Donate to Save Faelin's Life

Faelin the Gypsy Horse Diva

Needs Your Help

is at Oregon State University Hospital

Our Gypsy Diva, Faelin, has been with us for the last three years after her owner passed away. For those who don't know, she went to the vet clinic on July 24 after we observed her acting lethargic, laying down, and not wanting to eat. At the clinic they treated her for colic but found Wednesday morning that her heart rate was up to 80. She didn't respond to their treatments for displacement colic and it was decided to transport her to Oregon State University Veterinary Hospital. She was loaded into the trailer and rushed down to Corvallis. We had a gut feeling that there was something more systemic going on. OSU vets ran bloodwork upon intake and sure enough the diagnosis was septic peritonitis with her count being 91,000 when it should be 5,000. We had an extensive meeting with the head of medicine, a very sharp resident, and vet tech where they laid out both medical and surgical options. The vets felt the medical option was the best choice and we agreed. With a hefty price tag, but a good chance for recovery we felt Faelin needed to be given the opportunity to pull through. The veterinary team then jumped into action to treat the peritonitis and the secondary colic. They did a lavage (three total) of her belly to get the bacteria out, IV fluids (at least bags or more), pain killers to deal with inflammation and fever, and broad spectrum antibiotics while we wait for cultures, ice boots to reduce chances of founder, 24/7 monitoring and care, and more.

Thankfully she continued to trend upward. She needed constant monitoring as she had one episode of a fever, manure finally came, and she starting eating. Her original bacterial count for her sterile peritonitis was over 91,000. She needed IV antibiotics, gastric tube, belly lavage three times, and constant monitoring by her amazing team at OSU. We couldn't have asked for a more dedicated, loving team to save her.

Faelin spent 9 days at OSU and has gone back in for a belly tap, another IM antibiotic as both bacteria they found are resistant to oral antibiotics. Her number for her check was 14,000 so it continues to come down. Her vitals are monitored three times a day. She is back to her diva self and loving her life again.

I truly believe Faelin is mean to do something great in this world with me and we will continue to work on what that is. I am so thankful to have her back and want to thank everyone for saving her life!