USERL shelters a severely neglected horse from Johnston County
February 7, 2008:
Johnston County Animal Control contacted USERL for immediate assistance with a "down", malnourished horse. During an investigation of animal neglect, the owner surrendered the 2.5 year old Appaloosa colt to the county. Due to the horse's life threatening condition, the county immediately removed him from the property the same day and transported the horse to a veterinary clinic for evaluation to determine his future. He arrived at the clinic as he'd been picked up - down on the trailer. He was moved onto a tarp in order to load him on the trailer when they picked the horse up.
The evaluation conclusively showed malnutrition as the cause of the colt's condition with a body condition score of 1.5 on the Henneke Chart. His vitals, however, remained strong despite his weakness and inability to stand. This, along with his strong will to survive, offered him a chance to see if he could be rehabilitated back to good health. Another complication that burdened this horse was a heavy internal parasite load. He had been dewormed 3 times in the prior week, and the large massive kill of the numerous parasites had further weakened the colt. Many parasites were observed being passed in his manure; small strongyles and roundworms were two parasites identified...
Johnston County Animal Control contacted USERL for immediate assistance with a "down", malnourished horse. During an investigation of animal neglect, the owner surrendered the 2.5 year old Appaloosa colt to the county. Due to the horse's life threatening condition, the county immediately removed him from the property the same day and transported the horse to a veterinary clinic for evaluation to determine his future. He arrived at the clinic as he'd been picked up - down on the trailer. He was moved onto a tarp in order to load him on the trailer when they picked the horse up.
The evaluation conclusively showed malnutrition as the cause of the colt's condition with a body condition score of 1.5 on the Henneke Chart. His vitals, however, remained strong despite his weakness and inability to stand. This, along with his strong will to survive, offered him a chance to see if he could be rehabilitated back to good health. Another complication that burdened this horse was a heavy internal parasite load. He had been dewormed 3 times in the prior week, and the large massive kill of the numerous parasites had further weakened the colt. Many parasites were observed being passed in his manure; small strongyles and roundworms were two parasites identified...
After the veterinarian's evaluation, Johnston County officials transported the horse to a USERL quarantine/rehabilitation farm where he was carefully unloaded in a large grassy area. Due to his struggles to stand, it was decided to let him remain in the open, outside, where he could not bump walls, etc. A carefully planned schedule has been created to meet his needs (turned over to other side every two hours, feeding program, vital signs monitored regularly, body temperature regulation - and lots of TLC). Several times a day an attempt is made to get him standing. Thus far, he has been unable to but is showing signs of gaining strength already. This is a time-consuming task to care for a horse that is down, and currently, a sling is not an option as the horse must be able to stand somewhat for it to work. However, he is already showing some improvement with a brighter attitude, great appetite and willingness to continue on. His prognosis is guarded at this time but it is hopeful that he will make a full recovery.
The Appaloosa colt, now named Little Joe, when he arrived at the USERL quarantine farm.
February 8, 2008:
Little Joe, just one day after arrival looks much brighter and is already showing signs of increasing strength.
Little Joe, just one day after arrival looks much brighter and is already showing signs of increasing strength.
USERL wishes to thank Johnston County Animal Control and Neuse River Veterinary Hospital for their immediate care and compassion for this colt. A huge thanks also to USERL volunteers that have met the challenge of his difficult care and gave up their time immediately to come assist the quarantine farm. Without you, Little Joe would not have hope...
**no charges are pending on the owner that surrendered the horse. They had bought the horse just the previous weekend in it's current condition (but still standing at that time). Therefore, they are not responsible for his obvious neglect. An investigation is ongoing in this case.
**no charges are pending on the owner that surrendered the horse. They had bought the horse just the previous weekend in it's current condition (but still standing at that time). Therefore, they are not responsible for his obvious neglect. An investigation is ongoing in this case.
Copyright 2007/2008 © United States Equine Rescue League, Inc. All rights reserved.
"Little Joe" February 7, 2008
"Little Joe" February 7, 2008 upon arrival to USERL quarantine farm.
February 9, 2008:
Today, Little Joe showed he might have enough strength to stay standing for alittle while. So with some wonderful help from great neighbors near the farm, Little Joe was gently lifted into a standing position. Not only did he stand, but after stabilizing himself for 30 minutes he cautiously walked around the farm with his helpers closeby to assist if he needed it. Once he was moving around completely on his own, the leadline was unclipped from him to freely roam and explore while being closely observed.
Little Joe amazed everyone not only by standing and walking around, but he stayed up for the rest of the day (12 hours!) before finally laying down (probably in fear that he would not be able to get up again).
Today, Little Joe showed he might have enough strength to stay standing for alittle while. So with some wonderful help from great neighbors near the farm, Little Joe was gently lifted into a standing position. Not only did he stand, but after stabilizing himself for 30 minutes he cautiously walked around the farm with his helpers closeby to assist if he needed it. Once he was moving around completely on his own, the leadline was unclipped from him to freely roam and explore while being closely observed.
Little Joe amazed everyone not only by standing and walking around, but he stayed up for the rest of the day (12 hours!) before finally laying down (probably in fear that he would not be able to get up again).
Little Joe after he was helped up to a standing position. Look at that happy and relieved look on his face!
Little Joe stood quietly as his body readjusted. You can see just how depleted this colt is of body fat and muscle in his hind legs, as is his entire body.
Little Joe eventually gets his balance and is let loose to explore on his own.
February 10, 2008:
Little Joe colicked last night and the vet came and treated him for gas colic. The colic was mild luckily and Little Joe soon became frustrated with being down again once he was feeling better. So, once again, nearby neighbors (Little Joe's heroes!) came to assist him to a standing position late in the morning. Although he's getting stronger, he still cannot get up on his own.
Once he was up, on he went as he did yesterday; grazing, exploring, etc. To keep him out of trouble, a small pasture was erected with portable fencing to allow him to graze safely within viewing area of other horses. His colic returned very mildly several times in the late afternoon, but resolved on it's own. It is hopeful he will continue to progress as wonderfully as he has so far.
Little Joe colicked last night and the vet came and treated him for gas colic. The colic was mild luckily and Little Joe soon became frustrated with being down again once he was feeling better. So, once again, nearby neighbors (Little Joe's heroes!) came to assist him to a standing position late in the morning. Although he's getting stronger, he still cannot get up on his own.
Once he was up, on he went as he did yesterday; grazing, exploring, etc. To keep him out of trouble, a small pasture was erected with portable fencing to allow him to graze safely within viewing area of other horses. His colic returned very mildly several times in the late afternoon, but resolved on it's own. It is hopeful he will continue to progress as wonderfully as he has so far.
February 10, 2008:
Little Joe enjoys one of his many small meals while out in a temporary paddock set up for him. He cannot interact with the other horses yet due to quarantine, but enjoys being in view of them.
Little Joe enjoys one of his many small meals while out in a temporary paddock set up for him. He cannot interact with the other horses yet due to quarantine, but enjoys being in view of them.
February 14, 2008
Little Joe is continuing to improve. He had been up standing since Sunday morning until last night when he finally laid down for some much needed rest. It is obvious from his almost 4 day stint of standing that he is reluctant to lay down for fear of not being able to get up again.
This morning, he was assisted up to a standing position again. All rested, he is bright and alert with more energy than previously. The antibiotics are helping with the necrotic tissue from pressure sores due to laying down all last week. His appetite is great for his "mush" and his chewing abilities are much better following a brief teeth floating Tuesday to improve his ability to chew (he was having problems due to a missing molar and another with a retained baby cap; more dental work will be done at a later time when his is stronger).
Little Joe continues to be monitored 24 hrs. a day by the foster and wonderful volunteers. His incredible determination in his weakened conditioned has kept the volunteers going to help Little Joe return to the horse he wants to be.... And his prognosis to get to that goal is looking brighter every day!
Little Joe is continuing to improve. He had been up standing since Sunday morning until last night when he finally laid down for some much needed rest. It is obvious from his almost 4 day stint of standing that he is reluctant to lay down for fear of not being able to get up again.
This morning, he was assisted up to a standing position again. All rested, he is bright and alert with more energy than previously. The antibiotics are helping with the necrotic tissue from pressure sores due to laying down all last week. His appetite is great for his "mush" and his chewing abilities are much better following a brief teeth floating Tuesday to improve his ability to chew (he was having problems due to a missing molar and another with a retained baby cap; more dental work will be done at a later time when his is stronger).
Little Joe continues to be monitored 24 hrs. a day by the foster and wonderful volunteers. His incredible determination in his weakened conditioned has kept the volunteers going to help Little Joe return to the horse he wants to be.... And his prognosis to get to that goal is looking brighter every day!
February 14, 2008:
Little Joe, after resting all night laying down, returns to his paddock to graze this morning.
Little Joe, after resting all night laying down, returns to his paddock to graze this morning.
February 15, 2008:
Little Joe can now get up on his own! He is energetic and even trotted some today. His pressure sores are healing well and he can chew his food much better now. He's still getting a mush meal every 3 hours, but is now much more independent from his caretakers (although he follows people around and tends to hang with them rather than the other horses). Yeah, Little Joe!
Little Joe can now get up on his own! He is energetic and even trotted some today. His pressure sores are healing well and he can chew his food much better now. He's still getting a mush meal every 3 hours, but is now much more independent from his caretakers (although he follows people around and tends to hang with them rather than the other horses). Yeah, Little Joe!
Little Joe grazes near the barn.
He follows anyone around the property.
And even has enough energy and balance today to trot off several strides!
February 17, 2008:
Little Joe now has lots of energy! He's bonded with the foster's aged mare, acting much like a foal with her, following her everywhere. He's trotting and cantering, and just being a horse. His rehab is going very well and he is starting to gain some weight.
Little Joe now has lots of energy! He's bonded with the foster's aged mare, acting much like a foal with her, following her everywhere. He's trotting and cantering, and just being a horse. His rehab is going very well and he is starting to gain some weight.
February 25, 2008:
Little Joe continues to do great and improve with each day. His personality is wonderful and sweet. He's shown here grazing with his foster "mom" on the farm in the background.
Little Joe continues to do great and improve with each day. His personality is wonderful and sweet. He's shown here grazing with his foster "mom" on the farm in the background.
March 2, 2008:
Little Joe is doing great! He's gaining weight easily and is full of energy. He continues to be a very sweet soul. These are some photos from his turnout. He explores the farm and runs with a more purposeful step now.
Little Joe is doing great! He's gaining weight easily and is full of energy. He continues to be a very sweet soul. These are some photos from his turnout. He explores the farm and runs with a more purposeful step now.
March 23, 2008:
Little Joe continues to improve and his personality is blooming as well. He's active and playful, just as he should be for a 2 1/2 year old!
Little Joe continues to improve and his personality is blooming as well. He's active and playful, just as he should be for a 2 1/2 year old!
April 1, 2008:
Little Joe's weight continues to increase and he will be quite a looker when he fills out. It is hopeful he will be able to get castrated in the following month. His nature is still very sweet, and he is learning more and more about how to be a young, well-behaved gentleman.
Little Joe's weight continues to increase and he will be quite a looker when he fills out. It is hopeful he will be able to get castrated in the following month. His nature is still very sweet, and he is learning more and more about how to be a young, well-behaved gentleman.
April 9, 2008:
Sweet Little Joe is enjoying the new spring grass and filling out nicely. He's the "Prince" at the rehab farm and expects now to be treated special. Fascination with "Princess", the foal, is his new favorite pastime.
Sweet Little Joe is enjoying the new spring grass and filling out nicely. He's the "Prince" at the rehab farm and expects now to be treated special. Fascination with "Princess", the foal, is his new favorite pastime.