Jenny

The title of last Tuesday’s post was “Two in One Week.”  Then I proceeded to tell the story of Tinkerbell’s struggles.  It was only in one of the last lines of the post that I mentioned one of our donkeys was struggling, too.   So that was a bit of a confusing title.  The point is that during the same week that I was worrying so much about Tinkerbell, our Jenny was really having a difficult time as well.

 

 

Jenny had a knee bothering her several weeks ago - her left front knee.  The vet put her on “bute” and a few days later she was back to normal.  Then only days later, her right knee seemed to be giving her trouble.  We got more bute from our vet.  But Jenny’s knee got worse.  As I’m sure many of you know, when equines have foot or leg issues it can be very serious, even life-threatening.  A horse, pony, or donkey can be in perfect health but if something happens to a leg, it puts their very life in danger.  These large animals cannot live without the use of all four legs.  It is even dangerous for them to spend a great deal of time lying down.  It’s just not what they’re made to do.

Jenny’s knee seemed to be getting worse, and we noticed that she was lying down too much.  Then we found a pooched out place on her side.  My fear was that this was possibly some type of hernia – from lying down or from the strain of getting down and getting up.  Our vet arrived the next day.  We were given great relief when he told us it was not a hernia, but rather a surface infection from pressure on her side due to lying down more.  It was easily treatable.   The vet opened the area for drainage and we were to keep it clean and to apply an equine antibiotic ointment once a day.  He also gave an antibiotic injection.  We discussed how it was her knee pain that was causing her to lie down so much.  So he gave us a different medication and said for us to stop the bute and use this medication.  He said we would be able to tell in just a few days if this medication would better treat her pain. 

Unfortunately, just 36 hours after taking her off the bute, she was much worse!  I contacted Dr. C and he said to immediately go back to the bute and to add another ½ tab.  That’s what we did.  And Husband has been cleaning the wound and applying the ointment.  Finally last week, our Jenny started to show some improvement.  She is no longer lying down.  For a few days she could only hobble over to her food and water station.  But now she is moving around better and she definitely seems brighter. 

 

There are rescue donkeys, rescue pigs, and chickens here.  There are dogs and cats.  I love each one so much.  I want them all to live happy, healthy, comfortable lives.  With so many animals here, the odds are that there will be somebody suffering the bigger part of the time.  But right now in this moment  all is well.  I’ll take it!

I have a special Wildlife Wednesday post for you tomorrow.  See you then.

 

Comments

[Ginny& the Fur Family]

Glad to see Jenny feeling better. Our daughter has five miniature horses and has problems like your Jenny. Got to get them up and moving. Prayers for Jenny.

[Mary McNeil]

Power of the Paw - Hoof ? for Jenny's recovery to continue.

[Maria in FL]

Wow, Chrystal! I have to admit, I learned a lot about donkeys from your post. Jenny looks like a sweetheart, and I'm so happy that she's recovering. Thanks for all you do for the wonderful animals in your care. As I've said before, it's the lucky ones who end up with the Parkers!

[meowmeowmans]

We're so glad that Jenny is doing better. Purrs and prayers for a continued good trajectory!

[Timmy Tomcat]

We are so glad Jenny is getting better. Purrs to all in need

[Andrea and the Celestial Kitties]

I'm so glad Jenny is doing better! Sounds like a very scary time indeed! Praying for her and all your critters as always!