Update 10/13: Bella continues to improve with supportive care. Waiting for a call back from the internal medicine doctor to get a better idea of what this week will look like. They would like to keep her a few more days at least, until her blood is back to normal color. They are still unable to get a reading of her hemoglobin, but her lactate and heart rate are back to a normal levels.

Update: Our miniature horse Bella is currently hospitalized at OSU for suspected nitrate toxicity and colic. Essentially, she is unable to oxygenate her blood. This is causing blue gums, dark brown blood, shivering, and colic symptoms. She stayed overnight and was able to pass stool so they are hopeful we can get through this with a few days of hospitalization and medical management.

The antidote is IV methylene blue, and estimated to cost $1,200 - however - they do not have it on hand. The alternative is using chemical grade, but the veterinarian is worried about unsafe additives that may cause complications. As of right now they think the safest option is to try to support her in passing the toxins on her own and planning to order the antidote if things do not continue to improve.

Bella has been apart of our family for the last 12 years. She has been on a care lease for the last 4 years since I started nursing school and the family that took her care was able to give her the time and attention she deserved. She has been a best friend to many children over the years, always the first volunteer for groom squad and in hand events for any kid that needed her.

This unexpected emergency has come at the worst time (as they always do) and we are in an extremely tight financial situation. I was able to put the deposit on my care credit but it was quickly maxed out. I just want to get her through this situation.

We simply do not have the funds for this. Any donation amount, no matter how small, will mean the world to us. If you cannot donate, please share.

She is about 19 years old and has been everyone's go-to 4H friend to learn and grow with.

Impaction in the small intestine from what the primary care vet can tell with a mobile ultrasound. She is being extremely stoic, but the only option to save her is to take her to OSU for further work-up and management.

Thank you for your support ❤️