Orphan foal Adrian remains in critical condition as rescue seeks donations

Adrian, a 3- to 4-month-old orphan foal rescued from the Warm Springs reservation in Oregon, is still fighting severe pneumonia, malnutrition and complications from refeeding syndrome at Bend Equine Medical Center. 3 Sisters Equine Refuge says care is averaging about $1,500 a day and has launched a $15,000 fundraising push to keep her treatment going.

Why it matters: - Adrian’s case shows how quickly an orphan foal can become a high-cost medical emergency. - The filly’s care is now running about $1,500 per day, putting pressure on 3 Sisters Equine Refuge’s emergency fundraising. - The rescue says community support could determine whether Adrian can keep receiving intensive treatment.

What happened: - Adrian, an estimated 3- to 4-month-old filly, was brought to Bend Equine Medical Center on Sept. 29 in critical condition. - The orphan foal came from the Warm Springs reservation in Oregon. - Veterinarians found Adrian weighed 162 pounds, was severely dehydrated, emaciated, covered in bite wounds and suffering from pneumonia. - Adrian also faced potentially life-threatening complications linked to refeeding syndrome. - By Oct. 4, Adrian had gained about 13 pounds but remained in critical condition. - Bend Equine staff reported increased weakness, elevated lactate levels and ongoing respiratory problems on Oct. 4. - Adrian was placed on oxygen support.

The details: - Repeat ultrasound imaging on Oct. 4 showed Adrian’s pneumonia had neither worsened nor improved over the prior 12 hours. - Adrian’s profound weakness is making recovery harder, especially because the weakness is affecting her breathing muscles. - The foal has become increasingly selective with food, complicating efforts to provide the nutrition she needs to heal. - Veterinary staff are continuing to monitor Adrian for pneumonia, malnutrition and complications from being orphaned. - Her recovery remains uncertain and is expected to be difficult. - Supporters have donated about $4,100 so far. - 3 Sisters Equine Refuge has also put additional money from its orphan-horse program toward Adrian’s care. - The rescue says it has set a $15,000 fundraising goal to cover immediate medical needs. - Adrian’s current treatment includes oxygen support, medications, diagnostic monitoring and around-the-clock veterinary care. - A previous Warm Springs foal named Rocky inspired supporters earlier this year and led to more than $36,000 in donations. - The rescue named Adrian in tribute to Rocky Balboa’s beloved Adrian. - More information is available through 3 Sisters Equine Refuge.

Between the lines: - The rescue is leaning on a familiar donor story after Rocky’s earlier recovery showed the power of community-backed veterinary care. - Adrian’s condition underscores the fragility of orphan foals that arrive underweight, dehydrated and already battling infection. - The fundraising ask is as much about sustaining treatment day to day as it is about covering one-time emergency costs.

What's next: - Veterinarians will keep monitoring Adrian’s response to oxygen, nutrition and pneumonia treatment. - 3 Sisters Equine Refuge is asking supporters to help close the gap between current donations and the $15,000 goal. - Adrian’s outcome will likely depend on whether she can gain strength fast enough to fight the infection and tolerate continued feeding.