Nearly 10 years later, horse treated at OSU thrives

Monday, May 11, 2015

Nearly 10 years ago, equine veterinarians at Oklahoma State University’s Veterinary Medical Hospital treated Barbie, daughter of a three-time world champion roping horse, for a snake bite and consequential medical problems using an unconventional method.

OSU veterinarians used maggot therapy to treat Barbie’s hard-to-heal wounds.

Dr. Lyndi Gilliam, equine internal medicine, has been researching the cardiac toxicity of rattlesnake venom in horses. She said it’s not only the venom horse owners have to worry about, but also the resulting tissue necrosis and sloughing and the risk of cardiac disease.

Recently, Barbie’s owner passed along some photos of the horse currently, saying "Barbie is big, strong and very healthy."  

“Barbie is one of those memorable cases,” said Todd Holbrook, DVM, DACVIM, DACVSMR, equine section chief at OSU’s Veterinary Medical Hospital. “She was critically ill when she arrived and presented many challenges to her veterinary medical team. Barbie’s recheck visit six weeks after her discharge and now these photos show a very healthy horse.

"We’re always glad when we can help restore the health of our patients. It’s owners, like Jane Kaser, who are willing to try something new that make our jobs so rewarding.”