The Latest News
Updated 1/28/17
This is where we'll be able to update everyone on the current status of Phlicka and her newborn colt.
As soon as updates come in, we will blog them below.
As soon as updates come in, we will blog them below.
Day 1: Evening -- 12/30/16
Notes quoted from Phlicka and the colt's owner, Diane Truxillo, directly. "Little man was so weak from the attack, he never had a chance to nurse, so missed out on colostrum right away, and this aided in a complication and he developed pneumonia. At the hospital, they were able to milk Phlicka and tube feed him her milk, so he did manage to get her colostrum before it was too late, but the battle was already waging, so we are praying it was not too little too late. As of 5pm this evening, he was holding his ground. He'd been fed a couple times, had urinated and passed more merconium (sp?) and had even sat up a little, but he's too weak to stand, and they are trying to keep him calm in any case. He has a breathing tube to help, various IVs and they will continue to feed through tube for now. He also has to have someone sitting with him full time, hence why this is costing a fortune on a daily basis. Unless something drastic happens through the night, I will not get another update until they have evaluated him in the morning."
Day 2: Morning -- 12/31/16
From Diane: "UPDATE ON THE COLT! I just spoke to the docs at San Luis Rey and there was some good progress during the night. Not out of the woods, but he's a little stronger and has been able to nurse off the dam. Still has to be kept separate from her for other IV fluids, but this is good news. They are aggressively battling the pneumonia he developed, and the treated tape is keeping the neck wounds from sucking air and creating further problems. We are not out of the woods as yet, but things are looking better for him this morning."
Day 2: Evening -- 12/31/16
"Holding ground on the pneumonia, but with this weather, its a rough battle. Neck wounds are doing better than they had hoped at this point. He can get up on his own, and can suckle a bit, but as the mare is maiden, her teats are still not extended enough for it to be easy, but he takes from a pan as well. He is urinating as well. Biggest concern beyond the pneumonia is that he is not passing much manure and when he does, it is dry - so we are worried of a threat of colic. Pray God that he doesn't fight and win these other battles to be taken out with a twisted gut".
Day 3: Morning -- 1/1/17
NEW YEARS DAY UPDATE ON THE COLT
"He is still keeping up the fight and gaining a little ground every hour. Finally passing manure correctly, so that is off the concern list.
Still hooked up to IV and they are trying to dial that back and see if he will maintain on his own and they are slowly taking the steps to try and get him able to go in with his Momma.
"He is still keeping up the fight and gaining a little ground every hour. Finally passing manure correctly, so that is off the concern list.
Still hooked up to IV and they are trying to dial that back and see if he will maintain on his own and they are slowly taking the steps to try and get him able to go in with his Momma.
Day 4: Evening -- 1/2/17
"Phlicka's little boy is doing well. They have removed him from the breathing tube and he is now able to be in with Momma full time.
They did an ultrasound and he does still have a fairly good case of pneumonia, but seems to be responding well to treatment.
Still waiting on bloodwork to come back, but did find out that they had done an IGG and forgot to tell me that he had come in well north of 800 even with the late start on getting the colostrum.
They took the bandages off the neck wound today and there is, as expected, necrosis. Due to the location, they cannot debride the wound, so they are having to treat the necrotic area in other ways. It was a miracle that the bite didn't damage the main vessels and normal wound debridement would probably finish the job the cat started.
With apparently responding to treatment on pneumonia, now the larger concern is fighting off the infection and complications in the area from the necrotic tissue."
They did an ultrasound and he does still have a fairly good case of pneumonia, but seems to be responding well to treatment.
Still waiting on bloodwork to come back, but did find out that they had done an IGG and forgot to tell me that he had come in well north of 800 even with the late start on getting the colostrum.
They took the bandages off the neck wound today and there is, as expected, necrosis. Due to the location, they cannot debride the wound, so they are having to treat the necrotic area in other ways. It was a miracle that the bite didn't damage the main vessels and normal wound debridement would probably finish the job the cat started.
With apparently responding to treatment on pneumonia, now the larger concern is fighting off the infection and complications in the area from the necrotic tissue."
Day 5: Afternoon -- 1/3/17
"He's doing well. Responding to treatment for pneumonia and bouncing around in his stall with his Momma.
Neck wounds from the bite is still a concern, but doing what can be done.
Due to the rising costs, they will be leaving the hospital tomorrow. Allyson will be taking them to her place so they can receive not only post-hospitalization care, but be in a safe place as we are not sure the predator has vacated the area.
Honestly....the people that have stepped up and been there for all of us, have been more than amazing.....and I cannot express myself worth crap to tell them how much they mean to us."
Neck wounds from the bite is still a concern, but doing what can be done.
Due to the rising costs, they will be leaving the hospital tomorrow. Allyson will be taking them to her place so they can receive not only post-hospitalization care, but be in a safe place as we are not sure the predator has vacated the area.
Honestly....the people that have stepped up and been there for all of us, have been more than amazing.....and I cannot express myself worth crap to tell them how much they mean to us."
Day 6: Evening --- 1/4/17
The necrotic tissue has now sloughed off both sides so a very clear picture of the punctures is revealed. There are 4 deep holes on the right side of his neck. The left side wound is a 3 inch diameter hole and quoting the vet, "the back of his thyroid can be palpated from that wound." He has twice daily bandage changes with lavage into the wounds, 3 shots daily, 3 meds orally twice daily, temp monitoring throughout the day. If not for his fighting spirit, he wouldn't be in an intensive rehab program. He is still round the clock for care. Good thing I don't sleep well! All things considered, he is extremely well mannered and quite a good patient. He was released AMA but continued hospitalization was quite cost prohibitive.... thankfully his attending doc was confident in me to be able to do what needed to be done. The location of his wounds makes bandaging quite challenging. NO TENSION can be used to keep bandage in place. Harder than it sounds I promise. He is still in great need of prayer. Though all updates have been very positive, he is in no way close to the edge of the woods ready to exit them.
NEW: PHOTOGRAPHS! ((WARNING: They are quite graphic. Viewer discression is advised!)) Click HERE to go to them.
NEW: PHOTOGRAPHS! ((WARNING: They are quite graphic. Viewer discression is advised!)) Click HERE to go to them.
Day 8: Afternoon -- 1/6/17
Today's update: Ally's prototype head cover actually worked to keep the bandage mostly on, but most importantly kept the wounds covered for almost 12 hours, between bandage changes. "He gets it done along with AM and PM shots. (His poor booty) Added benefit to cover is I made it out of towels so it is washable, and it absorbs the fluid that oozes from the wounds. This will help prevent further neck scald. The neck scald is VERY itchy and him rubbing mom and his legs and anything else that will stay put for a few moments is what is dislodging the bandages. He has 4 smaller abcesses that are lower on the neck than the bite wounds. One of them popped open and is draining well. So it got flushed along with all the other openings on the neck this morning. He is starting to fight with a bit more energy while his medical stuff is being done. (3 injections daily, 3 oral meds daily, 2 bandage changes unless he removes it) which is a good sign of increasing energy and strength. He is however exhausted after each session and nurses then naps. Tho pictures were taken today, there is little change. They won't begin to close for some time still. Praying we soon start seeing the granulation in the tissue that means it is starting to heal and build new skin. No fever noted in last 24 hours."
Day 9: Evening -- 1/7/17
Phlicka's Little Man UPDATE (from Ally): "He managed to remove his morning bandage by noon. He has almost gotten his noon bandage off by 7pm. He continues to gain some strength. He uses it during his treatment and exhausts himself. His noon shot and bandage change was done on the ground as he didn't want to get up. Worked out ok... today was his first day without banamine (oral) and his temp held steady (101.7 at noon check). The right side of his neck has sloughed one of the necrotic sections. It is very painful to him and looks to be on or near a lymph node that is very swollen and painful. With bandage removal he gets shavings in the wounds so they have to be flushed and cleaned and derided before being rewrapped. It hurts 😣he still enjoys human interaction and he gets love and skritchies as well as morning massage. We have had 2 runs to Inland vet one to drug store plus supplies from vet for his continued care. Don't forget to recheck the auction site. New items added. This helps repay the people covering continued costs. Prayers still needed. And cat bite wound nature goes they will look worse before better. They look really bad...."
NEW: MORE PHOTOGRAPHS! ((WARNING: They are quite graphic. Viewer discression is advised!)) Click HERE to go to them.
NEW: MORE PHOTOGRAPHS! ((WARNING: They are quite graphic. Viewer discression is advised!)) Click HERE to go to them.
Day 10: Morning -- 1/8/17
WEBMASTER NOTES: Although we spend most of our time here updating the pages with news about the colt, I feel like Phlicka is often forgotten. This beautiful Knabstrupper mare, sacrificed her own safety to try and protect her only son. She ended up with lacerations in both her upper and lower eyelid (although they're healing nicely); and staples in both.
As a dam, she is a wonderful mother; often protective of her wounded colt, but she's starting to understand that we are there to help both of them. I cannot even begin to imagine the mental trauma she went through, of seeing her firstborn dragged away by a cougar. Scars like the one over her eye, will fade with time; but I would imagine that the mental scars of rushing face first at a wild cougar, while he pulls away the best thing that's ever happened to her.... will last for a lifetime. Day 11: Afternoon -- 1/9/17So for today's update. 1/9/2017:
Phlicka got her staples removed! Eye wounds look great, and of course a eats up all the attention when it's focused on her. (Especially when it means treats, and she gets those often for being so incredibly good) Hard to tell is there will be a scar there or not. She was a perfect patient today and didn't even require sedative to remove those staples! (More treats!!!) Little man continues his road to recovery. Vets first comment after bandage removal, "I am shocked they let you bring him home with these huge holes in his neck" to which I responded, it was AMA release as his stay in hospital was 1500-2000 per day. Vet said, well we are never sure that instructions will be followed or even understood. The wounds are really looking good (considering the scope of them) and you guys are really doing a great job taking care of him. No pictures this morning due to assisting vet in wound cleaning. Wound dressing has changed. We will now be packing wounds with prescription cream and bandaging still. Keeping them clean and debris free while still allowing air and drainage is key. Between my covers and figuring new ways to wrap such a difficult spot, we have been pretty good about keeping it debris free. Though he does get a gap at times and we need to remove the debris it has been minimal. So long as bandages stay on, he is still holding at 2 per day. He received a long acting (4days) antibiotic so thankfully I won't have to poke him for a few days. Still on ranitidine and probiotics for tummy. So he and I can be friends now, instead of me being a meanie! She had great confidence in the A.K.A team (Andrea, Kim and Ally) and said his care team makes all the difference, but his will to live is very strong. Long term effects are still unknown whether there will be any or not. Small abcesses on neck seem to be getting focally smaller and we are unsure if body will be able to fight off or if they will pop. But at this point felt it unfair to put more holes in him. New bandaging material and more of the prescription cream will be needed in the next couple days. He is a happy and well adjusted baby all considered. Can't wait til interaction is purely for baby related stuff instead of wound care. Oh, and temp still holding normal, 101.4 this morning! Day 12: Morning -- 1/10/17 |
Day 13: Evening -- 1/11/17 |
1/10/17: "Sweet Charlie getting him some kisses after an afternoon massage. Trying everything in our power to make sure he has no residual scar tissue that interferes with neck movement. He enjoys it even if it's all in vain! And I LOVE being able to do something besides "torture" him with his medical care 💗 He surprisingly still likes people and still likes me!!! Blood work tomorrow to check his numbers and recheck the pneumonia."
He's doing well, all things considering. Getting more playful, and adventerous. Still a sweetheart. |
This boy is just incredible. Not just a survivor, but thriving through the chaos of the first 2 weeks of his life. If not for his sheer will to live and the fight he put into it, these pictures would never be. BUT, we know how committed he is to finish the picture 💜
Day 15: Morning -- 1/13/17
Update 1/13/2017 Friday the 13th! Blood work came back today and his white blood cell count is elevated out of the "comfort" zone. He is maintaining temperature consistent at 101.4 but he got a second Exceed shot today. Reevaluate on Monday, hoping all is well. The concern here continues to be the pneumonia he has. It is greatly improved, but still a higher risk. Wounds are greatly improved and healthy granulation far exceeds the non living yellow/white pockets within the wounds. Right side of the neck is the multiple puncture side, with the largest wound now only the size of the tip of my pinky. It started larger than an inch diameter and a full 1 1/2 inches deep. The other 3 punctures are healed and filled in with bright pink live tissue. The left side of neck the largest of the punctures started at 3 inches in diameter with an opening large enough for 2 fingers and deep enough to see into the guttural pouch and able to palpate the back of thyroid. This was the wound that I could hear the air sucking from when we did wound clean and bandage changes. Today I did NOT hear that, so the small opening at the back of the wound has closed up! Wound is now 1 inch in diameter and approx 1 inch deep with greater percentage of healthy granulation tissue than the non live tissue. His personality continues to develop and despite his rough entry into the world, he still trusts us humans! He is a very smart and confident guy and continues to make exponential gains in strength. Thank God I no longer have to stick him 3 times and day. Here he is blowing kisses to all his fans 💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋 one for each day of his life
|
Day 16: Afternoon -- 1/14/17
UPDATE 1/14/2017 --- Bandage change went well and wounds continue to surprise us at the rate they seem to be closing. I'm hoping that a couple days of sunshine will dry us out enough I can get Charlie out of the stall and let him actually run. He is like Tigger in the stall now and almost can't handle the energy he has. He is getting quick and strong. He is very excited to see his human parents tomorrow he said!! He can't wait to show them all his new tricks, and energy, and spins, and hops and OH MY GOD THE BUCK!!! It's like his favorite thing right now. Mom isn't too impressed with it and she too would love to get out and stretch her legs. His personality is rather funny, kinda like me where he is going in a hundred different directions at once.. curious so I think definitly ready for the big world. I need to check with his 4th angel and make sure the big world is ok first. It's at big something to look forward to! Blood again Monday and once again reevaluate his pneumonia. Keep the prayers going that it too goes away as fast as these wounds are! Charlie thanks you all for following his progress and for keeping up the prayers. Don't forget to check out some wicked cool stuff, breedings, tack, gifts and more. First round of auction items about to close!
Day 17 & 18: 1/15 & 1/16 Combined
UPDATE 1/15 & 16 /2017 --- I didn't post yesterday, my apologies it was a busy day and I was exhausted. Temp holding steady and cognitively he is on target with mouthing mom's food etc. He is learning buckie buckie when you skritch my butt! Still a sweetheart despite. Blood drawn today will have results tomorrow whether or not pneumonia is still hanging around. He continues to gain energy and mass. And weight gain is normal. Right side of neck is approx 1/8 " diameter now and approx 1/8 " depth too. Left side is now about the size and depth of a pencil eraser. As soon as wounds are flush with neck he will be released to visit the outdoors. Seems just in time for the rain...... sigh. Him and momma really want to stretch their legs. Momma Phlicka is also doing really well with all we have been doing with baby. Visitors are still minimally allowed but he has had a couple of visitors. He enjoys people still. Got to love up all over human momma yesterday and gave her lots of kisses!! All the scabs all over his body are itchy so he is thoroughly enjoying skritchies right now. He says hello to you all and thank you for your prayers and we'll wishes. And thank you to all who have donated and or bought/bid on auction items. Funds will go towards hospital bill reimbursement and twice weekly vet care as well a all meds and supplies that are being bought out of pocket right now. Last day of auction!!!! Stop by and see what we have!
Day 20: 1/18/17 -- Afternoon
No more pneumonia!!!! YAY! Today, Charlie and Phlicka were visited by some very special people.... Leticia Juarez and her cameraman from ABC7 Eyewitness News! They came to film a segment on Charlie's plight and battle for survival, as well as to raise awareness about not only the mountain lion issue; but the endangered status of the Knabstrupper as well. He decided to get a little frisky with Ally, and kicked out rather big during the taping (LOL) but everyone is ok. He's really showing his spunk and personality now, which is a vast improvement from last week. I'm glad we were all able to spend time with him, and enjoy his antics for a little while, during the filming process. You can see the youtube link to the video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcWOfaxCF54&feature=youtu.be |
Day 22-24: 1/20-1/22 Combined
Update on sweet Charlie. 1/20-22/2017
the last few days have been his last 3 bandage changes! Today, Charlie let me take off his slinky and his towel with nobody else in attendance. He is, despite his first 3 weeks very trusting yet mildly cautious. Seeing I had no gear with me and no reinforcements he was happy to oblige some one on one time with me 😃 He will continue with slinky for outside (once dry of course) for protective reasons, but a scratch to that area and a little bit of blood will be of no concern. All wounds are now flush with surface and the worst wound has a 1/2 inches scab. He is now growing hair back on all the scalded area of his neck. Neck are and ear skritchies are a favorite since there are still lots of small scabs running the length of his neck and crests well Ares several left on his ears. He is liking this no head cover thing and he is showing his appreciation, by doing a couple hot laps around mom and ending with 2 beautifully executed caprioles!!!! This guy will be a spectacular dressage, even terms or all around prospect. He is fearless! Which takes a smart rider! Lol. Very proud to be part of his care team with such a spectacular outcome. It is always my pleasure to work with these people; Andrea Montgomery, Kim Munday, Carlee Holden, Diane Nilson Truxillo, Bryn Moser, Katherine Voyer, Barrie Getz and San Luis Rey Equine Hospital. Where real miracles happen 💜💜
the last few days have been his last 3 bandage changes! Today, Charlie let me take off his slinky and his towel with nobody else in attendance. He is, despite his first 3 weeks very trusting yet mildly cautious. Seeing I had no gear with me and no reinforcements he was happy to oblige some one on one time with me 😃 He will continue with slinky for outside (once dry of course) for protective reasons, but a scratch to that area and a little bit of blood will be of no concern. All wounds are now flush with surface and the worst wound has a 1/2 inches scab. He is now growing hair back on all the scalded area of his neck. Neck are and ear skritchies are a favorite since there are still lots of small scabs running the length of his neck and crests well Ares several left on his ears. He is liking this no head cover thing and he is showing his appreciation, by doing a couple hot laps around mom and ending with 2 beautifully executed caprioles!!!! This guy will be a spectacular dressage, even terms or all around prospect. He is fearless! Which takes a smart rider! Lol. Very proud to be part of his care team with such a spectacular outcome. It is always my pleasure to work with these people; Andrea Montgomery, Kim Munday, Carlee Holden, Diane Nilson Truxillo, Bryn Moser, Katherine Voyer, Barrie Getz and San Luis Rey Equine Hospital. Where real miracles happen 💜💜
Day 28: 1/26 -- Afternoon
Charlie is now learning appropriate foal behavior. With little doubt left of a full recovery, his momma and his care takers are now working on teaching normal horse manners too. He is a very quick learner, and seems to understand the 2 languages; horse and human. He stands well for his nightly blanketing and for his morning unblanketing. He still has multiple scrape type scabs all over his neck that are working loose and are very itchy. With all that he has been through he is grateful for no more shots in his bum, and no more wraps on his head! He still enjoys his daily massage, and they do seem to be working. There isn't any noticeable lumps or scar tissue building in the areas of the deepest wounds.
Day 30: 1/28 -- Morning
He's out!!!! Charlie and Phlicka, were able to go out into the world today (the turnout), and stretch their legs, for the first time since birth. Because of Charlie's wounds and subsequent illness, he was unable to leave the bio-protected confines of his stall, until he'd been cleared by the vets, and his "angels". Poor Phlicka has been stuck in there with him... and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to stretch her legs as well; showing off for the caretakers and proudly displaying her month-old son to everyone. Hard to believe, it's been thirty days since he arrived. What an incredible month it's been. |
Day 38: 2/5 -- Afternoon
Update on Charlie.
He is leading well and most of the time halter's well. He continues to grow several inches per day it seems. Every time I blink he seems to have doubled in size! He still gets his massages on the wound sites to keep the skin soft and prevent adhesions from forming. He will be having some cold laser treatment on the areas as well to help promote blood and oxygenation to the nerve bundles that cross the injury sites. He looks like he will be quite sport-type with long legs and a nice extension in his movement.
Like most few spots, night vision is pretty poor but completely unrelated to injuries. He does seem to have some limited vision low. No horse can see directly in front of it, or directly behind it, but Charlie seems to struggle with what normal human peripheral would pick up, down low while looking straight ahead. The first time momma rolled and disappeared from his line of sight he did panic a moment. Every turn out though he seems to move further away and for longer periods of time without concern. He does come back and check with mom periodically. His favorite activity in turn out is what we like to call zoomies! He lowers his head, lowers his ears back and then runs as fast as he can ending in a joyful jump straight up and sometimes a spin with a kick out!!! He then checks with all his people to make sure we saw how aerodynamic his is in zoomie mode!!! Then he goes out and does it some more, always making sure we were watching! He enjoys mimicking his mommas graceful trotting strides, and his extensions have become quite nice as well.
Phlicka loves to trot out and do a roll back on a single hind foot, change direction and repeat! So she says she will be good at ANYTHING! Especially if she can strut that trot! She reminded me today that we need new video and to tell you all that Charlie has his own youtube channel.
Look for "Charlie the Miracle Colt" in "Chronicles of Barnia"! Don't forget to kiss your furry kids today. Charlie and Phlicka send out their kisses to you all. <3
He is leading well and most of the time halter's well. He continues to grow several inches per day it seems. Every time I blink he seems to have doubled in size! He still gets his massages on the wound sites to keep the skin soft and prevent adhesions from forming. He will be having some cold laser treatment on the areas as well to help promote blood and oxygenation to the nerve bundles that cross the injury sites. He looks like he will be quite sport-type with long legs and a nice extension in his movement.
Like most few spots, night vision is pretty poor but completely unrelated to injuries. He does seem to have some limited vision low. No horse can see directly in front of it, or directly behind it, but Charlie seems to struggle with what normal human peripheral would pick up, down low while looking straight ahead. The first time momma rolled and disappeared from his line of sight he did panic a moment. Every turn out though he seems to move further away and for longer periods of time without concern. He does come back and check with mom periodically. His favorite activity in turn out is what we like to call zoomies! He lowers his head, lowers his ears back and then runs as fast as he can ending in a joyful jump straight up and sometimes a spin with a kick out!!! He then checks with all his people to make sure we saw how aerodynamic his is in zoomie mode!!! Then he goes out and does it some more, always making sure we were watching! He enjoys mimicking his mommas graceful trotting strides, and his extensions have become quite nice as well.
Phlicka loves to trot out and do a roll back on a single hind foot, change direction and repeat! So she says she will be good at ANYTHING! Especially if she can strut that trot! She reminded me today that we need new video and to tell you all that Charlie has his own youtube channel.
Look for "Charlie the Miracle Colt" in "Chronicles of Barnia"! Don't forget to kiss your furry kids today. Charlie and Phlicka send out their kisses to you all. <3