"Rolo came to Longacres several years ago and has been a very valuable and loved friend school horse."

September 12th - Rolo's owner, Pixie (Stephanie) says he is still doing fine.  I have not got any particulars yet but it sure looks like it is NOT the end of life for Rolo!  More when I get it.

August 19th - Rolo's owner called to say he was improving!  When he good home he got worse and after two days started improving, eating, drinking lots of water and not looking tired.  She is hopeful but his condition is still shaky.  If he continues to improve she will ask to repeat the blood tests to see how his kidneys are doing.  We discussed why he is getting better and it probably means he had a kidney infection and the antibiotics he got did the trick.  It just goes to show Never Ever Give UP!

Rolo went home to his owners on Saturday August 9th.  Back to where he was raised.  They promised to keep me informed on what happens.  If you have any questions I have not answered here email me and I will try to answer any questions - greg@longacresfarm.com

I know everyone is worried about Rolo and wondering what is wrong with him and what is the latest.  I will explain what has happened and what his status is now.  I will update this note each day or whenever something new develops.  Although he is gone from Longacres and you may not see him again he is still kicking and we hope the Vet's are wrong and he survives this terrible illness...so think powerful thoughts for Rolo.  greg

July 26^th – We noticed Rolo had been leaving his supplements for that last few days which is very unlike him.  I saw no symptoms of illness so thought it might be his teeth.  His owner scheduled her Veterinarian to come and exam him.  On July 28^th the Vet found nothing wrong including his teeth.  Rolo continued not to eat his supplements and now was not eating much hay and lost some weight.   I thought he should be considered for a stomach ulcer.  The Vet came again August 2^nd and took blood samples.  By the next day we knew Rolo had a kidney problem and possibly an infection.  We started his on an anti-biotic.  On Monday August 4^th the Vet consulted with Oregon State Universities Vet School with the complete blood work and they said he had renal failure and there was nothing that could be done to save him.  That a primary diagnosis of renal failure is very rare and they have no idea of what causes it or any way to treat it and it is always fatal.

Rolo has continued to not eat and has no appetite at this time.  His kidneys are not cleansing his blood and he is building up uric acid and that will cause his to die eventually.  Rolo will return to his birth place and owner and spend his last days there.  If he becomes uncomfortable he will be euthanized.

Perspective:  I know for you young people this is new and scary to see a friend die.  It is an important part of life, we are all born, live and die…it is only a question of when.  I know that this knowledge does not make you feel better as nothing can make the pain of loss go away nor should we. The pain of loss is an acknowledgment of our love and caring.  Although I have seen many horses die in my years as a horseman it does not get easier, I just seem to accept it a little better.  Rolo is 21 years old and in horse life that is old.  The average life span of a horse is 20 to 30 years with the record at 62 years.  Rolo has lived a very good life, far better than most of his fellow horses.  We will all miss him as he passes on.  Cultivate and nurture your fond memories of him.