Saturday Update - Not out of the woods yet

This morning Tyler was still feeling colicky when we arrived. He also is having some complications with the incision. It is leaking and coming apart a little so they bandaged his belly up to keep everything together. Hopefully this will help the incision heal.

On a positive note Dr Katzman said there are some small signs of improvement. His gums have better color which indicates that the toxin levels have decreased. He also is requiring less fluid via the IV.

Anne and Brenda both visited him today which I think improved his spirits. This morning they removed the tube for the reflux to see how he would do without the tube to capture the reflux. If he deteriorates and shows more discomfort then they will have to re-insert the nose tube and pump his stomach.

After they removed the tube and cleared out the reflux of about 8 liters one of the assistants brushed him. He seemed to really enjoy being groomed. Then they let us take him out for a five minute walk. He was very alert and wanted to look around at everything. They said they wouldn't normally allow us to take him out when his belly is wrapped but they made an exception today which was great.

Cat and I took a break and headed to Dixon to get a bite to eat. When we returned we found a much more comfortable horse. He nickered to us when we came in. He was alert and did not appear colicky. He also drank from his automatic waterer. Yesterday he refused water so this is also a positive step. He wanted to lie down but I think (hope) it is because he is tired not because he is colicky. When we left Tyler seemed pretty mellow. I think he is happy to have that darn tube out of his nose. He had his back leg cocked and was nodding off.

If he still seems comfortable tonight, he may get a handful of grass. We continue to pray that his body will heal and he will pull through this terrible ordeal. There are still a few large hurdles he needs to get over. He needs to get motility in his intestines and the incision needs to heal.

Please pray for Tyler and another horse in ICU at UCD, Richard, who had the same surgery as Tyler on Monday.