Palisades Appaloosas
Mitch and Lisa Estridge
1601 Bowman's Bottom Road
Lancaster, Kentucky 40444
(859)-338-7955
In memory of Petunia and her leopard colt, who we lost June l6, 2008
Early in May, the eastern tent caterpillars came to the lexington, KY, area once again. In 2001, so many nested in the cherry and fruit trees and swarmed the pastures, that the equine industry suffered huge losses directly related to these dangerous caterpillars. Studies were done following the death of thousands of foals and the loss of early pregnancies. It was found that if the mares accidentally injest the caterpillar in the grass or water.. death and abortion of any age gestation is likely . This year, 2008, there was a great increase in the caterpillars again, but not nearly as high as in 200l when the MARE REPRODUCTIVE LOSS SYNDROME was discovered. I have created a page about this syndrome for those who are interested.
Petunia was our only mare still due to foal in 2008 when the caterpillars arrived at the barn, in the grass, and in the water tanks. My husband and i immediately sought out the source and sprayed tents and caterpillars where they were hidden in a back fenceline out of sight of the barn. It was too late, though. The caterpillars had crawled thru grass 8 acres to reach the barn and l0 acres to Petunia's paddock. She must have eaten some , along with three mares who slipped early pregnancies between 60 and 80 days. Petunia began premature labor on June l5th. I stayed with her as it was a long and difficult labor. The foal had chin and legs tucked back. but i pulled his nose forward and she delivered him stillborn after five hours labor. Later, Petunia prolapsed her uterus from the straining to deliver her foal. Sadly, the vet was unable to save Petunia and we euthanized her to end her suffering. I layed Petunia and her black leopard colt to rest in a sunny place by the woods in the native grass. At least they are together now.
