Saturday, November 3, 2012

A very VERY Sick Donkey

Well folks, you better sit down for this one.  I'm not going to get into all the details because I just don't have the energy, but here is where we're at...

Ramsey is at Cornell, Emma wound up staying home because we could not get her on the trailer.  I don't have a trailer myself so I have not been able to practice this with her.  Her only trailer experience was the day she came here .  I don't know how they got her on the trailer that day, but I doubt it was pretty.  I hadn't meant to wean Ramsey this early, but I guess it is just as well. 

As for Ramsey, he has a very VERY bad case of septic pedal osteitis.  This is a deep infection of the coffin bone in the foot.  In Ramsey's case, the infection has also become systemic.  There is some concern that the infection has reached his spinal column.  It is too soon to tell if some of his symptoms are the beginning of meningitis or simple exhaustion.

Best case scenario:  There is no meningitis.  The vets are able to stabilize Ramsey and control the systemic infection within the next couple of days.  If they manage that, he will then require surgery to debride and treat the infected bone followed by lower limb perfusion treatments.  All that followed by at least three months of intensive care at home.  Total cost: $8000-10,000.  Which I don't have.

Worst case scenario...well, I just can't write about that.  I hope to know more tomorrow.



24 comments:

  1. Get well little one.

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  2. Oh Kris, I'm so sorry, I will do whatever I can to help. Love and Hugs. Diana

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  3. Oh...so very heartbreaking. I'm so sorry!

    Praying for miracles!!

    ~Lisa

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  4. I have been following your posts for a few months through the recommendation of a friend that works with me. I am very sorry to hear this news. My thoughts are with you and Ramsey (and Emma too - poor mama)

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  5. Poor little Ramsay. I've got everything crossed for him. I hope that he responds to the medication. Thinking of you all.

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  6. Dear Kris, please don't publish this if you feel that my thoughts are inappropriate, but here is what is on my mind: Rather than just sit still and feel my heart breaking for you and Ramsey, I want to be practical and suggest asking for donations. If, all things considered (including a realistic chance of a good quality of life for Ramsey after treatment), it came down to the problem of money, perhaps your friends in blogland would want to pitch in. I would pledge 1K, but I don't know how to go about pulling more people into the boat.
    Sincerely, Evemarie

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    1. Hi I am reading all the comments to Kris about Ramsey. I am with you on donations for the little guy. I could only do 100.00. I dont know how many followers she has on this blog but if 80 at 100.00 each is 8000.00. lets get the word out. Also a wonderful product, true Chinese med specifically for this in a recovery stage from http://forloveofthehorse.com/hoof_bone_repair.php

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    2. Great! And yes, let's get the word out! :)

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  7. Oh Kris, my heart breaks for you and Ramsey. I just found your blog thru Sunday Stills several weeks ago and immediately began following by email. I love the cast of characters you blog about and of course fell in love with your chocolate brown baby donkey Ramsey. I am hoping of course for the best case scenario(all though the surgery doesn't sound pleasant)and if he requires the expensive surgery possibly Cornell has people with hearts that love little brown donkeys and they work out a better financial situation. So far now I am doing lots of praying and hoping with all my hope and strength that Ramsey soon is no longer a very very sick donkey but back at your place happy to be home.

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  8. I am so sorry. My heart hurts for you. I have been praying for him the last couple of days and will continue to do so.

    I am praying for you and Emma also.

    Valerie

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  9. We feel for your situation and are praying for the best for both you and Ramsey. We love our pets as they are part of our family. We just went through a medical crisis with our ornery parakeet and had the choice to pay a large vet bill versus the other option. We chose to pay the bill as I could not imagine life without her even if she is ornery :)

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  10. Sending up prayers of courage and strength for you, Kris.

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  11. Oh noooo, I am so sorry this is happening to your sweet little Ramsey :( No doubt you are completely exhausted. I've become fond of your donkeys, and wish nothing but the best outcome for Ramsey. Thanks for the update. Know that he is lucky to have such a caring owner, and that you are doing the best you can for him. I'll be thinking of you/him & sending healing thoughts.

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  12. Ramsey and all your family are in my prayers. Is there any way we can contribute to is medical care costs? Take care.
    LaurieB

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  13. Not even sure what to say here. Seems so odd how one day life is good and then next, well, it sucks. Ramsey is such a precious little guy. Hang in there. Good things can happen.

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  14. Oh, no. Kris, I'm sorry and we're hoping for the best here. Sending warm thoughts and hugs your way.

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  15. Dear one, I am so sorry for this news. Little Ramsey has been through too much for such a little guy. You must be exhausted and scared, and I don't know what I can say that would help. I'll be thinking of you throughout the day, hoping for the best.

    Nancy in Iowa

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  16. How about some donations toward Ramseys care?

    Also please look here: http://forloveofthehorse.com/hoof_bone_repair.php

    I have used several of these products. They have testimonials from vets. I highly recommend. They are very caring and helpful and Dr. Thomas will respond to you personally. Hugs to everyone 4 and 2 -legged.

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  17. How about donations for Ramsey's care?

    please look here: http://forloveofthehorse.com/hoof_bone_repair.php I have used several products. They have testimonials from vets. They are caring and helpful, Dr Thomas will respond to you personally. Di

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  18. Dear Kris, What ever I can do to help, please let me know...this brings tears as I know how precious Ramsey is! For now, I am praying for him and his recovery.. and the strength for you to get through all this...thinking of you... Linda

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  19. Jenny in MN, now in AZNovember 3, 2012 at 1:30 PM

    So sorry Ramsey is this sick. I would gladly donate some funds to you to help and Ramsey.

    Please get some rest for yourself and let us know how he is doing. Positive thoughts and prayers headed your way.

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  20. Hi Kris,

    That's a whopping vet bill. But please do consider donations when you're weighing your options. And Cornell must have an easy payment plan while donations come in. You've been a supurb mother to both your donkeys; whatever decsion you make will be the right one.
    Shelley

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  21. Hi Kris, I totally agree with Shelly's comment. My prayers and thoughts are with you and Ramsey. HDJ

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