The baby with her surrogate Mom.


Attachment 2109

Many thanks for the pic Arletta.

It's nice to see the little one doing well and to see the surrogate Mom. Plus Rachel seems to be doing well herself so I'm going to take a breath now.

This situation was rather gut-wrenching.

Latest update from Stonestreet: :)

Rachel Alexandra Stable One Week After Surgery

February 20, 2013: Lexington, KY

Rachel Alexandra continues to face her recovery from abdominal surgery as a result of foaling complications with the same courage and determination that made her a champion on the track.

Her attending veterinarians at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, Dr. Brett Woodie and Dr. Bonnie Barr are pleased with her progress, which has included several short walks a day and an improved appetite this week.

As her diet becomes more normal, Dr. Woodie is encouraged that her gastro-intestinal function is improving, as well as her ‘feisty’ attitude.

Her medical team completed the course of post-surgery abdominal lavages on Tuesday and the two drains placed in her abdomen were removed.

While the road towards recovery remains long with many hurdles to overcome, Stonestreet’s Barbara Banke and Rachel’s team at Rood & Riddle are both inspired by her strength and happy with her progress in the week following surgery.

Following the ‘no news is good news’ theme, please expect the next official update on her condition on Saturday, February 23rd unless her condition changes.

sounds great. hope it continues in a positive way.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-raci...uids-nutrition

'nother update. off iv fluids and nutritional supplements. keeps getting stronger, better. longer walks, etc. lucky for her they were watching her so closely, and caught the problem so quickly.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-raci...-than-expected

today's update, 'better than expected'.

Of course she's doing better than expected. She's Rachel. :D:{>:

:tro:

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-raci...-drain-abscess

She developed an abscess and they drained it today while she was standing. Later she got to graze.

Glad she pulled through another mishap, but I would be pretty surprised if they decide to breed her again.

I wouldn't be that surprised. It's not the getting pregnant or carrying a foal to term that's caused her problem, it's apparently the birthing process and in a way that is uncommon. C-sections are possible, and seems viable here unless there's something we don't know about. If all other things about her pregnancy are normal and birthing is just a constant issue, she seems to be a classic candidate. Breeding back is perfectly fine according to a piece on horse health by the CTBA. If she'd had a fractured pelvis at some point and was trying to have a career as a broodmare, regular C-sections would probably be in order. Don't know how expected they'd be in Rachel's case. We don't know enough to judge her situation a 'pre-existing condition' although 2 for 2 complications sounds like one might exist.

Rachel apparently gets stressed with a lot of visitors from what I remember Stonestreet saying, so she'd mainly be hanging out in a paddock eating for most of the rest of her days which is swell for her, I guess. It's not like a lot of fans would be able to come say hi. I think people are being a bit gun shy about continuing to breed her when there are viable ways to do it if you've got the right medical care (and she's got the best money can buy).

:tro:

Breed her back and call the resulting offspring...Jess's load

it's a good thing rachelistas didn't know about toussaud for instance, their heads would explode.

it doesn't matter me either way, but if the vets give them the go ahead to breed her, why wouldn't you?

IMO, its extremely unlikely that she'll be bred this year, they are gonna give her a clear 60 days before anything happens, and then its already May, and 60 days is if everything goes perfect.

oh, i know it won't be this year. there's no way. i'm talking in future, after all this is over with.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-raci...ery?source=rss

seems to be doing well, has a 'voracious appetite'.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-raci...inues-recovery

latest update. 'feisty' during walks. hope she continues to improve, that there are no further setbacks.

She's Home!!!
 

Rachel Alexandra Returns Home

Rachel Alexandra is home at Stonestreet today, beginning the next stage of her remarkable recuperation following abdominal surgery in mid-February.

Stonestreet employees decorated her stall with cards from fans as they awaited her arrival; a get-well banner from Fair Grounds Racecourse stretched across the barn, ready to welcome the hard-fighting champion home.

Video here: Rachel's Return Home

great news