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Dyan’s Cerril

Arrival Date:  May 2020

Farewell Date:  May 29, 2026

 

Dyan’s Cerril is a Peruvian horse. When she arrived in May of 2020 she joined our other two Peruvians rescues (Siglo and Serena) from an Animal Services case in 2019.  She was part of a large Peruvian Paso case with County of San Diego Department of Animal Services.  When the Peruvian Pasos were initially available from Animal Services, the original herd was taken in by Dyan Albers Paquette.  She did amazing work on behalf of this herd through the San Diego Peruvian Horse Rescue.  Prior to Cerril’s arrival in our care, Dyan had placed Siglo and Serena with us in 2018.

Cerril was one of the last horses that Dyan placed.  She was placed with another local rescue right before Dyan and her family moved to Arizona.  So, when the rescue called Dyan insisting that she take Cerril back, Dyan called us with an urgent plea to take Cerril in.  The other rescue suspected Cerril had heaves, equine asthma.  Heaves require a great deal of care.  So, before committing to take Cerril in, Dr. Harlen went to the other rescue to confirm the diagnosis.  Fortunately, he determined Cerril did not have heaves.  Instead, she was a very anxious mare whose breathing became loud when she was anxious.

“Cerril” is a Spanish adjective that primarily means wild, unbroken.  While this is a beautiful name, once in our care we decided we wanted to honor Dyan, the woman who had worked so hard for this group of Peruvian Pasos.  So, Cerril became “Dyan’s Cerril.”

She is an anxious girl, but has a heart of gold. Initially Nathan worked with her regularly to build her confidence.  Several volunteers, Kelley, Andrew and Micala became “Team Dyan,” working tirelessly with Dyan to gain her trust and provide her with the quality of life she deserved.  We are so grateful for their efforts.  In recent months, Katey Spencer began working with her regularly as well.  It was clear that as much as she worried, Dyan looked forward to these sessions.

Thanks to her Peruvian genes, Dyan’s Cerril has the looks of a runway model, and she knows how to work it for Don’s camera!

 

Farewell Date:  May 29, 2026

 

On May 26, 2026, Dyan was in-appetent.  We followed our colic protocols and monitored her carefully.  After passing manure she was give a small amount of soupy mash.  The following day her appetite remained poor, but we continued with our colic protocols, please that she continued passing manure.  By Thursday, we added ulcer medication as well.  On Friday, Dr. Rivett quickly noted the jaundice, yellowing of her gums.  She immediately diagnosed Dyan’s Cerril with end-stage liver disease.

As Dr. Rivett explained, “Liver failure occurs when over 70% to 80% of the organ is irreversibly damaged or replaced by non-functional scar tissue, preventing it from filtering toxins and processing nutrients.  In Dyan’s case, this advanced damage caused a toxic buildup that led to jaundice (yellow gums), colic, and a lack of appetite, building upon the strain her organs faced during last year’s illness.  Because horses typically hide these symptoms until the damage is end stage, and since the scar tissue cannot regenerate and advanced treatments like liver transplants or dialysis do not exist for horses, severe liver failure is unfortunately untreatable, making your decision to euthanize the most humane chocie.”

As Dyan passed, we held her and told her how much everyone loved her and that she was the bravest girl.  We have no doubt that Siglo and Serena were waiting for Dyan’s Cerril as she crossed the Rainbow Bridge.  And what a sight that would have been with her long, thick mane and tail flowing as she showed off the natural gait of her breed, the paso llano gait.  We know she left all of her anxiety behind, carrying nothing buy love in her heart as she crossed the Rainbow Bridge.