Delrae Park

Sirocco's massive veterinary ordeal

On February 12th 2008, Sirocco (TJ) our resident stallion had a bout of colic. After a few visits from the vet, TJ was still looking a little off colour so it was decided for him to stay at the vet surgery to have a stomach drenching and observation.

The next day TJ developed oedema's and was deteriating drastically so we had a rather dramatic drive a 4 hr trip through the night to Murdoch Veterinary University where TJ was immediately started on IV saline and antibiotics, for the next week TJ fought for his life as a bacterial toxicity coursed through him from a probable contaminated needlesite or bottle. This was a toxicity the likes that has never been seen before.

The skin along his neck, chest and belly died, with the vets wanting to keep it on as long as possible to help preserve the tissue underneath. It was to the horror of the vet staff that 2 to 3 weeks later as they started to cut away the dead skin, they were confronted with not only damaged skin but massive tissue damage around his trachea, chest cavity and his axilla, so much so that they could put their hand in as far as they could go. We were then confronted with the issue of euthanasia and after many discussions with his vet, it was decided that as TJ was fighting this all the way along and was still eating/drinking and accepting everything that they did to him.. we would soldier on. We would let TJ call the shots and if at any time that he had, had enough, we would do what was best for him.

As the necrotic tissue was slowly cut away over time and healthy tissue was granulating in text book fashion, TJ developed Laminitis in the front feet, he had a faint gas line where the hoof had seperated from the laminae. TJ started to wear specially made boots with sponges underneath to help relieve the pain.

It has been 2 months now from the initial colic and TJ is still at Murdoch, they are hopeful for a full recovery, in all probability he will have some major scarring so his show career is over but that is a small price to pay for the life of this wonderful stallion whose temperment has been unfailing throughout this whole ordeal and he is the favourite of the complete staff at Murdoch, his huge fans from all over australia have sent some lovely get well cards and gifts.

We are looking forward to him coming home soon and will put up some pictures of when he is home.

This is one little stallion that has true grit and determination

UPDATE:  15th May..TJ is home now recovering from his ordeal, though he still has a long road ahead of him, his wounds along his neck,chest and stomach are healing unfortunately not with scarring but his feet from the toxic founder is still some cause for concern at this stage

I HAD A HOPE, I TOUCHED A DREAM

I had a hope, I touched a dream,
There was no easy way,
I walked into the dead of night -
For there, I could not stay

I walked and when the moon shone bright
I found a path to climb,
I walked beneath the strangest light
In that most troubled time.

I walked and chased away my fears,
I walked, I looked ahead,
Through a vale of endless tears
I walked where I was led.

And as I climbed, and as I saw
The landscape all around,
I felt the tremblings of a war
And heard a distant sound.

And war there was, within my heart,
But what I heard was prayer,
A Greater Power was with me,
A Greater Power was there.

A greater power held my hand
that gave me strength to fight,
I walked within the smile of God
But then I turned towards the light.

Author Unknown

And to TJ's little son that sadly didnt make it

R.I.P little Attitude

Sire:      Linden MG Sirocco

Dam:      Sierra Cinders

Arabella Black Label ( Attitude ) was born at Arabella Miniature Stud but sadly he was 2 months Prem and it was touch and go with many visits by the vet to this little guy....

He put up a huge fight for five days but his kidneys and liver just hadn't developed enough and sadly on the 22 September 2007 he past away..

Our love from Delrae Park goes out to Bobby from Arabella Miniature Stud for her loss...