Indy
Indy was rescued in July 2019 with a “story” about his severe weight loss. Allegedly he was being fed, but had lost significant weight (going from 1300 pounds to just over 800) over a few months after being ill with a respiratory infection. It is doubtful he received any proper medical intervention during any of this time.
Indy’s initial veterinary exams included blood work, fecal sample testing and overall health assessment which noted a body condition score of “1” (the worst), unilateral ventral edema along his chest/belly/sheath and a significant heart murmur. The heart murmur and edema could be related, and indicative of cardiac/pulmonary failure from an underlying pathology (like an infection or lesion in the heart tissue). There was also a chance these issues were symptoms of his malnutrition and electrolyte imbalances, which could improve with treatment.
Sadly, results from Indy’s blood work showed imbalances and various levels indicating gastric lymphoma which would explain drastic weight loss and other issues. In short, the cancer was eating away at any nutrition as it progressed. Indy was humanely put down as there was no hope for improvement and his quality of life was severely compromised leading to non-manageable suffering.
More About Indy
- Success Story
- Palomino
- Gelding
- 2004
- QH
- Colorado