IVs, CTs, Hoof Lifts & Happy Homecomings

We know we’ve been very quiet here lately. Sadly, it is not because Todd has been lounging in the pond with Beatrice. We have been dealing with one medical situation after another and making so many trips to Cornell that our GPS has actually started listing it as “Work”

Thankfully, everyone is now back home, so it is time for a very overdue Village update., starting with little Miss Beatrice.

Beatrice

We brought Beatrice to Cornell after noticing that her energy was markedly decreased. She had become unusually picky with her food and eventually began limping, which made it clear that something was seriously wrong.

Doctors discovered a severe infection inside one of her joints. She needed IV antibiotics and surgery to thoroughly flush the infected joint. She also received groundbreaking stem-cell treatment to support the healing and recovery of the damaged tissue.

It was a serious situation but Beatrice handled the entire ordeal like Beatrice handles most things: by winning over every person she met and making herself the center of attention.

She is now back home, exploring the sanctuary and searching for the nearest body of water to climb into.

Charles

Charles lives with chronic gastrointestinal issues but this flare-up was different. He abruptly stopped eating, which is something he has never done before and was immediately alarming.

At Cornell, he received fluids, gastrointestinal protectants and supportive care to help settle his system and get him eating again.

https://youtube.com/shorts/4omu3_9Utuc?si=ehJ0gBTjuDvMQMPL

He is now back home and slowly returning to his usual routine, which currently involves stowing away in Louis’ shed every night and and trying to convince someone to let him sleep there.

His long-term plan appears to be working his way into the house with Wilbur and Princess. We're pretty sure Wilbur doesn't approve of this plan.

Baby Sara

Sara suffers from chronic hoof issues and recently developed abscesses in both of her front feet. The abscesses needed to be opened, thoroughly flushed, cleaned and regularly rebandaged so her feet could begin healing.

The Cornell team was able to perform these treatments using a specialized large-animal lift, allowing them to safely access her feet and complete her bandage changes without repeatedly sedating her.

This part is especially meaningful to us. Cornell first became aware of our lift after doctors who had previously visited Arthur’s Acres saw how we use it to safely perform hoof trims, treat abscesses, change bandages and provide other essential care without sedation. Their team later reached out to us and returned to the sanctuary specifically to see the lift in action and learn more about how we use it. After that visit, Cornell had a lift made by the same company for its hospital.

Because of that connection, pigs and other large animals like Sara can now receive hoof treatments and ongoing care at Cornell without the added risks of repeated sedation. Seeing a system developed for the residents at our sanctuary help improve how animals can be treated at one of the country’s leading veterinary hospitals is incredibly meaningful to us.

Sara is now back home but will be spending the next few weeks in dry isolation while her feet heal. Fortunately, this is not putting a damper on her hot-girl summer. Sara is one of the only pigs here who actually loves being in isolation—private accommodations, personal room service and no roommates interfering with her beauty rest.

Moby

Moby suddenly stopped eating and became lethargic. We were already on our way to Cornell to pick up Charles, so naturally, Moby decided he would hitch a ride.

Because Moby was born the runt and has congenital abnormalities, his jaw is permanently misaligned. This causes ongoing dental issues, including teeth that rub in ways that can become painful and uncomfortable. While at Cornell, he received a dental cleaning and tusk trim.

A CT scan also revealed something we had not expected: Moby has a severe inner-ear infection.

This would have been extremely difficult to detect without advanced imaging, and we are incredibly grateful it was found so that he can receive the proper treatment.

Moby is now home and made it very clear that he had no interest in extending his hospital stay. We opened the truck, and he could not get out fast enough.

Message received, Moby.

https://youtube.com/shorts/GjJ9pxbjaGk?si=ciadcUejiIXDIPrj

Ginger & Rusty

Now for the very exciting news: Ginger and Rusty are officially cleared for takeoff!

Their fecal testing has come back clear, which means it is finally safe for them to leave quarantine and meet their new family.

They are ready for their official swearing-in ceremony as the newest members of the Kunekune Krew.

There may be screaming. There may be zoomies. There will almost certainly be snacks.

And that is where you come in!

We will be hosting a private livestream for our Village members so you can join us for their big day of freedom and watch Ginger and Rusty meet their new family for the very first time.

Join the Special Livestream

Thank you for sticking with us through the quieter stretches. Behind the silence were long drives, serious medical decisions, sleepless nights and a lot of work to get everyone safely back home.

Your support helps make this level of care possible and we cannot wait to celebrate Ginger and Rusty’s next chapter with you.

Peace, Love & Pigs,

Todd & the Arthur’s Acres Family