Sophie (1983) is a blind, appaloosa gray mare. She and Bright Eyes came from the same kind woman in November of 2008. She had rescued Sophie about 7 years ago from people who were not taking care of her. She was very thin and very thirsty. She had been a barrel horse. When her rescuer passed away early in 2008, the family realized that they were unable to care for the two mares. Sophie (formerly called Skin), is missing quite a few teeth and has been unable to eat hay very well. She is very underweight, but since we've changed her diet she's doing very well. She was described to us as being bald, but actually her coat is very thin, probably due to her poor nutrition. She's coming along, but we expect that Sophie will be with us for the rest of her days.
Sophie and her roomie, General
Sophie's great adventure:
(click on the image for a brief clip)
Sophie got to take a quick little tour because I hadn't latched her gate correctly. No harm done, but a little bit of pandemonium all around.
Update December 1, 2010
It is with deep sorrow that I must inform you that Sophie has passed away.
Sophie was 35 plus yrs old and came to MHR with many strikes against her. She was with us for three years this past Thanksgiving. She was diagnosed by a qualified, certified, licensed Veterinarian as having Cushings Disease. Dr. Hadland explained the effects of Cushings Disease and the havoc it wreaks on a horse and any other animal it touches.
We knew it was a matter of time. However Sophie was still being maintained on the Chasteberry, as well as a diet which was prescribed by the Veterinarian...we seek professional help for our horses (veterinarian) and we provide the care that is required, whether it be special diet, xraying their feet, surgery when needed. Colts that are born at our facility are gelded, once again by a veterinarian. We DO NOT diagnose nor treat a horse without it being seen by a vet and we follow through with vets advice.
Cushings is not a kind disease, and the only way I can explain it, is that it reminds me of cancer. With Cushings the end can come from the horse having laminitis or internal organs begin to shut down. Sophie did not have laminitis, Wednesday when we left Sophie was eating breakfast. During the day when Theresa came by to check on everyone, Sophie was eating (as she was free fed), Wednesday evening when Theresa came to feed dinner, Sophie was lying down but did get up to have dinner. She ate a bit, and went and laid down again, Theresa called me and said she could not get her up, so I called Dr. Hadland and he was on his way. We were 40 miles from home. I had arranged all this and approximately five minutes after calling Dr. Hadland, Theresa called back and said Sophie had passed. I then called Dr. Hadland back to cancel his coming over. We do plan for their demise to happen, but we knew we were fighting a battle we could not win as once again for those who do not understand Cushings it is NOT curable. It can be stabilized but not cured and Sophie received everything that was prescribed by our Veterinarian.
For those of you who donated towards Sophies removal, I will gladly send you a copy of the invoice for your review and we do appreciate your help. THANK YOU.
We were not expecting her passing, nor do we plan their passings they let us know in their own way, and she showed none of this.
Thank you everyone for understanding and the moral support you give.
Stephanie and Rob
