Luckymata - Emergency and Update

[Exceller Fund]

THURSDAY - OCTOBER 11, 2007

Please say a prayer for Luckymata, a grandson of Exceller, and the last foal of Almata, daughter of Exceller. Almata was donated to The Exceller Fund 4 years ago, and her son was donated to The Exceller Fund earlier this year when his racing career was over. Lucky was sent to Robin Hurst of Out2Pasture Farms in Missouri. Robin works at the Missouri University and specializes in taking care of the "pasture pal" horses that need special attention.


I got a call from Lucky's foster this morning. Lucky has an infection in one of the screws in his ankle. He suffered a fracture a few years ago, screws were put in and he continued racing. This morning, he had a track running from the screw and has been rushed to the University of Missouri for surgery and treatment.

The surgeon is removing the screw where the infection is and will draw a culture to determine what else is going on.

We are looking at a minimum of $800 (some of the services are being donated), and if the infection is localized, he should recover. If the infection is systemic, then his prognosis is poor.

Please say a prayer for our valiant boy who set a track record at Indiana Downs, and raced despite having screws in his ankle and a fractured vertebrae in his neck. His foster mom says he is the sweetest and nicest horse, and we are hoping he will be able to enjoy his well deserved retirement. I am holding back the tears as I type this since I got to see him at the end of August and he truly is a sweetheart!

If you would like to donate to help with the surgery, you can send a paypal donation to [e-mail], or go to our website: www.excellerfund.org/donate.htm

Here's a photo of our sweet boy:

[Exceller Fund]

Here is a quick e-mail that I received from Robin:

the screw on Lucky’s fetlock began emerging last night and by early this am, it had already broken through so I rushed him to the vet school. He is there now and surgery soon to have it removed. No infection, it happened very quickly. The surgeon will donate her time and I will do the very best I can to get this done at a reasonable cost. His ankle has fused, so they will not be replacing the screw. More later, must run to teachdh

[Exceller Fund]

Sara Busbice from the Friends of Ferdinand was kind enough to send this on our's (and Lucky's!) behalf. Lucky set a track record at Indiana Downs in his younger days.

Dear Indiana Downs,


I thought you may be interested to know that one of your record setting horses is in jeopardy. I received this information from Bonnie Mizrahi of the Exceller Fund. The Exceller Fund and Friends of Ferdinand work together, despite the many miles between us, to help thoroughbreds in-need. I have always felt that your organization, and its employees have truly cared about the horses and supported efforts to provide them options after their last race.



Sara

I sent an e-mail to Luckymata's former owner to let him know about the situation, and he responded:

I am so sorry to hear about Luckymata's misfortune. It just appears he has been unlucky in the physical area ever since he broke his cannon bone at age 2. Although the last few years have been pretty poor for me from a monetary standpoint I will put a check in the mail for a few hundred. I am grateful for the service you and the vet give. Hope Luckymata comes through OK. Thanks again.

[Exceller Fund]

Luckymata
Events leading up to his transport to MUVM:
on 10/10/07 I noticed he had a small knot on the outside of his right fetlock (he has 3 screws in this fetlock that were placed there on 10/06). He was not lame at this time. By 5AM the following morning, an opening had formed where the knot was and it was oozing (did not smell). I made arrangements to transport him to MUVM that am.

An intake exam was given: Lucky weighed 1170, all respiratory functions normal, blood work normal.

Exrays were taken and revealed:
the opening on the outside of the fetlock was a drainage tract leading to the bottom screw (3 screws were previously placed in his cannon bone; chondyle fracture repair of 10/06). It appears to be a localized are of infection around this bottom screw.

Plan of Action:
After consulting with the surgeon (Joanne Kramer, DVM): surgery will take place on 10/12/07 in the AM to remove the bottom screw and culture taken of the infection. If culture shows a treatable strain of bacteria, an oral, long-term antibiotic will be administered and Lucky will be sent home for daily bandage changes and monitoring of his condition. There is a 60-70% full recovery prognosis for Lucky.

If the infection is not localized, a reevaluation of what to do will be discussed.

[Exceller Fund]

Latest from Robin:

Lucky is doing great. All seems treatable and his ankle is doing well-Did you know he has a ratio of a 5/6 heart murmur? This is news to me. Ah!

Anyway, should be coming home in the am to the farm. After that: lots of wrapping; oral antibiotics long term. Thanks for everything, Bonnie.

Pics of the boy to come.xo

I have asked Joe Hoffman to send a supply of Performance Products Equine Microbial to Robin to help Luckymata keep the beneficial flora in his gut while on the anti-biotics.

[Exceller Fund]

Great news from Robin:

They are going to keep Lucky an extra day at no cost so they can record his heart murmur--since this is a learning activity, there will be no charge for his extra stay. He is doing very, very well.

So far we have received $30 in PayPal donations, and one of his former owners said he would send in a couple hundred, so we still need $570 to cover expenses.

[vicster47]

Good news! Thanks for the updates
Vickie

[Exceller Fund]

I received this update from Robin today:

Lucky is recovering very well: stitches out, no infection and Tuesday an eval to see when he can be on limited turnout. A success! oxR

And here's photos of the good boy!

[vicster47]

Thanks for the updates - prayers continue
Vickie

[ruffianshope]

Bonnie,
Thanks for the photos and update. I am so glad he is doing better. He looks just like my Rio Hope, with the same "Exceller" head! God bless him......

[Exceller Fund]

Latest message from Robin:

The boy is out with his women now. Pics to follow. Surgery was a complete success. Vet recheck tomorrow. xoR