Last night’s check found Newt lying down on the hard-standing outside the container. I managed to get him to stand up, while I quickly tied down some haynets for the others and found him lying down again, soaked to the skin (it was sleeting). I got him into the shed and he lay down in the sand, phoned the on-call vet (locum) who said he be there as soon as he could – he was just finishing up on another animal first.
So, I decided Newt would learn to lunge. Not a skill he knows. I got him walking and trotting (his choice) round and round on the end of an old driving rein (I couldn’t find the lunge line – one of two – anywhere) urging him on and on. He couldn’t stop, he could walk if he wanted and he couldn’t sit down again.
After about 30 minutes, he decided to canter his way around, so I prayed he was feeling a bit better. Well aware heart attacks go with exercise after colic, I put him into a stall with Tiddles (who is very stiff again) and watched Newt begin to eat and eat and eat.
The vet phoned to say he was nearby and I told him the update. Good, but I still wanted him to come. He thoroughly examined Newt and gave him two injections, said he had strong bowel sounds but felt tender in one place.
Later, I left for the night leaving Newt eating hay with Tiddles thinking to myself “please God, let him have dodged this bullet”
Opening the shed door this morning saw me nearly sick with fear but happy faces all round. Newt’s little bouncy bottom was working over-time – buck, buck, buck.
Newt’s been out all day. I saw him roll (OMG, worry again), but he was eating immediately after. He’s now in for the night with Tiddles just in case.
I don’t really know what else to say except my nerves are shot to pieces.
That is rough! I have a soft spot for Newt even though he can be a mean so-and-so, after the wonderful picture you took of him kissing me. It’s up on my bedroom wall. Sending both of you warm healing thoughts and prayers.
Dear little Newt, we all love him here. This damn cold wet weather doesn’t help our animals. Tucked up inside with some nice warm hay can’t be bad. I’m sure he will write something in his Book of Revenge about this incident. Cuddles to him from us all here. X
Goodness, they’re really testing you at the moment. Fingers crossed that that’s the end of Newt’s tummy troubles. I, too, have a soft spot for him.xx
Yes, I can understand why your nerves are shot to pieces! Things happen sometimes despite our best efforts. I’m sure I’m not alone in admiring the wonderful care you take of all the animals Frances! Hang in there x
You certainly have had an awful time recently. prayers that Newt will be Ok and that you get some relief with the weather. Everything crossed.
Oh, you poor darling. No wonder you feel shot to pieces.
Makes me think of Bilbo (Tolkien) “I feel thin, sort of stretched, like butter scraped over too much bread”.
Praying for a happier update today, xx
I hope Newt continues to improve and that things are a lot easier for you soon.
I’m so sorry. This is all too much. Brilliant work, making him walk and trot.
❤️
Darling Newt, Muzzah has had a hard week. Please do not add to her burden. Stay on your feet, eat and poop. After all, you have the new edition of your Massive Book of Perceived Hurts to publish. Please let Mum know the Little Miss Maine Coon left us on Tuesday.
Oh, I am so very, very sorry. That’s desperate news.
So tough Frances, too much all at once, hope Newt bounces back to his best self and that you can de-stress for a while at least.