Society for Animals in Distress treats brave horse

The Society for Animals in Distress is currently treating the brave Patti Pan, a mare struck with laminitis and African horse sickness.

Equine manager at the organisation Marizda Kruger said that they initially received Patti Pan on 27 February from their Tembisa Coal Yard Pony programme. She said, “[We received] a call from an owner in Tembisa who said that the horse had collapsed. We sent out the ambulance and she was transported to the Society for Animals in Distress in total collapse.”

Kruger added that the horse’s temperature was a concerning 41 degrees. Blood was immediately collected and sent away to Onderstepoort Veterinary Animal Hospital in order to confirm a diagnosis for the high temperature.

They continued symptomatic treatment in an attempt to lower the life-threatening fever. “We then were able to move her into a stable where she was placed onto a drip and intensive care. It was miraculous that she made it through the night.”

“She then began colicing … In the case of the Tembisa Coal Yard ponies, colic is often caused by plastic bags obstructing the digestive system. The horses eat these accidentally while grazing on the rubbish dumps.

“Colic is a life-threatening condition in horses. Their anatomy makes it impossible for them to vomit so the obstruction needs to travel all the way down the digestive canal in order to exit the body. Unresolved obstructions can lead to rupture of the intestines and sudden death.”

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In a case of colic, the horse receives consistent attention and is given fluids until the obstruction passes.

On 1 March, they noticed that Patti Pan had difficulty standing and her feet was extremely hot – an indication of laminitis. “Laminitis is a when the hoof capsule detaches from the foot due to severe inflammation.

“We have subsequently received confirmation that Patti tested positive for African horse sickness as well as equine encephalitis and it has been reported to the relevant authorities.”

Kruger said that Patti Pan has fought an incredible fight so far. “The fighting spirit and will to live in this little mare is truly remarkable”

She called on the community to assist in any way with funding or donations, not only for Patti Pan, but future treatments that they will be giving to horses that come through their gates.

Any residents interested in making donations can contact Society for Animals in Distress at 011 466 0261.

Details: www.animalsindistress.org.za

Related Article: 

https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/201342/society-for-animals-in-distress-celebrates-60-years-of-giving-back-to-the-community/