** This post is reproduced from the Wildfire Arabians Facebook page, written shortly after the event. An update from 2020 is included at the end**
As some of you know, after 25 miles (out of the planned 50 miles) at the Merrickville Endurance ride last Sunday our beautiful Vienna started showing signs of colic. She was treated at the ride and showed improvement, but then took a turn for the worse.
As some of you know, after 25 miles (out of the planned 50 miles) at the Merrickville Endurance ride last Sunday our beautiful Vienna started showing signs of colic. She was treated at the ride and showed improvement, but then took a turn for the worse.
Vienna was rushed to the Prescott Animal Hospital where the prognosis seemed extremely dim (strangulating obstruction) and, since surgery was unlikely to improve the situation, euthanasia seemed like the most likely outcome. After a few more tests and an ultrasound the vets decided to treat Vienna for proximal enteritis instead of strangulating obstruction, and started her on a cocktail of pain medication, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxers, and digestive aids, as well as put her on intravenous fluids and introduced healthy bacteria into her gastrointestinal system.
Over the next few days, Vienna was carefully monitored by the vets and soon started to improve. She was cleared to come home on Thursday [five days later], and was extremely happy to be back out with her friends! She is currently dozing happily in the sunshine, and is eating and drinking perfectly (and, of course, bossing poor Scarlet around).
The cause of proximal enteritis is believed to be endotoxemia from Salmonella or Clostridium bacteria. The source is unknown. Basically, there is no way to predict or prevent infection, and it's not due to poor environmental management, overworking/underconditioning, or mismanagement during competition (the three things I automatically started to obsess about). It was just "one of those things."
The cause of proximal enteritis is believed to be endotoxemia from Salmonella or Clostridium bacteria. The source is unknown. Basically, there is no way to predict or prevent infection, and it's not due to poor environmental management, overworking/underconditioning, or mismanagement during competition (the three things I automatically started to obsess about). It was just "one of those things."
Vienna quite literally would not be with us today without an incredible group of people directly and indirectly working at and supporting her recovery. We can never repay Dr. Art King for recognizing that we needed a treatment vet, Dr. Ben Henderson coming to site from the Prescott Animal Hospital, Ride Manager Laura for racing Vienna to the clinic after being Ride Manager for a full weekend, Lauren for perfect riding and then monitoring Vienna, so many OCTRA people assisting with hand-walking and calming a hysterical owner, as well as following up over the following days to see how Vienna was progressing, and the Wildfire family who visited Vienna in hospital, kept each other comforted and informed, and now watch over her extra carefully like guardian angels.
After proximal enteritis, most horses are completely fine for the rest of their lives. Some are at higher risk for laminitis because of all the inflammation, and some liver damage is possible. Vienna will be treated for ulcers and remain on preventative ulcer protocols to ensure that her gut bacteria gets all the help it needs after such a traumatic event.
After proximal enteritis, most horses are completely fine for the rest of their lives. Some are at higher risk for laminitis because of all the inflammation, and some liver damage is possible. Vienna will be treated for ulcers and remain on preventative ulcer protocols to ensure that her gut bacteria gets all the help it needs after such a traumatic event.
And now on to the great news!
Last weekend, Sarah Workun completed her second 50 mile ride (her first was three years ago!) - and the second 50 mile ride in pouring rain!! 20-year-old FS Starlet completed her fourth 50 mile ride - her first with her best buddy Sarah.
Last weekend, Sarah Workun completed her second 50 mile ride (her first was three years ago!) - and the second 50 mile ride in pouring rain!! 20-year-old FS Starlet completed her fourth 50 mile ride - her first with her best buddy Sarah.
This was also the fourth 50 mile completion for Summer Wildfire (Sasha), carrying Kelsa Staffa.
Fancie Footwork (Vienna) completed 25 fantastic miles in the lead with Lau Ren before starting to colic. Lauren was a fearless leader and force de nature on trail (as usual!), then immediately dedicated herself to ensuring Vienna's recovery. An incredible horsewoman all around.
(A note: Vienna had responded very well to treatment and seemed to be on the mend, or we would never have gone back on trail with the other two horses. It is a decision that is very difficult to live with. Once it was clear that Vienna needed further emergency treatment, she was rushed to hospital immediately. Infinite gratitude and thanks to Sarah and Lauren for clearing up camp alone and getting Sasha and Starlet safely home, as well as so many people at the ride assisting us).
Fancie Footwork (Vienna) completed 25 fantastic miles in the lead with Lau Ren before starting to colic. Lauren was a fearless leader and force de nature on trail (as usual!), then immediately dedicated herself to ensuring Vienna's recovery. An incredible horsewoman all around.
(A note: Vienna had responded very well to treatment and seemed to be on the mend, or we would never have gone back on trail with the other two horses. It is a decision that is very difficult to live with. Once it was clear that Vienna needed further emergency treatment, she was rushed to hospital immediately. Infinite gratitude and thanks to Sarah and Lauren for clearing up camp alone and getting Sasha and Starlet safely home, as well as so many people at the ride assisting us).
All three horses were absolutely phenomenal on trail, and these two incredible ladies continue to be the ultimate competitors: fun, gracious, silly, courageous, hilarious, sassy, and dedicated to the Wildfire mares.
Update from February 2020
Vienna made a full recovery after her ordeal, gaining weight back quickly and easing back into conditioning. In July Vienna was confirmed in foal to TR Prince Nari for the very first Wildfire baby, and is currently sharing a paddock with Prince Nari (she is definitely head of the household!). We can't wait to see what 2020 brings!