infection in mini mule

Question
QUESTION: We have a mini mule born July 12, 2008 and became ill about 10 days after her birth.  She was very active, running and playing with us. We contacted the vet who  said it was probably foal heat infection from her mother's milk.  She started out with thrashing and rolling like was having pain but had stomach sounds.  We did everything the vet told us to do.  She seems like she is getting better then she becomes weak and doesn't want to eat and is listless.  Due to the heat and flies out now we have brought her in the house and after is cools down at night we put her back with her mother.  She is drinking water and a little from her mother, we are supplementing her.  She has the scours which may be from the milk supplement but the odor is very bad, like dead bacteria, which the antibiotic is probably killing.  We are at our wits end as to what to do next. We have tried everything. We know if we would have taken her to the vet she would have died. Due to the loving nature of my husband she is still with us and we would like her to stay that way. Can you or anyone out there tell us what to do next?

ANSWER: Hi Pat-
Thanks for your question. I am so sorry about your little mule. There is nothing worse than a sick baby! We have had similar problems with babies and no one (including the vet) is sure what it was. What seemed to work for us was treating the symptoms. We dosed them (per the vet's advice) with yogurt that has active cultures (similar to probiotics) and Pepto Bismal several times a day. What really seemed to help with my one sickly newborn was Equine Bio-Sponge. I don't think you need a prescription for it as I found it on the internet but I did get it from my vet initially. You would have to adjust the dosage substantially but it can be used on foals. The good news is that all my babies recovered but I do think you need a vet's involvement if she doesn't improve. We actually had to do a transfusion on one little filly. I hope this helps but this is not a substitute for veterinary care. I am worried about your baby's electrolyte level, too. Good luck with the baby and God bless.   Best, Toni

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QUESTION: Thank you Toni for a response.  My husband has been giving her probiotic with her milk subliment as well as electrolyte.  This morning she was down and very weak so he brought her back to the house.  He doesn't think she would make the trip to the vet so we will keep he in the house and try to help her as much as we can.  He will contact the vet again.

Answer
Dear Pat-
I am so sorry. Please give the vet one more try (or a different vet). My baby who had the transfusion, although it was exepensive, did recover and is fine now and she was younger than yours. Did you check on the Biosponge? My vet gave it to me in a tube (paste) like wormer. Best of luck, Toni