Two horses are surrendered during cruelty investigation
August 2, 2008: Two horses were surrendered to Johnston County Animal Control during a cruelty investigation. Johnston County transported the horses to a veterinarian where they were examined, then brought them to a USERL quarantine facility for care. Both horses are being watched carefully as their extreme malnutrition puts them at a very high risk of complications.
This 20-22 yr. old leopard Appaloosa, now named Diago, is a Body Score of 1, weak and lethargic with severe sunburn from exposure to elements (no shade).
The second horse is a 20 year old Quarter Horse type and is now named Sid. He is also a Body Condition Score of 1, very weak and lethargic (has difficulty in rear legs due to lack of strength), is infested with lice and has a severe case of fistulous withers from what is believed to be saddle sores along his exposed backbone. The draining hole is flushed and cleaned daily with topical solutions to encourage healing. He is also on antibiotics to fight the infection.
August 9, 2008:
After one week in quarantine with some gradual introduction to food, Diago is doing better with more energy and a progressive improvement. Sid, on the other hand, is still lethargic and listless. He's having problems chewing his food properly (dental work is on hold until he's out of immediate danger) and is still weak in the rear legs - although that has improved some. The foster caregiver and veterinarians at Neuse River Veterinary Hospital are watching both of them carefully.
After one week in quarantine with some gradual introduction to food, Diago is doing better with more energy and a progressive improvement. Sid, on the other hand, is still lethargic and listless. He's having problems chewing his food properly (dental work is on hold until he's out of immediate danger) and is still weak in the rear legs - although that has improved some. The foster caregiver and veterinarians at Neuse River Veterinary Hospital are watching both of them carefully.
Sid continues to be weak and lethargic. His diet is carefully monitored for his needs (extruded horse feed and hay pellets fed every 3-4 hours).
Copyright © United States Equine Rescue League, Inc. All rights reserved.
Diago is gaining strength and energy. A USERL volunteer, Jackie Dean, gives Diago a bath. He thoroughly enjoyed it!
A big thank you to Johnston County Animal Control for their diligence in this case (as always!), and to Neuse River Veterinary Hospital for their wonderful care.
September 21, 2008:
Diago and Sid are doing fantastic! They are gaining weight easily now and have no health issues now. Both were present at the Barn Day Party and captivated all who met them.
Diago and Sid are doing fantastic! They are gaining weight easily now and have no health issues now. Both were present at the Barn Day Party and captivated all who met them.
Diago munches happily on his hay buffet. Life if good!
Sid is finally bright and alert, active and eating, eating, eating. He had such hurdles to overcome his neglect, but has done so with an earnest will to continue his life.
December 5, 2008:
Both Diago and Sid have finished rehabilitation and were evaluated by Grady Creech of Wakelon Farms for their riding abilities.
Diago is very well trained and only needed to know he wouldn't be asked to run all the time to settle down and relax. Diago has been adopted into a loving home.
Sid could not settle down from his fear of being asked to run out and his remembered pain from his saddle sores. He is now in gentle training to correct this behavior. He is reponding very well, and beneath his fear he is a well-trained horse as well.
Both Diago and Sid have finished rehabilitation and were evaluated by Grady Creech of Wakelon Farms for their riding abilities.
Diago is very well trained and only needed to know he wouldn't be asked to run all the time to settle down and relax. Diago has been adopted into a loving home.
Sid could not settle down from his fear of being asked to run out and his remembered pain from his saddle sores. He is now in gentle training to correct this behavior. He is reponding very well, and beneath his fear he is a well-trained horse as well.
