update on Willow.  They were able to get some good x-rays this morning, and he said they look great!  I can't believe she has a plate and 12 screws (and around 50 staples) in her leg!  But so thankful she does... They also sent video of her walking outside over to the Radiology building!  She's walking so beautifully!!!


And here are the X-rays... like Nancy just said to me, "My, she sure has a lot of hardware!"

So tomorrow, they will do some bloodwork and take her off the anti-biotics.  They'll see how she does and monitor her closely for a few more days.  She has to wear a bib because she tries to get at her bandage (and better safe than sorry).... and we'll have to pad her stall with straw to prepare for her arrival.  She'll stay on pain meds, bute, and ulcer prevention meds for a while, and a couple weeks post-op, she will have all those staples taken out (Dr. Kimmons will be tending to her here then).  And then 2 months stall rest (still trying to figure out a plan to survive that), one month small pasture only after that...  It takes 4 months for this to completely heal.  All the while, we'll still be trying to treat the EPM, maintain her success with swallowing (no - choking), ulcers, and trying to get her weight up.  It's a lot... and a bit overwhelming... but we can do it!! ♥  Dr. Ruggles said she might be able to come home Thursday!!! :)

26 comments:

  1. Great news indeed! I know it seems like a lot to handle, but we'd do it for our babies, and we'll do it for our fur-babies. No difference. Just know that God is surely in your corner! I think we can expect great and beautiful things from Willow....I cannot wait to see her bloom over the Summer months...Take care & rest easy knowing she is in perfect hands!

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  2. Oh my gosh! This is so exciting. I can't believe how well she is doing. What a wonderful thing to read on this Monday morning. Thinking of you Shanna! Love, Becky

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  3. That is a lot of hardware. That is a lot to deal with but you have a great attitude.

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  4. I get tears in my eyes with each update. She looks wonderful. Her walking looks like it has improved so much from the last video! I hate that this tragedy happened, but it seems like a clear message that Queen Willow is a fighter and she will overcome all the obstacles she is face with today. She has the best family ever now to help her heal!

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  5. Knowing that you're loved can give you great strength to do great things, and Willow knows she is loved! She endured for so long on her own to get back to a loving touch and soft, kind voices and hearts. She knows now more than ever why she worked to build her strength all those years she was alone. It was so she could give it to you.
    I loved the words of the dear person who posted and compared Willow to music. Symphonies could be written about her story and certainly you are documenting a "love story" with your photography.
    Strength to you, Shana, your family, the docs, nurses, caretakers, and to Willow. Continued prayers to all of you!

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  6. Great update, Shana! She's quite regal indeed!!! It is a lot to think about if you think about it all at once. Once you get to the "lets just make the best of today and get through today as good as we can" process, then it won't seem so overwhelming. I'm trying to do this in my life right now and it's helping a lot - I just need to remind myself of it once in a while. You already know how amazing she is to have got this far; There's no sign that she's all of a sudden going to stop being her fighting self. Give her a hug from a friend when you see her ;)
    s.

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  7. What a great video ! She surely shows her mettle time and time again. Such a lovely, sweet, strong mare. After I wrote this, I looked up mettle to be sure I had the right word. Mettle: ability to cope well with difficulties or to face a demanding situation in a spirited and resilient way. Well, there should be a pic of Willow in the dict. as a stellar example. So happy she's doing so well. She'll be happy to get home to you Shana. Sending love and prayers.

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  8. Well, I didn't know the word "mettle" until the post above but it surely does apply to Willow. I had tears in my eyes watching the video and will share it with a couple of friends who started following Willow's story after I told them about her. I am so incredibly happy for you, Shana. It's going to be a long road but your Queen is up to the challenge and you will gain strength from each other to get through her recovery. Thank you for keeping us all updated!

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  9. She's a miracle! Cherish every hard fought second!

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  10. Awesome news....She looks good. I'm so glad to hear, cant wait to see her at home.

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  11. I am so happy.... it's incredible how well she walks today.
    (((((((((Sending healing and love))))))))

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  12. I am so happy for all of you! Yea!!!

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  13. Hi, I saw your link on the R&R page. I've made a similar walk with my beloved, Rugrat. It is a long story but suffice it to say, he is nothing short of a miracle. I'll spare you the long version unless you wish to know. Short version - he has 5 screws and 2 wires in his right tubercle in a surgery done to by Dr. Ruggles. As far as I know this was a first of it's kind surgery. It was a roller coaster the first 6 months because I didn't know what to make of his varying comfort, etc. Through it all, he was very bright and determined. We are almost 4 years out from surgery now and he's fabulous. Have faith, believe your horse and believe in those "gut" feelings you get when you lay your hands on her... they are your truest barometer. Best wishes!

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  14. P.S. I did anonymous because I have absolutely NO IDEA how to use these things!! lol You can email me if you'd like procue@msn.com.

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  15. FANTASTIC NEWS!!!!!!! She looks amazing!!! Thanks be to God for His hands guiding the surgeons! I am so happy to see this!!

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  16. Awesome news! She looks fantastic! I hope that you have someone recording your reunion with her - oh happy day! Thanks for sharing your story with us and all of the updates.
    Pam in AZ

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  17. Shana.. if anyone can get Willow healthy and back to her healthy self its you and your husband and kids this video makes my heart happy.. I am so glad she is doing so well..

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  18. She looks sooo goood. So happy she is doing well!!! Has she had any food issues while there?

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  19. What a classy lady!! Love how she prisses even through her injury!!!

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  20. She looks AMAZING!!! Thanks for the update. Keep up the good work Willow : )

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  21. She is walking SO well. I took a tour of R&R a couple years ago when I was photographing for WEG. What a fabulous facility. It's first class. Has willow had any choking episodes while there? I was curious what their thoughts were?

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  22. She is walking so graceful for just having surgery. Seeing that video made my day!

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  23. She looks like she is doing well. I don't know much about horses but your blog has captured me. I love all the photos. Does this injury mean now that is is basically a loving pet? I assume you cannot ride her or let her jump from now on. Sorry for the dumb question. She is truly beautiful!

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  24. Wonderful to see her walking so well! She looks so pretty!

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  26. I'm so happy to hear Willow is doing better & will heal. I must say I have great admiration for you both. Gentle {{{HUGS}}} to you.

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