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The chestnut Morgan mare whinnied as Annie palpated her abdomen. Beside her stood Catie Bay, a pretty teenage girl with brown braids hanging below a creamy white Stetson. Her older brother Harper soothed the horse while Annie performed her exam. Dusty was also there, and a tall brown-haired young man with the signature McCray good looks—Dallas and Zach’s younger brother, Chad.
“I called Dusty first,” Catie was explaining, “and Chad was over there for breakfast so he brought her over. They both know a lot about animals, and I didn’t want to bother you if I didn’t have to.”
“It’s no bother,” Annie said, running her hands over the horse’s soft flanks. “That’s what I’m here for.”
“But it’s so early. And on a Saturday.”
“Not a problem. Really.”
“What’re you doing here, anyway?” Annie heard Chad ask Dallas.
“I brought Annie. Her car’s in the shop.”
“And you just happened to come across her this early on a Saturday morning?”
Annie heard the glint of sarcasm in Chad’s voice. No doubt he was smirking.
“Zip it, will you?” Dallas said, his voice barely audible. But Annie had heard. She smiled to herself.
“Definitely colic,” she said to Catie. “Her abdomen is distended but her temperature is normal and so are her heart sounds.”
“But she’s had colic before, and it’s usually gone within a few hours.” Catie’s face twisted in anguish.
“You’re describing basic spasmodic colic,” Annie explained. “If she’s been in distress for several days, it’s a different type of colic.” Annie gently patted the horse’s soft coat. “She’s very bloated, but I don’t think it’s obstructive colic. I think she may have an ulcer.”
“An ulcer?” Catie’s eyes widened.
“They’re more common in racehorses, but ranch horses are susceptible. Unfortunately, because of the colic, she hasn’t been eating, so her stomach acid has built up which has made the ulcer worse. It’s a vicious circle.”
“That doesn’t sound too good.” Catie’s voice caught in her throat.
“Well, it’s not the best news,” Annie said, “but it is treatable, and I think we’ve caught it early. With the symptoms you’ve described, I think it’s definitely an ulcer.”
“I’m so glad you’re here, Annie,” Dusty said. “I was sure it was just simple colic.”
“You were right.” Annie smiled. “But colic isn’t a disease in itself. It’s more often a symptom.” She turned to Catie. “I’ll give her a dose of medication now and leave a few more doses with you. It’s all I have with me. Stop by my office anytime to pick up more.”
“Yes, I sure will,” Catie said.
“It’s extremely important that you give her the medication on schedule, three times daily.”
“Oh, I will. Don’t worry.”
“I’ll keep my eye on her, Doc,” Harper said.
“Harper, I’m a grown woman!” Catie’s pretty face turned a bright crimson. “I’m perfectly capable of taking care of my animals.”
The teenager glanced toward Chad McCray. The tall cowboy, deep in a discussion with Dallas, didn’t appear to notice. Annie smiled to herself. Schoolgirl crush. Cute.
“Actually, I’d like to check on her tomorrow,” Annie said, “so I’ll bring her medication with me. There’s no need for you to come by my office.”
“That’s kind of you,” Catie said, her face still adorably red.
“Glad to.”
“I’ll take you home, Doc,” Dallas said. “Come on.”
“Okay. It was nice meeting you all.”
