it's time for Flashy Hank....

[promiseacres]

So...tried a sling last night...DID not work..since his temp was down again I called another vet for a 2nd opinion...his take is donkey's are hardy creatures if they're sick they're really sick and it's too late for your guy...if you want to know what is going on take him to Purdue for euthanasia and neocropsy....

Really frustrated with the local vets I called vet #1, talked to her quite abit and she took my input really well and she then wanted to consult with a colleage and then called me back. We took him down to her office for bloodwork and tubed some more electrolytes into him. (I started some in his mash last night). Despite him not improving she seemed impressed with my nursing care and did not feel it was time to call it quits. He eats hay and the mash VERY hartily. She's concerned about founder b/c his front right is very very weak, we did get him up (3 of us) standing for a few moments so she could check his pulse in his rear legs. Started him on antibiotics b/c I discovered an ulcer on his lip. We got him up successfully for a couple of hours this evening in a sling and he was doing fairly good...

A part of me is scared to know what the blood work will say b/c he was totally being goofy and playing with his bucket of mash tonight (temp was coming up too )....that is why I can not give up! Miracles happen! I know he's been down WAY too long and it's not good that he can not keep his temp maintained dispite our care. If nothing else we've done everything possible to give him a chance.

 

[WhiteMountainsRanch]

I have no clue what is wrong, but I wanted to say sorry he is sick, he is so cute, I hope he pulls through...

 

[promiseacres]

Finally 5 days after his blood draw we get some results....now we need to take him off of banamine and start dex on Friday....did not talk to the actual vet, though not sure I'd gotten any better answers of what is going on.... will try and talk to her when I pick up the dex.

Hank still eats and poops, he can stand on his own after being in the sling for a while....DH helped me get him up before he left this am so that he can be up LONGER.... our Artic cold snap should be making it's way out of here so hopefully warmer temps will help. If nothing else I guess this experience will help me help any others if they have problems.

 

[bonbean01]

Really pulling for Hank!!!!! You are doing so much to help him and I'm hoping for a complete recovery!!!!!

 

[Shelly May]

X2 From Kentucky

 

[promiseacres]

thanks for the encouragment. I took him his lunch and he was practically upside down in the sling...:/ I tried to get him back up but couldn't do it myself. I got him laid down and gave him his lunch which he ate....If he can't stand with help of the sling I think it's time...I'll talk to my husband tonight but if I can't care for him w/o help this isn't going to work, well hasn't worked.... STUPID VET if they'd JUST GOTTEN the bloodwork and CALLED ME yesterday! I could of stopped the meds 12 hours ago and be staring new meds tomorrow! sorry about the rant....

 

[Southern by choice]

Don't know what to say P.A.- This is just a very very sad story. The first one down and now this guy going down. Have to say... I'm not a donkey fan... but I was smitten with yours from the first time you ever posted pics of them. Odd really, but they are kinda special.. I would say if I ever got a donkey I'd want some just like Promise Acres. As much as I know this pains you, take some comfort in knowing you have to do what is best for the animal. Sadness of your Jack and then the joy of a new lambie, you must be emotionally drained. I know it doesn't really help, but sending your way.

 

[bonbean01]

X 2!!!

 

[promiseacres]

ya I've never been a big donkey fan...but it's what my DH wanted so....kind of makes it worse b/c I feel like maybe I missed something b/c I didn't pay as much attention to them as my sheep and horses...

oh and just found out the vet is OUT til next week! WHY WHY WHY would you agree to continue to treat a critter is is critiquely ill when you're going to be gone for over a week!!!

 

[Pearce Pastures]

I am so sorry. He is such a cute little guy.