Mornings at the Sanctuary are usually full of happy nickers and breakfast excitement. But one morning, something wasn't right.
Our team noticed that Peggy, our sweet Belgian Draft filly, was breathing heavily and didn't want to get up. When we checked her temperature, it was over 104 degrees.
At less than a month old and still nursing from her mama, Meg, we knew we couldn't wait.
We immediately gave Peggy an alcohol bath and Banamine to help bring down her fever before loading both mom and baby into the trailer for an emergency trip to the hospital.
Racing to Find Answers
By the time we arrived, Peggy's fever had climbed even higher.
Dr. Chenail and the incredible team quickly went to work, while Meg stood patiently nearby as every worried mama would.
Bloodwork came back normal, but an ultrasound of Peggy's chest told a different story.
She was diagnosed with pneumonia, most likely caused by bacteria she was born with.
To give Peggy the best chance to recover, the team set her up in a stall next to Meg with a divider between them, allowing Peggy to continue nursing while safely receiving oxygen, antibiotics, and around-the-clock care.
Because her dangerously high fever was just as concerning as the pneumonia itself, the team did everything they could to cool her down—including shaving her coat, using ice baths, administering cold IV fluids, and surrounding her with fans.
An Unexpected Discovery
As Peggy began improving, the veterinary team noticed something unusual. They asked us a simple question: "Have you ever seen Peggy sweat?"
We all stopped to think.
Despite spending countless hours with this playful little filly during some incredibly hot Texas days... none of us could remember ever seeing her sweat.
While her hospitalization was caused by pneumonia, her inability to sweat had almost certainly contributed to how dangerously overheated she became.
A Familiar Condition
As surprising as the discovery was, it wasn't completely unfamiliar.
We already care for three horses at the sanctuary—Sammy, Wonder, and Danny—who also have difficulty sweating.
Thankfully, we've had incredible success helping them through acupuncture treatments, giving us hope that Peggy can benefit from the same approach as she grows.
Home Sweet Home
After a week of dedicated care, antibiotics, and lots of love from both her veterinary team and her mama, Peggy made remarkable progress.
The day we were finally able to bring Peggy and Meg back home was one we had all been waiting for.
Watching this spirited little filly trot around the pasture again was the very best kind of homecoming.
We're so grateful to Dr. Chenail and the entire hospital team for acting quickly, caring so deeply for both Peggy and Meg, and helping this precious little girl get back where she belongs—safe at home with her mama.
