Canines, Felines, Equines, Oh My

We had a sick horse last week. Shadow wasn't eating or drinking, usually a sign of colic, which can be life threatening. Pat had the vet on the phone before 7:00am and within 30 minutes he and his assistant were here making a quick assessment. Doc Neuman determined he needed to put Shadow on fluids so Pat hitched up the trailer and away they went heading for Neuman's clinic. He's still there--six days later. Neuman said he thought Shadow was not long for this world at one point. Apparently along with the colic he also has salmonella, a parasite that can lay dormant in a horse's digestive system, and can become triggered by stress months or even years later. After a nail biting week, we fully expect Shadow to make a complete recovery; in fact, he will probably come home tomorrow.


Neuman's a very thorough and thoughtful veterinarian. We appreciate that. We also appreciate that he makes house calls even a 30-mile round trip. I find it very interesting that vets are willing to make house calls, but my doctor won't. I'm thinking the next time I'm sick I'll call Neuman.

A week before Shadow's illness, we had another vet emergency. Luna, our springer spaniel, had an allergic reaction to something, which caused her face to blow up with welts and hives. She was also extremely agitated as if she was crawling out of her skin. Our dog's vet, Doc Peterson, said to bring her right in. As soon as we arrived, he made himself available to look her over and get her started on a few meds to calm her and begin reducing the swelling. Over the next two days, Peterson called twice to ask how she was doing. Again I was impressed by the quality and speed of service.

We've had our hands full with animal dramas over the past two weeks. In the midst of medical emergencies, we've also got three kittens who are now a month old and ready to take on the world. As cute as they are, I'm wary of becoming attached to them. The odds of their survival are not in their favor. They've got a lot to learn about keeping themselves out of harms way. I sure hope Puff's able to teach them everything they need to know. Once again, all's well.