Rooney 1991 - 08/09/2013

It is with a heavy heart and much sadness that I have to report the death of our beloved Rooney from Peritonitis and associated complications. He was our first horse and has been with us since June 1998 aged 7. His presence and larger than life character formed a big part of our lives and his loss leaves a big hole and much sadness. He may not have been a top talented horse but he always tried his best and gave his all to everything he tried while looking after us, so in our eyes he was a top horse.

Order of events

On Wednesday 4th September Rooney did not come over for his breakfast. We moved him to the stable compound to monitor and called the Vet. He was not interested in food or water and was in discomfort. Vet attended AM low gut noise and evidence of bacterial infection. Broad spectrum antibiotic and pain treatment administered. Bloods were taken and I rushed them to the equine hospital in Newmarket. Vet returned PM and fitted an IV line so we could administer fluids and medication as given his age and distress he would do better at home with his friends (they could do no more to improve the 50:50 chance he had). Bloods showed low white cells (being used in abundance to fight infection), liver and kidney function OK but under stress as a result of the infection. Suspicion fell to Peritonitis although it was clear that other factors were present. We collected some more antibiotics late evening from Ely (Metronidazole) to start treating the Peritonitis. These tablets were ground up in a water solution and administered by mouth using a syringe.

Thursday we had some encouraging signs evidence of passing fluid and solids he also started to eat some grass and later started drinking. Vet visited AM to check him and left IV fluid bags and IV + other drugs for him. Fluids went in OK and the vet came back PM after we discovered an external infection site.

Friday he had again passed fluids and solids and had been nibbling at hay. He had also drunk a tub of Water over night. Fluids and drugs administered (Depocillin suspension into muscle, Genta Equine IV, Finadyne (pain relief) IV and Metronidazole in solution by mouth). He stopped eating and no evidence of drinking during the day. IV fluids administered. Vet checked in PM.

Saturday no real change in food and drink consumption. Drugs and IV fluids administered as per Friday. Went to Mole Valley Farmers and got some haylage and his favorite snacks to see if we could get something into him. He did take a few mouthfuls of haylage but was not interested in his snacks. Vet visited early afternoon to check over and leave more fluids and drugs for him plan was to redo blood tests Monday and see where we are before making a decision on his future. During the afternoon he did take a drink of water from his bowl but this had a significant impact and he went down in discomfort with significant gut noise. The IV vale was damaged and the vet called. He was examined again and guts were very noisy (encouraging) but exam showed distension of the caecal area. Colour of gums and lips suggested large toxin content in blood. The plan for Monday very obviously became secondary as it was clear that events within the following few hours were going to determine the outcome.

We stayed with him and supported him all night despite some encouraging signs during the night as the guts started to clear, by 06.00 there was a significant change of events for the worse. By 06.30 his condition rapidly started to deteriate the lips and gums went very pale and cold showing blood flow problems. Colic symptoms started and he was very unstable and had cold legs. Vet was called and he was down in the compound when they arrived 20 minutes later. After an exam it was clear his guts had virtually stopped and that other significant events had happened. There was little else that could be done to change the outcome and it was in his best interest to be put to sleep. At 08.20 Sunday morning he was sadly put to sleep in the school. The other horses were allowed close to see him at final rest. He was a brave lad even to the end and showed the fighting spirit we admired. His pain has now gone and at least he can now rest in peace. God rest his soul.

Rooney

Rooney is an Irish sports horse. He is a 16 hands 2 Gelding and was our first horse. We have owned him since 26th July 1998 when he was seven years old. He tries hard in all that he does and enjoys eventing. Rooney has quite a personality of his own and enjoys attention and grooming. He is still young at heat and gets up to mischief when ever he can.   

Rooney jumping

Rooney likes cross country the most although he does well at show jumping and flatwork when he is in the mood for it. As he is getting on in years we have lightened his workload especially as he has an ongoing problem with one of his front shoulders.