Cupid1.htm

In honor of Captain B, Cupid has been brought within the safehaven of Amaryllis. He was bought by a kill buyer and heading for slaughter in December. We had to help save this horse once by pay paling $90 and then literally PURCHASE him for $625 via paypal again when we were alerted to the conditions he was trapped in. Expensive transport was arranged as well, $750. But he would be safe at last. And that is ALL we care about. Look closely at his top line. The trailer door opened to reveal him standing begin help up literally by the cross ties and heaving. I have refrained from calling out the con artist "rescue" that imprisoned him because frankly, people like this dig their own graves. The truth always shine through in the end.

He wore the same set of shoes for over 3 months. While numerous funds were raised for his care and health, he received none of it apparently. We had our farrier out immediately.

Cupid has cataracts. He has almost no vision in his right eye, though his left is perfect according to the surgeon.

This sweet boy found himself purchased by a kill buyer when Amaryllis first saw him. He was whinnying and searching while being test ridden. He wore fresh shoes and was round and fat. It is heartbreaking to watch the horses as they seek to find their owners, not understanding why they are where they are.

Within 48 hours of arriving, Cupid was treated by the farrier and the vet. He has mild heaves:

(COPD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Heaves, Equine Asthma or Emphysema, Broken Wind)

Causes: COPD can be caused by dusty or moldy hay, dust and molds in bedding, or pollens, dust and other irritants in the environment. Any horse exposed to respiratory irritants may develop COPD. The longer they are exposed the more severe the condition may become. Horses kept stabled may be at higher risk.

Symptoms: Coughing, increased respiration, labored breathing, yellow nasal discharge may be signs of COPD. Symptoms range in severity from mild, to so severe that the horse appears listless, has difficulty breathing and develops a muscular 'heave line' along the horse's barrel from taking a double exhalation. An elevation in body temperature is not a symptom of COPD. The horse's appetite should remain normal unless the condition has developed so the horse has extreme difficulty breathing.

Effects: This chronic lung condition builds gradually. If recognized early, good feed and stable management may slow or prevent its progression and the horse may be able to take on an almost normal workload. If the horse is continually exposed to the irritants the disease may progress to the point where the horse is unable to thrive.

Prevention: Good stable and feeding practices can help avoid and control COPD. Make sure that any fodder and bedding is mold and dust free. Provide plenty of fresh air in a clean environment.

Treatment: A veterinarian will be able to suggest drug therapy to help alleviate symptoms and some owners find various herbal or natural remedies effective. There is no sure cure; once a horse has COPD it will always be at risk of further lung damage.

Cupid has had heaves for an unknown period of time. Apparently this went un-noticed (which is a little hard to believe) or has occurred rather recently. He has the "heave line" devolping on his side now. He has been put on Tri Hist morning and night and is eating............oh my gosh is this horse eating.........50 pounds a day of Lucerne Farms Hi Fiber high heat dehydrated, dust-free hay daily and he leaves NOT ONE SCRAP. He is starving, we have never seen any horse eat like this. Because of the radical weight gain he needs, he has been put on a senior, more easily digestible diet which is safe to feed at higher than normal amounts. Currently he is up to 12 pounds daily and will continue to ease upward to 18 until he reaches his target weight.........about 250 pounds from where he is now. A new blanket was purchased for him and his nylon halter replaced with a new leather one which is safe to wear. He has a buddy "Valentine" who he really likes, but Valentine is a brand new rescue and cannot tell him he truly is safe this time for he knows not himself. Time heals all wounds. And wounds all heels.

Okay update. Cupid is FAT and breathing well on only a minimal amount of tri-hist so he may well make a complete recovery. (ahh...youth)

Update: Cupid and Stardust entered the western sanctuary where they can be loved and cared for in a large, safe acreage. Both ultimately will become blind perhaps, but the quality of life as you live it is what is important to us. Cupid has had additional scary attacks of heaves. If you allow a horse to be closed up in an airtight setting, refrain from cleaning their stall and feed garbage, dusty hay you develop a horse with heaves in a matter of one day........even more so when you leave him their for a month, starving and forced to eat the hay you provide. So, thank God his weight is back and his feet no longer scream in pain as he walks but it is a shame that his breathing will apparently NEVER be the same again. Abuse occurs from malicious intent, ignorance and greed. Which one or all of these reasons did the fake rescue have? And why? Money. Donations that NEVER reached the horse. Be careful who you donate to. Those who live on the computer obviously are NOT in the barns caring for the horses.

Let's start from the beginning since a picture is worth a thousand words:

Cupid at AC4H: (photos used with enthusiastic permission)