Sophie and Lyme Disease and Metabolic Disorder
Sophie, aka - Sopher Bunny, has recently been diagnosed with Lyme Disease. In fact, I just got the results today. I knew she had it before the vet even cam out here Monday night to check her out. She has had Lyme Diasease before and she will probably contract it again in the furture. She is still very stiff, but seems to move a little bit better now. I do not know why, but this pony is a tick magnet! She is on antibiotics twice a day (36 pills total - they are people pills and I had to buy 30 bottles of the stuff!). She gets the medication in a bran mash and enjoys it!
Also, while the vet was here, he asked if Sophie looked rounder to me and I said you know what - a few weeks ago I saddled her up to take her for a short walk and my saddle kept sliding off to the side. I could not understand how over winter her body had changed so much. I also noted how hairy she was over winter. As I was telling him all of this I was thinking Cushings's Disease. The vet said she more than likely has the beginning stages of Metabolic Disease which could lead to Cushing's so I need to monitor the carbohydrates that she takes in. After the Lyme Disease is treated I am going to put her on a supplemet called Remission, which is what the mule, J.J. is already on for his metabolic condition. I have all of these lush grass pastures and now another animal may not be able to enjoy them in the future! Hopefully we can keep her body in check and not have to restrict her pasture time any time soon.
***This is the first blog post of what will be many since something is always happening here at the sanctuary. I hope this blog will give readers an insight as to what is involved with taking care of the many animals that call this place home.***
