Paynter Update: ‘New issues’ bring an ‘emotional tough day’ for Zayat Stables

by | 09.03.2012 | 6:35pm
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Paynter wins Haskell Invitational Paynter wins Haskell Invitational

Zayat Stables’ grade 1-winner Paynter, who has been battling colitis, suffered another setback on Monday.

Ahmed Zayat wrote in a series of detailed Twitter comments on Monday evening, that the talented colt had again taken a bit of a turn for the worse, after having shown improvement over the weekend. Zayat wrote:

“Paynter update: Paynter continues to fight bravely his colitis. Today has been a tough day he is giving us mixed signals while his appetite has improved and his temperature is normal. His blood work has been good.

Today we had to deal with new issues that arised at the first time. He has developed an infection where the catheter is placed and his angel Laura was having a hard time finding an unswollen vein to insert it. It is important because this is where he gets his nutrients medications.

Other problem for the first time. He has developed some clotting in his blood veins as a result of low protein. We have been treating him with plasma. It has been an emotional tough day for Laura and myself as we are not dealing with issues that apply to comfort and pain. We need to be very careful of how to deal with those serious issues. I personally have ZERO tolerance for the word suffering. It is important that we give our warrior a chance to fight and battle his illness but also keeping our eye on our goal which is to get him healthy and happy but not at any cost.

Paynter has been good to all of us and we need to treat him with the love and dignity that he deserves. Laura and I and all his vets and @Midnightlute (trainer Bob Baffert) are particularly conscious of that. We once again ask for your prayers as the next 24 hours will tell the tale. Please God give me the strength and the grace to do what’s right with my horse and to give my vets the wisdom to make the right calls. And to bless Paynter with the courage to fight this very tough battle.”

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  • Rachel

    I will “Amen” your prayers.

  • DinkyDiva

    This so reminds me of Barbaro and his fight.  Paynter, so many people are praying for you and your connections.  This is so sad, that I have tears as I write this.  Keep fighting the fight, dear boy!

  • NY Owner

    Stay tough Paynter.  We are all pulling for you!

  • giftoffaith

    God will bless Paynter and the Zayat family I am sure. Keep fighting big guy. If only everyone cared for their horses as these wonderful people care about Paynter. You are all in my prayers.

  • Sandra Warren

    An infection at the catheter site even though he is already on IV antibiotics… doesn’t seem like he has much of a chance left.  Heartfelt wishes to all.

  • Triplecrownquest

    How about everyone roots for ALL horses going through similar and worse issues than Paynter.  

  • Barbara

    Why don’t you go do that and leave everyone following Paynter’s plight alone? Seriously? You seem clever enough to understand why people are following along here and would be the first to knock the Zayats if they weren’t so forthcoming with information.

  • Just Beachy

    The biggest prayers and please give Paynter every chance. Horse hugs and thoughts for all…

  • Just Beachy

    I do, every day, but special prayers for Paynter, the Zayats and the Bafferts right now.

  • Triplecrownquest

    Stop it Barbara…Paynter is not any more special than any other horse that is suffering.  I pray and hope for ALL horses that are in any kind of pain..ALL the time…

  • Just Beachy

     Also, I’ve continually asked my Prayer Chain to work on this and will now update and ask again.  We’re fighting for you, Paynter; you fight, too…xoxo  JB 

  • Just Beachy

     That happens all the time.  The larger questions are to what degree the antibiotics are working in the antiseptic “big picture” and whether or not the catheter can be restarted so your venous access remains, as it is needed. 

  • wallyhorse

    Lets just hope Paynter can survive this and be able to live a long, healthy life above anything else. 

  • CANTERBURYKID

    YOU ALL ARE IN OUR PRAYER’S UP HERE IN NORTHERN MINNESOTA, MAY GODS GRACE BE SUFFICIENT FOR ALL ” THE CANTERBURYKID”

  • Just Beachy

    Disclaimer:  I’m not close to this situation and I only know what I read.  Big prayers continue.  I woke up twice last night thinking about Paynter and used the opportunity to pray. 

    However, bright side, as I read it:  temp remains good, appetite isn’t too bad.  Horse was a little more “perky” than he had been.  Bloods good except for protein, but there is a possible tendency to form clots, which isn’t good.  Does diarrhea remain?  Antibiotics need to continue, as possibly does the administration of plasma, which can help the clot issue.  For that, another venous access is needed so I hope the vets had good luck in restarting one. 

    Yes, I’d still call it “guarded” and “tenuous” and sadly, as with any animal or human it can turn on a dime.  But there is some good news here; for that I am grateful.  It’s still good though, I think, to pray like mad so anyone who wants to do that with me, you are welcome!!  :-) 

    Prayers for all and God bless Paynter–please hang in there, boy–we love you.  Horse hugs…    

  • Rachel

    He’s not more special to you, it’s wonderful that you care for all of them, all of us here do, too.

    That being said, he’s important to Mr Zayat, who has personally and openly asked us to pray for the horse as well as wisdom for himself and the vet team, the ones charged with doing the “right thing”…that is why, on this blog, we are “favoring” Paynter with our prayers for Team Zayat. ♥

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/TSL2ON5J75IYYIUJIPZRK2SVQ4 Mike

    This man is a delusional Roman Emperor – he keeps referring to
    his horse (bank?) as a “warrior” – It is not a warrior it is a delicate animal
    that needed to be turned out – not brought back to training so
    soon.

  • In Tears

    Yes there many horses of all breeds suffering and fighting to live. In our hearts and minds we worry for all horses great and small  not knowing them by name. Paynter’s issues have been made public and his owners are asking for our support.  Now Mr. Zayat and the staff at the vet clinic are trying to save Paynter’s life since new problems have arisen. Deep in their hearts they are beginning to fear the worst. Now is not the time to become critical. May god see fit to save Paynter and give these people the courage they may need.

  • http://Bellwether4u.com James Staples

    A Cosmic Blessing for the Race Horse Paynter to be Healed again… 

  • Sue Chapman

    Money cannot buy or restore health in people or animals.  Steve Jobs, Fara Faucett and so many others with unlimited access to cutting edge treatments and the money to pay for them could not be saved. 

    Fortunately, euthanasia is legal for animals. Money bought Barbera some time, only to be overcome by laminitis and euthanized.  Please allow Paynter to pass with dignity, before he wishes he were dead. 

  • Ida Lee

    I had major surgery earlier this year.  I developed major infections after major infections. Not to mention the minor infections I’ve been fighting all year and other miscellaneous health issues. I didn’t think I was going to make it…that I did is a miracle. Paynter is going through the same nightmare I went through.  The Lord gave me the strength which I desperately needed to fight and I made it and now I’m begging him to please don’t abandon Paynter now that he has fought so hard. I know in my heart that it does not look good but it didn’t look good for me either.

  • Patricia

    Why not do a treatment with “human grade hydrogen peroxide”  Even though the FDA won’t let us use it because it works, I believe its time to stand up and use what works on animals and people. But Dr.s are afraid to use it as they would loose their license.Some already have.  Crazy!!! 

  • Just Beachy

    You truly never know, and it’s good to remain positive instead.  For example, Farrah Fawcett, based on what I’ve read(Ryan O’Neal discussing her situation in Vanity Fair, which I realize is not JAMA) could have lived longer and/or possibly survived but she refused to have a colostomy and pursue more aggressive treatment for anal cancer. 

    It is true that liver or pancreatic cancer in humans is a tough row to hoe and very difficult to treat in humans. 

    As is colitis in horses, but some horses do survive it, so I continue to hope and pray for the beautiful Paynter.  

  • Triplecrownquest

    Hope the next time a 5,000 claiming horse that has ran 40+ times becomes ill and in distress, we see the same amount of prayers and wishes for the horse and the owner.  Then all of the comments here are justified.  

  • harry

    The end is near for Paynter. Sad horses run their hearts out for some oats and basically nothing else. Paynter a true champion is suffering and soon Zayat will have to make the ultimate decision. Then the pain for Paynter will end and God will cure him. It is around the corner for sure. 

  • harry

     Sometimes all horses illnesses are not known as much as the stars of horse racing when they get real sick. A true horse lover will pray for any sick animal or horse who is in distress. Nobody wants a horse to suffer nobody!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Paynter happens to be a champion and covered by media differently. Triplecrownquest I respect your opinion but for the record there is not many diseases as bad as what Paynter is suffering through for sure.

  • SteveG

    All well & good to take the embracing view as one life surely has the value of another; however, it’s rather poor form to assume the position of arbiter when it comes to how, why or for whom, people chose to extend prayers.

    That intolerant position you’ve established runs counter to the universalist one you espouse. 

  • HappyHarriet

    Maybe one of your wise folks can explain to me why, even in the worst situations, when it would seem the time to be cohesive if even for a few days, that this forum still brings out divisiveness, derision, criticism amongst posters. 

    If I were Ray, I’d disable the comments although I’m sure the more posters the better for Ray’s readership, even though the cost is aggressive, irrational and egotistical personalities who love to grab the digital podium.

    Amazing to me that an update on a very sick horse by an owner that is requesting prayer could be turned into a slug fest.

  • chris lowe

    God bless you,m’lady.Can hardly type through my tears.

  • Just Beachy

     Ditto–people, please refrain from being so negative, defeatist, or mean.  The truth is, we don’t quite know what is going on.  Prayers for Paynter and the connections…I don’t consider it “over till it’s over”–horses HAVE survived this. 

  • Rachel

    If they are brought to our attention here on the Paulick Report and have asked for the racing world to pray for them, I’m sure we will lift them up in our prayers just as sincerely as we are doing on Paynter’s behalf…♥

  • Just Beachy

     You would from me, and you have seen it before–e.g., Star Plus and others… 

  • Maureen Tierney

    Good question.  Pray for the horse, it has nothing to do with owners or any other topic.  Any horse deserves our prayers. 

  • Barbara

    Now that he has developed laminitis, it seems as though Paynter has to be set free soon. My heart breaks for all of his connections and everyone praying for Paynter. He is a truly special horse and a genuine warrior who has met this challenge with the ultimate heart and courage of a Thoroughbred.

  • Triplecrownquest

     Any type of suffering that any horse goes through is heartbreaking. 

  • Sandra Warren

    When you love a horse, there is a progression of realization that has to take place.  That progression is going to take a little longer when you have more resources to fight the problem.  A horse can be deathly sick with lung or colon problems, and still we want to fight for him.  But once laminitis sets into front and back feet, the suffering becomes more and more pronounced and finally the owner has to make the big decision.  I’ll give the Zayats all the credit in the world for wanting their horse to survive.  But I regret to say that I think by the end of today or tomorrow, the vet will reach a point where they know 100% of horses cannot recover from the cascade of symptoms, and they will advise euthanasia strongly. 

    This happened to me a few years ago when a horse I was boarding developed laminitis after a fungal lung infection that took a long time to be diagnosed, and I could not raise the owner when he cascaded downward suddenly.  I was desperate to keep the horse alive just for a few more hours with supportive care, but the vets sadly told me that it was a matter of the horse enduring more agony for no more reason than delay.  They looked at me steadily and seriously, and I had to make the tough decision and pray that the owner would support it (which he very graciously did).  It was so tough to say goodbye to him but I left there knowing it was absolutely to right thing to do.  I give the Zayats all the credit in the world for trying, but the Decision is coming.  It’s just easier for people outside, people who are not invested emotionally, to see it.

  • Convene

     I wonder if these mean-spirited people would say the same things if people were praying for his/her seriously ill CHILD! Yes, all suffering equally deserves prayers and sympathy but come on! Can’t he/she show compassion for people who are struggling to do the right thing and keep Paynter’s many fans apprised of his progress – and express his/her appreciation for their sharing their grief by adding his/her prayers to those of all the rest of us!

    As for the comments … I enjoy hearing others’ viewpoints and sometimes find food for thought. The down-on-everything posters – well, I just see them for who they are and ignore them. Debate shouldn’t mean name-calling and insults; it’s just debate and hey, sometimes someone else’s point of view reminds us of something we didn’t think of before!

    Kudos HappyHarriet for your post!

  • Rachrl

    Ida Lee, you have the kindest heart ♥

  • Sunny Delight

    What is it with individuals who “just love” to see a bad car wreck; or crashed planes; love to watch the car races on TV have crashes—the National Car Racers themselves have admitted that close races and accidents during the race bring more fans!  We should all be asking God for forgiveness, and I agree with Happy Harriet—-why should this terrible injury have to be aired to the public
    who won’t even know his name by next year?   I only wish the best to the Zayat Stable and Paynter will certainly be remembered in my prayers along with the Zayat’s.  Sincerely,    sdelight

  • Hpetrls

    Our prayers are with Paynter and all that has had the privilege to be around him period…

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