Eye Pea Oh UPDATE

[Secretariat73]

For those who followed Eye Pea Oh and/or contributed to his retirement, here is an update on how he is doing. Please share this info with anyone you think would be interested.

After leaving the track, "Opie" was favoring his left front leg, and he had soreness and swelling near the ankle. A vet exam and x-ray done after he left the track showed that "Opie" had almost no cartiledge or fluid left in his left front fetlock joint.

The report from the vet stated:
"Attached are the radiographs of Eye Pea Oh's LF fetlock. An incidental finding is a fractured splint bone. There is mild arthritis with some very small "chips" up at the top of the joint which shouldn't cause any problems. The most significant finding is the thinness of the joint cartilage - his joint is like a bald tire."

He was given some bute for the swelling and pain, and then some cortisone was injected into the joint to provide some relief.

However, CANTER is not set up for long term rehabilitation, so they asked if The Exceller Fund could take him. The Exceller Fund welcomed Eye Pea Oh and in mid-May transferred him to a foster facility in Lexington, Kentucky. He was evaluated by Hagyard's Equine which confirmed the earlier diagnosis. At this point, all we can do is wait for the joint to fuse and see how he goes.

"Opie" has been having a difficult time adjusting from 9 years on the track to now being a horse. He has definately "deflated" and the foster commented that he appears to be going through a withdrawal.

Last Sunday, Eye Pea Oh colicked and needed surgery. Fortunately, the foster has a very good relationship with Hagyard's Equine and the surgeon and intern agreed to donate their time and some expenses. Opie had a "colon torsion" but did not require a resection. He has been doing very well in recovery and is turned out in a small paddock during part of the day.

We have many people "jingling" for him to recover so he can enjoy the retirement he deserves after his many years on the track.

http://www.excellerfund.org/horses/EyePeaOh.htm

And yes - The Exceller Fund is looking for people who would like to sponsor Eye Pea Oh! His currently monthly cost is about $150 plus vet and farrier expenses.

[YoTambien]

Eye Pea Oh is home from the vet clinic today! He is to remain on turnout in a small paddock for the next two months, and no grain for 7 more days.

His recovery to normal is expected to take at least 2 months. During that time, the foster will check him to be sure he is drinking adequate amounts of water and will be checking his temperature.

I can't say THANK YOU enough times to the staff at Hagyards and to Opie's foster, Julie Householder in Lexington. If anyone is visiting Lexington this summer, say going to the Kentucky Horse Park, or Old Friends, or visiting the stud farms, please be sure to stop by Julie's farm to see Opie and to say "Thanks!" You can e-mail The Exceller Fund at [email protected] for contact info.

Julie tells me that Opie is one of those horses that has a difficult time adjusting to life after the track. The problem for him is that his body was simply worn out, but he was so used to the routine. He's kind of like a "fuss budget" whose entire world has changed. So now, he hurts and he no longer has his normal routine. Keep those candles going for him, say those prayers, and send those jingles of good thoughts that he adjusts and enjoys his life!