Health Scare

Lupe just notified us that Phosphorescent began showing significant abdominal discomfort. The vet is out there now treating him, but thinks we are best served to send him to the University of Pennsylvania New Bolton Center. It is too early to tell if any surgery will be necessary. We will provide you with any information we receive in the coming hours.

UPDATE

Lupe just left the New Bolton clinic where he has been with Phosphorescent since this evening. The horse is currently resting comfortably in a stall and is under observation. No procedure was necessary, and recent blood work came back normal.
To provide some details. Phosphorescent had a routine day. He ate up at lunch time and passed a regular bowel movement earlier today. When it was feed time this afternoon, Phosphorescent was showing visible signs of discomfort. Lupe called Dr. Dan Hanf, and he came out and administered a treatment of banamine to make Phosphorescent more comfortable.
I don't know the exact terms, but Dr. Hanf palpated him rectally and could feel that something was twisted inside. This is not good and can lead to serious complications. Phosphorescent continued to show signs of distress and was not relaxing. Lupe rode with him in the van to the clinic, and the horse continued to be in distress. When he arrived at the clinic he had to be given a short term tranquilizer because he was so worked up. He had a fever. However, when they rectally palpated him again, the area that had "switched sides" in Dr. Hanf's evaluation had returned to place. The vet said that can happen. When they scoped him there was no reflux which is good.
Phosphorescent was a little loopy because of the tranquilizers, but as they wore off he was not exhibiting signs of distress. His temperature was normal again, and he was not agitated. They took him to a stall and he was happy. Since they could not find the twisted area in his intestines upon arrival they did want to keep him overnight for observation.
However, the clinic told Lupe that they felt comfortable enough to say that all they would be doing now is just monitoring him. They did not feel any other action was necessary.
If everything continues like this, then Phosphorescent should be able to return to the barn when cleared. Obviously we're delighted this looks like it might end up being a lot of activity for nothing, but you always want to take whatever precautions possible.

FURTHER UPDATE
Phosphorescent is doing much better. The only abnormality the vets found in his bloodwork was that his creatine levels were off, which is detrimental to the urinary tract. When they tested him later, his levels were back to normal. The vets think we dodged a bullet here and that this horse is going to be just fine. He has not shown further signs of colic.
They are not feeding him yet as they want to give his digestive tract some time to settle down after the twisting. They will probably feed him tomorrow morning, and if there are no problems he will be released and will return to Philadelphia Park.

LATEST UPDATE
We have good news. Phosphorescent was cleared for release from the New Bolton Center. His blood parameters are normal and he is eating and drinking normally. He has shown no signs of diarrhea and is completely comfortable. He will ship back to Philadelphia Park today. Lupe will give him a few days to get back to his normal self before sending him back to the track.