MERS-Large Animal Rescue

Over the last year we have seen a noticeable increase in calls that we have no choice but to refuse assistance. Trust us, it bothers us as much as it bothers you. So why the refusal? If a horse (as these calls have been about horses) is down, it's safe to assume that isn't its normal state...thus why MERS is called. As such, we require a veterinarian to be involved. Period. We aren't veterinarians. We are former firemen, a horse shoer, horse trainers, moms, dads and ma...ny are horse owners but not a one of us is a veterinarian. We aren't being difficult. We aren't wanting to cost you money (hey, we don't charge a penny and this costs a minimum of $100 per call..a cost generously covered by donations). We just want to make sure that that beautiful, sweet old or young horse (or cow, camel, elephant etc) is given the absolute best shot of staying upright and healthy. If you care enough to call us, please care enough to follow our single requirement... have a vet involved. Don't have one? We have a whole lovely team of veterinarians that will rally when they hear we are involved (we think they love us as much as we love them!). So you can call us first...any time on any day.. 314.660.3510 but be prepared to let us know who your vet is and when their ETA is because we roll out only when the veterinarian gives the thumbs up. We serve the 2 hour radius around St. Louis but are willing to do phone assists outside of the area.

Kristin Thomas strikes again! She had some time and asked if she could organize the trailer better. Absolutely! We didn't know this much space was even possible! She also climbed up and knocked dirt dauber nests off the command light. Thank you again Kristin!

Thank you to MERS Large Animal Rescue member Kristin Thomas for making our truck and trailer shine today! It was covered in gravel dust and pollen and looks like new now!

Tis the season...seeing an uptick in EPM related calls (several of which canceled bc the horse was put down).

On Saturday, February 20, 2021 MERS Large Animal Rescue had their second training of the year and was blessed with 8 inches of ice so we could finally have another ice rescue training! 22 members and members-in-training practiced breaking ice in the shallows and several got into dry suits and practiced rescuing a human who was submerged in a hole that was cut in the ice. This training also covered the safety and operations in large animal and dog rescue (the only time MERS ...Large Animal Rescue will assist in a small animal rescue). All of the equipment used in this type of unique rescue is possible because of generous donations from our supporters. We think you are all amazing and look forward to providing quality, skilled technical emergency support at no cost 24/7/365 to all area emergency responders,veterinarians and large animal owners for many more years. P.S. MERS celebrates FIFTEEN years of service to the community this year! Want to be a part of this fantastic team? If you have flexible hours and can be available during normal business hours during the weekdays, that is the one area we could use members. See more

On Monday, April 26, 2021, at 10:17am MERS Large Animal Rescue received a call for a horse in a ravine near Pacific, MO. Upon arrival, the team found a 30 year old horse in a shallow dip in a field, unable to get up on its own. The head protector was put on and the horse was placed om the glide for transport to a safer location. The lifting straps and equipment were placed and a tractor was used to lift the horse onto its feet. Once up, the horse was able to stand shakily but an evaluation showed advanced signs of EPM and the difficult decision to euthanize was made. The call out ended at 2pm and was attended by 5 members and 3 members-in-training.

https://aaep.org/horsehealth/equine-infectious-anemia for more information on symptoms.

On Friday, February 19, 2021 at 10AM MERS Large Animal Rescue was called for a horse down against a fence. Upon arrival, the team found a 20 year old gelding down and not making any effort to stand. The head protector was put on him and straps were used to pull him on to the glide. He was then transported up to the A frame where he was lifted and attempts were made to get him standing. After several attempts it was clear that the rear legs were non responsive and the difficult decision to euthanize was made by the owner. The call out ended at 3:30PM and was attended by 8 members and 4 members-in-training. Our thoughts are with the owner over the loss of a loved pet.

On Friday, February 13, 2021 MERS Large Animal Rescue recieved a call at 4:40pm for a 27 year old draft horse that had slipped on the ice and fallen with its head pointed down an incline. Upon arrival and after sedation, the head protector and long straps were put on the gelding and a sideways drag was used to pull the horse on to the glide. From there, the horse was moved to the barn where he was put into a sternal position. As the sedation wore off, he attempted to stand. The team moved the glide out from under him and he was able to get on his feet and stand steadily. The call ended at 9:00pm and was attended by 7 members and 5 members-in-training. The temperature was a balmy 8. Thank you to the members who braved the cold and a big welcome back to Blayn! We missed you!

Brrrr! The weather is PERFECT for our next training. Members and members-in-training will be training on ice rescue for dogs and large animals next Saturday. Do YOU have what it takes to be a MERS Large Animal Rescue volunteer? Text Bill during normal people hours (he sleeps during the other hours) and he can give you details on the when, where and how. 314.660.3510.

The Schmidt and Lewis family would like to thank the MERS Large Animal Rescue supporters for their donations in Virginia Lewis' name. $1307 has been collected to date and a portion was spent to purchase helmets for our growing team. You guys rock!

MERS Large Animal Rescue lost one of our biggest cheerleaders on Thursday afternoon. Virginia was the wonderful and loving mother of MERS President Bill Schmidt (and his 5 siblings) and always enjoyed hearing about our rescues and seeing pictures. Her family has asked for donations to MERS in lieu of flowers. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends who are feeling the loss of a great mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. https://www.midlawn.com/obituary/virginia-lewis

What an AMAZING group of supporters! While 2020 has been ..challenging.. you have been unwavering! Once again MERS Large Animal Rescue ends the year without having to touch our funds for general expenses because of your amazing generosity. We were also able to purchase 2 new dry suits and a bank of rechargeable flashlights as well as continue maintaining our truck, trailer and equipment. Our team stands steady at 21 active members and members-in-training. We added two new board members as well. We are blessed to call you friends and will be there anytime you need us, 24/7/365. If you would like to send a donation: MERS, 380 Hawk Road, St. Clair, MO 63077

An update on the horses from the rescue on Sunday.

JUST RESCUED: Early this morning Longmeadow Rescue Ranch, in cooperation with MERS Large Animal Rescue, transported to the ranch 11 of 29 horses involved in a t...railer truck accident that happened last night on I-44 at the Washington, Mo. exit. Rescuers from MERS and Longmeadow worked through the night in the rain and cold weather to remove the horses from the trailer, capture those that had escaped and transport the survivors to safety. The eleven horses taken to Longmeadow are suffering from shock, deep skin and leg abrasions and lacerations, head and eye trauma and back injuries. They will be examined by an equine veterinarian today and cared for by Longmeadow staff. For more info and to donate: https://longmeadowrescueranch.org/franklincountyhorses/

On Sunday, October 18, 2020 at 8:12PM, MERS Large Animal Rescue was called out for a Tractor Trailer accident on West Bound I-44 just west of the Washington Exit in Franklin County, Missouri. The semi was transporting 29 horses. Upon arrival, the Boles Fire Department and the Missouri Highway Patrol were on the scene. The trailer was tipped on its side in the median. Two injured horses were being held just outside the trailer while three other horses were contained by th...Continue reading

On Saturday, August 1, 2020 at approximately 9:30am, MERS Large Animal Rescue received a call from a vet for a horse down in an arena in Wildwood, MO. After arriving and putting on the head protector, the lifting straps were applied and the owner's tractor was used to lift the horse. Once on its feet, the 24 year old gelding was able to stand and walk unassisted. The call out ended at 12:09pm and was attended by five members. A huge thank you for the very generous donation from the owner.

On Monday, July 27, 2020 at 8:42AM MERS Large Animal Rescue recived a call for a 32 year old horse down in a stall in Robertsville, MO. When the team arrived, the head protector was put on and the horse was removed from the stall and put on the glide using a forward assist. He was then moved to another stall where the owner had a lift ready for use. Using our webbings and her lift, we were able to get him to his feet and walked him for 10 minutes before being released by the veterinarian. The call out ended at 12:06PM and was attended by five members.

*** MREC ALERT *** POTOMAC HORSE FEVER IDENTIFIED IN THE REGION A horse living on the border of Calvey Creek in Franklin County, Missouri has tested positive... for Potomac Horse Fever. Potomac Horse Fever spreads through the ingestion of aquatic insects such as Caddisflies and Mayflies. Symptoms include a high fever and diarrhea. Horses may also present signs of depression and mild colic. It can also cause abortion in pregnant mares. Complications include acute laminitis. A vaccine is available for Potomac Horse Fever; however, it does not cover all strains. If a horse has never been vaccinated for Potomac Horse Fever, a booster will be required three weeks after the initial vaccination for maximum protection. To protect your horses from ingesting infected insects, make sure your food and water sources are not under lights. The insects are attracted to the sunlight and inadvertently fall into the water or hay, allowing ingestion to occur. It is also best to keep the lights turned off at night as much as possible. If you suspect your horse shows clinical signs of Potomac Horse Fever, please contact your veterinarian immediately, or you can contact the clinic at 636.332.5373.

On Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at 6:45pm, MERS Large Animal Rescue had an owner contact one of our members about a horse down. Our phone system was apparently down (AT&T is working on local towers) and she was unable to reach anyone on the MERS line. When the team arrived, the 33 year old horse was lying in the aisle of the barn. The head protector was placed on it and the forward assist was used to put her on the glide. She was moved outside and lifted using a tractor. Once on her feet, she was able to stand and walked 15 min without issue. 5 members were able to respond and the call out ended at 9:52pm. A generous donation was given to MERS by the owner.

On Friday, May 22, 2020 at noon, MERS Large Animal Rescue responded to a long yearling filly down in a stall in Cape Girardeau, MO. Upon arrival, we found the filly lying flat in the stall, not active. Part of the team worked with the horse while the others raised the A frame. The head protector was placed on her and a forward assist was used to drag her out on to the glide. From there, she was pulled to the A frame and raised to her feet. She made two attempts to stand but would knuckle over on the rear, a common sign of EPM. The owners released MERS and were waiting on the veterinarian to arrive again to confirm and euthanize. The call out ended at 6:27pm and was attended by five members. We appreciate the donation given by the owners and our hearts go out to them for their tremendous loss.

On Friday, March 20, 2020 at 9:30am, MERS Large Animal Rescue responded to a call for a horse down in a stall in Wildwood, MO. The team arrived to find a 29 year old Tennessee Walker mare down in her stall and unable to stand. Forward assist was put on to try and position her better to allow her to stand on her own. Numerous positions were tried but she was to exhausted to stand on her own. She was then put on the glide pulled out the stall door (very narrow) and into an even more narrow aisle to move her outside to our A Frame. Vet was on scene and mare was given a mild sedation to move her onto the glide for everyone's safety. Once outside she was lifted up and ready to go. She was walking on her own within 5 min of raising her up in the A Frame. The call out ended at 1:30pm and was attended by 6 members and 2 members-in-training.

Well, that would have been an interesting call..

Another great reminder from Mid Rivers!