Sick pony, sad boy, prayers needed

Today's a big day.

We are praying hard for our perfect pony Merit.

We're into the 3rd week of sadness.

Poor Jack is trying hard to be brave but it's wearing thin.

He adores his pony. And it's mutual.

Merit's been sick since we returned home from our trip.

I'd planned on updating trip pics, but constant care has taken over my thoughts (and time).

Merit was hugely swollen along her jaw line.

Her right side only.

Five days in the vet was finally able to find a soft spot to lance and drain.

Apparently it's an extremely delicate area with numerous nerves and vessels so it's only safe to approach areas that are clearly fluid/pus filled.

Boy was it.

Revolting.

We thought the worst was behind us.

Nope. It got much uglier.

Then we were worried that it might somehow be a highly contagious sickness called "strangles." Even tho it didn't present like strangles, our farm would need to be quarantined if it was. 

Maybe MORE of this?!

No new business. No shows or events or outings.

Starting at my busiest time of year.

After a miserable winter.

After that, she coliced on a zero degree night.

She probably had bad stomach ulcers from the intense pain and meds.

The vet and I were out late putting warm water and oil in her via nasal tube.

While she dripped copious amounts of pus.

And I tried to decontaminate with bleach water.

Now I had a very, very sick pony AND a pus n blood n bleach skating rink in my barn aisle. 

We kept medicating, examining, tubing with water n oil and praying.

And praying.

More pus eruptions and drainage by her ears.

Horrible. 

Sad pony and little boy.

We thought she was making progress and might eat or drink on her own and bounce back.

Then, two weeks in, there was new swelling on her "good side" but much lower.

Then matching swelling on original side neck muscle...

And heat in her hooves.

Which could possibly indicate her body was unable to process the infection and she might "crash" badly.

I had a day full of lessons and (FINALLY) warm temps.

But I couldn't bear another minute of worry.

Our wonderful vet, Dr. Sarah Link, agreed it was time to ship Merit to the big vet hospital. 

She's now at Marion  dupont Scott Equine Medical Hospital in VA.

Today she undergoes a major surgery to open her jaw and neck 

and try to remove all infection.

It's risky and expensive.

We are grief stricken but putting our faith in God and the surgeon.

Any additional prayers are welcome!