08/09/2025
Please be thinking about our little guy Diesel! 🙏
Carley noticed yesterday morning that he was acting a little off. He also felt like he had swollen lymph nodes. She ended up bringing him into Country View Animal Hospital to play it safe. They did agree that he might have an infection, definitely swollen lymph nodes, and maybe bot flies embedded in his neck. They sent him home with an antibiotic, probiotic, and wanted to recheck him on Monday. They also dewormed him, and he did have hookworms. The worms are coming out of his p**p already, which means the medication is working!
This morning after letting out horses she checked on Diesel again. We have him separated from our other animals right now. She found him hardly breathing and his neck swollen huge! Carley made the decision to bring him to BluePearl Pet Hospital in Appleton! They immediately put him in an oxygen tank, where he'll remain overnight. If you take a peek at picture number two, you'll see how swollen his neck is. They will also take x-rays and figure out if he needs any bot flies removed, or if he has something more going on with his throat. At this point in time, we have no idea what's fully wrong.
While most of us may have allowed nature to run its course with a stray kitten, this is not my daughter's personality. Those that know her well, know she'll spend her last dollar taking care of the animals in her care! This is no exception! While we did have the conversation that we've only had this kitten for a couple of days, and maybe we need to make the decision to humanely euthanize him, we also have to respect this is her farm and her money. She needs to ultimately make the decisions that she feels is best for her heart and her animals.
This really isn't the best time for this to happen on the farm, as Sherman and Ellis's veterinarian bills have reached thousands in the past month, along with tens of thousands of dollars (yes I've said tens of thousands 🤯) she just spent for our CUP and State approvals for our current and new barn. However, that's how life goes and you take it one day at a time!! The one thing I know for sure, Carley's animals want for nothing!
I guess this sweet kitten should be glad he landed in her arms! Now let's all say a prayer her efforts aren't for anything!
PS, her dad joined her at the vet office this morning for support. He said Carley had quite a few tears over this boy, farm life isn't always the easiest! There are many tough decisions to make! Please don't judge her outfit, she went out in PJs to let out the horses and ended up rushing straight to the vet!
If you've read this far, thank you! We appreciate each and every one of you supporting our farm in some way!!!!
