The walls of Rood & Riddle are lined with photos of patients who have successfully returned
to their owners to win competitions, to enter breeding operations, or to resume their roles as friend and companion. We are
always thrilled to hear news about our patients and welcome your cards, letters, and photos.
Dear Rood & Riddle,
On December 9, 2003, I arrived at Rood and Riddle with my extremely ill horse. The vet here said he wouldn’t't make it to your facility, but encouraged me to try when he saw my determination (desperation). Dr. Woodie operated and removed 17 feet of intestine and a lipoma that when shown to me through the glass reminded me of a Christmas ornament. It didn’t't appear to be evil and life threatening, but it was. Rexx was there for about a week before he came home. On Christmas Eve, we raced back down with Rexx in bad shape again - this time with enteritis. We called ahead and upon our arrival it was obvious by his clothing, that we had interrupted Dr. Woodie's Christmas celebration. I was very thankful that he was dedicated enough to come in to help. Rexx was very ill and I watched as Dr. Woodie removed liters and liters of fluid from Rexx. I don't think I have ever been as exhausted as I was that night and the worry was incredible. But on New Year's Eve, Rexx came home. There was a look in his eye that I had not seen since I first found him, dying in his stall on December 9th. It gave me hope. I'd be lying if I told you that first month wasn't difficult. I fed four times a day (including midnight) each time carrying warm water a fourth of a mile to my barn to make sure that he and my other horse drank plenty of fluids. I changed to senior feed and always filled it (and unfortunately, sometimes my boots) with warm water. Rexx actually lost weight at first, but he was happy and alert. I never entered the barn without a thermometer and stethoscope. I remember the first day I turned him loose, my futile yells to be careful drowned out by the thunder of his hooves. I took on a second job to help pay off his surgery but made sure that it was flexible enough to allow me time with my animals and loved ones. I sent Rexx for training in April and rode him almost every day the month he returned, until July 4th when someone blasted fireworks during the middle of the afternoon. Rexx bolted and I dove off before he could crash through the electric fence. I hit the fence anyway. What did Rexx do? Stopped on a dime and ran to his mom, who immediately ran to me and nuzzled me to get up. Rexx followed and did the same. I'd say that is the true sign of a completely recovered horse. A few days ago, I sketched Rexx when he was reunited with his mother (my niece snapped a photo just seconds before I was in between a one-sided battle of who the dominant horse was). This anniversary day marked another special day. You see, I was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago and have undergone two surgeries and am about to start interferon treatments. This morning was my first day feeding the horses since my last surgery. Rexx bowed to me at the gate like he always has while his mother nearly knocked me over to get to her warm food. Later in the day, they stood in the drizzling rain a short distance from my window... a habit they have adopted since my diagnosis. Yes, because of Dr. Woodie willing to try to save my horse, things are as they should be.
Jenny Gandert
Thoroughbred racehorse, Cat Singer, was treated at Rood & Riddle for surgical repair of a stress fracture and for diagnosis and treatment of EPM. He recovered from both and returned to the winner’s circle including his March 12, 2004, win at the Fair Grounds Race Course where he established a new course record. Congratulations to Cat Singer and owners Joe Sugar Jr. and Eugene Daniels.
Dear Dr. Ruggles, Dr. Barr, and Julia,
I just wanted to say thank you for all of the hard work, time, and patience you have put into Cat Singer. Knowing all that he has been through makes his return to racing and winning very special and gratifying. He couldn’t have done it without your help. I truly appreciate everything you did for Cat Singer and the many other horses we send to Rood & Riddle.
I can’t say enough about how you treat us and our horses. You always squeeze us in or have time to talk even though you are always so busy. I truly appreciate that.
Thank you,
Matt Daniels
Daniels’ Thoroughbred Farm
Morrow, Ohio
Jacks Choice Miss ("Missy") admitted to Rood & Riddle for dystocia. The emergency surgery and neonate team were able to deliver the foal successfully, manage the foals condition and discharge both mare and foal ("Regis") in good health. We received the following note and photograhs from the O'Briens:
Thanks again for saving the life of our mare and foal. Life is a precious gift and you have given us two to cherish. With sincere appreciation,
The O'Brien's - Pat, Robyn, Mike, Kelly, Missy and, of course, Regis!
Just before I was born. I broke through the placenta. As my owner checked in-utero for my foaling position, she felt a dry head and foot! Emergency help came with chains to find my other leg and get me out. I was not breathing. Dr. Suzanne Gates noticed I had a heart beat. While she worked on my chest, Carolyn Vorisek breathed into my nose. Life came to me in late April 2001 during the start of MRLS. But then I had a massive seizure. On arrival to Rood and Riddle, I was hooked up to everything but could not regulate anything. My temperature soared to 106, my respiration was shallow and then very labored. Under the care of Dr. Bernard and his crew of angels, I made small gains while a few around me could not. More came, more foals came, and the hospital was over flowing. I continued progressing until on day 5, with help, I was able to nurse my mom who had been standing guard over me all this time. Day 6 I took my first breath on my own! The 8th day was special. While the staff tended to other sick foals, my owners came and got me up, blocking my feet so I wouldn't, as usual, land spread-eagle on the floor. They walked me around the stall for the first time! Then I spent most of my time struggling to do that again. I was released on the 9th day.
Thank you so much Dr. Bernard and staff.
Resilient April 20, 2001
BR. F. Jate Lobell-Sugarene Hanover
Owners: Dr. & Mrs. Robert Vorisek and Dr. Alvin DeSiena
