Glimmer(of Hope)

Glimmer is a little minnie who was born on May 01, 2008. On the first day of her birth Glimmer was a healthy newborn, however on only the second day of her life Glimmer suddenly became very weak and limp and couldn’t move. By the sixth day she was somewhat improved but still very weak so Glimmer started a two week course of antibiotics during which time her improvement was minimal. Glimmer walked with great difficulty and was very sore particularly on her left hind. She had some relief on anti-inflammatories but became lame again as soon as she stopped taking them.

I came to see Glimmer on June 26, 2008 when she was two months old. Her owner was worried that her prognosis was poor. I recognized that Glimmer was also showing signs of laminitis – even at two months old her laminae were already separated! Because Glimmer hadn’t exhibited any symptoms until her second day I knew that Glimmer had most likely had a reaction to her Mom’s milk. When I learned that Glimmer’s Mom was on a 100% alfalfa diet I knew that Glimmer had not only developed an allergy to the alfalfa protein in the milk but was also getting an excess of protein which had increased her acidity and toxicity levels.

Glimmer started on the Happy Foot to increase her hoof circulation and reduce pain; the Equi-Derm as a blood cleanser to eliminate excess acids in her joints and some Silica to strengthen her hooves and tendons. Glimmer was also given several homeopathic remedies to restore balance in her joints, hooves and connective tissue. Glimmer’s Mom was taken off the alfalfa and given mixed grass hay. And, of course, Glimmer had her first trim with a hoof trimming specialist (while sitting in her owner’s lap).

Within a couple of weeks Glimmer started to improve and became much more comfortable in walking. Glimmer is now is out in the field every day exercising with her Mom exploring, playing, trotting and chasing people so that she can suck on their clothing.