This is a quick update that will be modified later. Argus is doing well! He's feeling good enough to give me a hard time when I syringe 60 cc's of sweet pink goo (the red Rifampin mixed with white SMZs mixed with strawberry jello powder) down his throat twice a day. I never thought I'd be so happy to have a horse toss his head and sashay backward across the paddock. Argus' smiling brown eyes betray him: He secretly likes the sweet stuff!
On Wednesday, Argus' friend Dr. Miller came to visit and draw blood. I'm eagerly awaiting the results of this blood panel, as it will confirm that we are on the right track. Argus' white blood cell count was 25,000 at the height of his illness. A reduction in white blood cells indicates a reduction in the infection.
I should hear from Dr. Miller any time now.
Dr. Miller thought things were looking good with Argus. He thinks the unseasonably warm weather (it was 83 degrees here on Monday; it's been in the 70s all week) is making things easier on Argus. He could not find any odd swellings, and Argus has gone nearly 7 days now without a fever. I got the OK for limited light turnout into a small paddock. We are not out of the woods, but we're approaching the edge! Argus will be on antibiotics for the next 10 weeks as we continue to beat back this awful bacteria. The good news is that if he survives this, he will have such a strong immunity that he will likely never have pigeon fever again. We are making progress. Your prayers are working! He's surviving! More later.
UPDATE: 5PM CALIFORNIA TIME: Dr. Miller called. The results of the bloodwork are not back yet. Argus had a quiet afternoon in his small turnout and nibbled some grass. He was happy to go out, but he looks longingly at Half Pint, Odie and Caleb in the pasture. They stood near the fence and kept him company. They all seem to know he is fragile right now.
UPDATE: 7PM....Dr. Miller called! Argus' white blood cell count is 11,592 down from 25,000 two weeks ago. This is GREAT news. All aspects of the bloodwork are pointing in a positive direction!!
This from Dr. Miller: "He is not out of the woods yet, but he is going to live."
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38 comments:
I'm really glad to hear it! :)
Phew!
The power of prayers!
such determination by Agrus, and his very devoted Mom! Keep up the good work Katie!
Doe:)
I am so glad to hear this. I will keep the well wishes and prayers coming. Can't wait to hear the blood work results.
So glad for this good news, but will continue the candles and prayers for my favorite guy---
sandy
YAY! Argus keeps showing he is quite the horse! And nothing like the power of love to go with the pink stuff! You are all in my thoughts & prayers. Katie I hope you are taking care of yourself too! Katie's Colorado Mom
Wonderful news!!! I will still keep my fingers crossed for him!
Great news, I will keep my fingers crossed for good results on the blood test.
Great news today. Glad to hear Argus is doing well and has a feisty attitude. Thank you for the update, hope the blood panel is a good one.
Sending positive thoughts your way.
Thanks for the great/hopeful news!!
I will continue to keep you and Argies in my prayers and send all good energy your way.
Hooraaaaay for Katie and Argus! Yay for no fever!
Dr. Miller rocks. He is one of my heros for all he has done for Argus and the horses in the CHANGE program. Bless you all!
I'm keeping my share of positive juju flowing to Argus. So glad this round w/this horrible disease will be the last.
I just have to think what a miracle it is that Argus came to you. What if he had gotten this when he was still in jail? Or when you first got him and he could barely deal with being handled?
So much of this has that "meant-to-be" feeling about it. He was meant to be with you and his animal brothers and sisters. All his progress has so much meaning now.
That is such wonderful news! I have tears in my eyes!!! I have been praying and praying for Argus!
Lori
I check here several times a day to make sure he is ok.
Thanks so much for updating everyone
Bless you are your critters & family. Let us know how you are doing "fund wise". Stay well & have a good weekend. Kay
This bit of news made my day!!
Prayers that the blood work will be good also.
cas
FANTASTIC NEWS!!!! Way to go Argus & Katie!! Its all paying off...
I will continue to keep all of you in my thoughts & prayers.
**Thank You for keeping all of his many fans updated, with all you have on your plate, it is greatly appreciated**
Doe
Wonderful news!!!!!
I check daily to see how you guys are doing and appreciate the update.
YEAHHHHH!!!
This is such good news!!!
Whew, I am so glad to hear this, you just keep hanging in there. I never thought of mixing jello in with meds. That is a fantastic idea.
Hey Argus~
You know what they say..........
There's alway's room for
J-E-L-L-O
I am so happy to hear this uplifting, wonderful news, my heart is smiling tonight!
Doe
I'm so happy to read this, Katie. Way to go Argus, keep on fighting!
Yay yay yay!!! Keep going Argus and Katie, we all believe in you!
you are a saint. I'm sure that your love and attention has had a tremendous effect too. You are a good soul, thank you for that.
What wonderful news!! I'll admit I was starting to wonder if no news was bad news - after several posts in such a short time I was panicking with no update!
So glad for you all that he's doing better, will keep him in my thoughts :)
YES, YES, YES! Way to go Argies. You too Katie, you must be very committed to him to be doing all this. Either that or you're addicted to old horses like I am. Can't tell which one is MORE true. LOL!
-Victoria, Ben, Sport, and Grace.
Awesome news, Katie!!!!!!!! WooHoooo! There's NO way Argus would have done this well without your care and Doc's! You guys rock! Continued prayers for Argus' recovery.
KarenTX
This news just made my Saturday. Congrats! Give Argus a huge hug for me, he deserves it.
HOORAY!! That's great news!
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!
Argus truly is a miracle horse.
Maybe someday someone will write a whole book of the Argus Saga.
Glad to hear things are going better for him!
Get well soon Argie!!
So glad to hear it. Blessings on you all!
A very cautious YIPPEEEEE!!!!! Will continue to keep fingers and toes crossed for luck. Sending you and Argus big hugs for speedy healing.
Woohoo!!!
I just checked back and saw the blood work news. I am so happy! You and Argus are an awesome team. I'll keep praying for good white blood count numbers. What are normal numbers? :)
oh joy, happy tears!!!!!!!
I have been checking in from time to time and am sooo happy to hear the news! Fantastic!
I'm so glad to hear that Argus is doing better!
I just nominated you for Lemonade -you can see the posting on my blog.
That is brilliant news! I followed this blog for several months right at the start of Argus' rescue.
I only recently found your blog again (and added it my favourites) and have now caught up with everything that's happened, your triumphs, the terribly sad losses and now your latest battle with Pigeon Fever. I am thrilled to hear Argus can see the sun filtering through the leaves of that scary forest, so close to recovery. Well done, and bless your huge heart. Argus has truly found his guardian angel. xxx
update please ...know you are busy...but get anxious hearing nothing? good thoughts being sent your way!!
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