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September 5, 2008:
USERL received a call from Johnston County Animal Control officials about a draft that had been involved in an investigation last year. He was rehabilitated successfully by a private citizen, who then fell on hard times and downsized his herd. It seems the draft was once again in trouble, and USERL was asked to assist due to his shocking condition. Although our quarantines are full at this time until horses move out into foster homes, USERL volunteers shifted some other horses around and a wonderful foster took a healthier horse in (despite Tropical Storm Hannah's hot pursuit to NC) so that this Belgian gelding could get into the program and get some medical help.
Besides the issue of weight loss, the horse is also covered in abrasions/sores and is very itchy. He was immediately taken to Neuse River Veterinary Hospital to be assessed, then transported to a warm, dry stall at a USERL quarantine/rehab foster. After the storm passed on Saturday, his caregivers gave him a soothing bath. More updates will come on his diagnosis and prognosis.
Thanks to the wonderful volunteers of USERL and Johnston County Animal Control for helping this horse out quickly!
USERL received a call from Johnston County Animal Control officials about a draft that had been involved in an investigation last year. He was rehabilitated successfully by a private citizen, who then fell on hard times and downsized his herd. It seems the draft was once again in trouble, and USERL was asked to assist due to his shocking condition. Although our quarantines are full at this time until horses move out into foster homes, USERL volunteers shifted some other horses around and a wonderful foster took a healthier horse in (despite Tropical Storm Hannah's hot pursuit to NC) so that this Belgian gelding could get into the program and get some medical help.
Besides the issue of weight loss, the horse is also covered in abrasions/sores and is very itchy. He was immediately taken to Neuse River Veterinary Hospital to be assessed, then transported to a warm, dry stall at a USERL quarantine/rehab foster. After the storm passed on Saturday, his caregivers gave him a soothing bath. More updates will come on his diagnosis and prognosis.
Thanks to the wonderful volunteers of USERL and Johnston County Animal Control for helping this horse out quickly!
Diesel's body and face are covered with raw abrasions from scratching to relieve intense itching.
September 19, 2008:
Diesel has been on medication to relieve the itching and is doing much better. The diagnosis for his itchy skin is still unknown at this time, but likely an allergic reaction or an immune mediated response. He's enjoying his medicated baths and is a very affectionate horse. The photos below show the incredible difference his simple treatments have made in a short time.
Diesel has been on medication to relieve the itching and is doing much better. The diagnosis for his itchy skin is still unknown at this time, but likely an allergic reaction or an immune mediated response. He's enjoying his medicated baths and is a very affectionate horse. The photos below show the incredible difference his simple treatments have made in a short time.
Diesel enjoys free choice hay during his recovery. His skin condition is doing much better and his missing hair is growing back already!
Diesel is a very sweet guy (look at that face!) and proved difficult to take photos of due to him constantly following the camera person.
October 6, 2008:
Diesel is doing wonderful! His skin problem is under control with a careful drug treatment plan and he is gaining weight great. Diesel has quite the personality and is a favorite at the rehab barn.
Diesel is doing wonderful! His skin problem is under control with a careful drug treatment plan and he is gaining weight great. Diesel has quite the personality and is a favorite at the rehab barn.