Michelle Rose Update:
It has been a very challenging past few weeks. Michelle’s turn for the worse with weight loss of over 25 lbs in three weeks has her fighting for her life. I literally go out daily almost on an hourly basis to hold her hay in front of her begging her to eat. I can tell she isn’t ready to give up the fight as she takes piece after piece of hay.
Last week I started to wean her almost 5 mth old cria, Valentino. I usually don’t start this process until they are least 6 mths of age, but I just couldn’t afford her losing anymore weight by nursing her cria. I started with just taking him out in the early morning and leaving him with the other juveniles and yearlings until approximately 5pm. After a week of doing this and Michelle losing another 6 lbs, Tom had me remove Valentino for good. I hated doing it, but we are now on day 4 of the full separation. It is still hard for Valentino, but he is doing well and getting closer to the other boys in his area.
Michelle is a very good mother who even after losing 25 lbs was still nursing her cria. However, she doesn’t seem too bothered that we have now removed him. She can see him easily as his area is directly in front of her stall.
So we have had to make a few changes in Michelle’s stall. I told Tom that although I felt she was eating more than in previous days she appeared to be weaker. Her tall legs are so skinny and I truly believe the muscle in them has deteriorated so much due to her “starvation” from having valley fever that she is having a hard time manuevering around. At first I thought she wanted to be pampered by having me hold her food for her, but now I realize that she is afraid to lower her neck and head in fear of losing her balance. Therefore, Tom has hung up a bucket for her with food overflowing out and we have also raised her bucket up off the floor. Since this has been done I notice that Michelle is able to feed herself and drink much more water to keep hydrated. I have even noticed that her stride is much better, however she is still weak and has a way to go.
It is really touch and go with Michelle, but as long as she is willing to fight we are here to help her. I am forever the optimist and do see a future for Michelle with us.
