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SPARKY IS BACK!
*Photos not to be
copied without permission.
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Some of you
may remember Sparky, an Appaloosa gelding that was saved at New Holland
in 2006 and came to Beauty’s Haven. He is blind in one eye but a real
sweetheart.
When he arrived he had road founder in all 4 feet. A couple of days
after he arrived he came down with strangles which persisted for FOUR
months.
Sparky spent 4 long months in quarantine. When the last culture
was done we prayed so hard it would be ok but we had our doubts because
the previous 2 cultures came back positive. There was talk about him
being a carrier and even putting him down. I got the call from the vet
and held my breath – it was negative and the tears flowed! We were so
happy for him! |
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When Sparky got to be turned out with the other horses and he was so
happy. He had days that were better then others with his feet. The
farrier worked with us for over a year to get past the founder, and we
did. When he was ready for adoption he went to a foster home but came
back when the family went on vacation. Shortly after, we received an
adoption application for him. The application was processed and the
potential adopter got very good compliments from her references. We did
a site check - all seemed very good for Sparky. It was a sad day when
the new family came to pick him up – he’d been with us for so long. But
it was also a happy day because he had a new family. We received
updates on him. Anne went to visit with him to do follow-ups and all
was ok.
Ok, here comes the part where you’ll think I’m crazy. In January 2008 I
woke my husband up one night to tell him about a dream I had – Sparky
was stuck under something and couldn’t get up - he was in a panic. It
seemed very real and I was so concerned and asked Anne to follow-up on
him. She did and we learned that he had, in fact, gotten cast under a
board in his stall and was stuck for hours before being found.
In April 2008 it was time for a site check. Sparky looked ok but
his feet were overdue for a trim. We were told there were problems
getting a farrier – we all experience that at times. We followed up a
few weeks later. In May we were told the farrier would be there by the
end of the month. Time went by and we didn’t feel good about the
situation. In June we were told the farrier had done Sparky’s feet but
still, something didn’t feel right.
We made the decision only a couple
of days ago to exercise our right, under signed contract, to bring
Sparky back to the rescue - we wanted a full evaluation of his feet. We
contacted the adopter and picked Sparky up the next day thanks to Mich,
who didn't hesitate to help when asked if she could transport Sparky.
He is at Anne’s being fostered and we know we made the right
decision about bringing him back - sadly, we are starting all over with
Sparky's feet.
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His toes have been squared off in the front.
Bruising is clearly visible. All 4 feet have thrush.
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Sparky puts a lot of weight on his hind end.
He does this to take weight off the front feet.
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This is his blind eye - he should have been
wearing a mask when out in the sun.
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Sparky's good eye. He has sunburn
and weeping blisters in some burnt spots.
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There were many tangles in Sparky's tail. Nothing some Cowboy
Magic and a bit of time couldn't take care of.
He has lost some weight - you can see his ribs but we are not concerned
about that because he really doesn't need anymore weight on his feet
right now.
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Sparky was full of worms when he got back and is being treated.
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Sparky has made a new friend at Anne's - a filly
named Stormy.
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Sparky's feet upon arrival in June 2006.
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Sparky's feet upon return in July 2008. |
Sparky needs a few things - if you'd like to help please email us -
we'll cross items off as they are donated.
Panacur Power Pack wormer: $53 from Country Supply. Be sure
to use our Country Supply Care Code: BHFER
http://www.horse.com/Horse-Wormers/Fenbendazole/Panacur-Powerpack-BBL18.html.
We try to keep one on hand for new arrivals and Sparky used the only one
we have and we need to replace it.Probiotics
from
www.myfineequine.com. Click here:
Crusader long nose flymask: $25.99 but mention you're
buying it for a horse at Beauty's Haven and a portion of the purchase
will be donated to us. Available at
Saddle Up Tack - click on picture:
Endure flyspray also available from Country Supply.
A horse size (1000+ lbs) halter (he looks great in blue).
Farrier: TBD but will need frequent trims.
Chiropractic: TBD
X-rays: TBD
Vet exam: TBD
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