INCOMING

Let us begin by telling you that Molly is not an SPCA animal. She is merely in the care of an SPCA member and we felt that this would be a great opportunity to pass along information regarding horse care.
The images you see may anger you, but it's important for you to understand that we are show casing Molly, not as a rescue or as an abuse or neglect case. Molly's situation came about simply because of lack of knowledge.
Her owners tried to find help for her and met dead ends each time. It wasn't until an SPCA member was asked to
help that Molly's family finally found the answers they needed. This member has asked that we include this on our website to help to educate the public about the importance of Equine Dentistry and the impact that a horses teeth can have on it's health.

     Despite attempts by her owners, and some friends, Molly's family has been unable to put weight on Molly at all. They were told that she was a "picky eater" and they were simply feeding her until she died. At one point Molly was taken to a large farm and put out onto pasture. After three months and no weight gain, Molly was returned to her owners.   Let us state now that no horse will stand in a pasture of grass and not eat it.
Unless they have something wrong with their teeth. This is Molly's problem. That is her only problem.

     On Sunday morning, after Molly's arrival at the SPCA members farm, Ron Haines of Break'n Acres Equine Dentistry arrived to look at Molly's teeth. She had a loose tooth that was pulled right away. This tooth caused her so much pain when she tried to eat hay, that she stopped trying. Molly was not a "picky eater", she was simply in pain. Molly's teeth also have a wave pattern to them, which will be corrected. This pattern keeps her from being able to properly chew hay and grass. She tried, but was unable. After some weight is put on Molly, Ron Haines will return to begin the process of fixing Molly's mouth.

     In the meantime, Molly is on a diet of Blue Seal Equine Senior Feed, Blue Seal Omegatin and soaked Alfalfa cubes. Small meals are being fed throughout the day to prevent colic and her amounts will be increased slowly over the next few weeks. Exercise is being kept to a minimum to save energy and she is on free choice grass.
Over the next two weeks Molly will begin a light exercise routine that will include walking around, but no more than that for now. In total, her rehabilitation process will take 6-9 months and it could be as long as a year before Molly can be ridden again. Our SPCA member has asked that we stress the importance of Equine Dentistry and if you see, or have, a horse that is standing in a field of grass and is thin, please have their teeth checked.

     Meanwhile, continue to check back in from time to time to follow Molly's progress.

Today is Saturday April 19, 2008 and this is a new picture. Molly still has a long way to go, but you can see that she's already beginning to fill in. Molly is up to four feedings a day and no more than 5 lbs of grain, alfalfa and Omegatin at each feeding. While her soaked alfalfa will be increased between meals, the plan at this time is to leave Molly on her current feeding regimen. She has a pasture mate now and the goat appears to be spending a lot of time hanging out with them as well.

If you have any questions or comments regarding horse health, feel free to email us at LakeCountrySPCA@yahoo.com.

June 5,2008. Molly is recovering very well. In fact, her foster parents had to cut back on her feed because she was putting weight on too quickly. That can be just as unhealthy and dangerous as the lack of weight. Molly still has a ways to go, although she has recently been assessed for riding potential, with a small child, and did very well. The foster parents trainer believes that Molly would make a very good Theraputic Riding horse. We'll have to see where that goes. In the meantime, keep Molly in your thoughts and know that she is getting better everyday.