Friendicoes Equine Program

AAA Partner group, Friendicoes have sent us an update on their Equine Program.

During November 2020, the team came across some quite serious injuries requiring treatment.

Both an adult horse and a foal presented with sharp fencing wire injuries resulting in a severe laceration and bleeding. For both horses, the area was cleaned with antiseptics, sutured and antibiotics, pain killers and tetanus vaccine were administered. Rest was recommended and the recovery will be followed up.

Another horse was involved in a car accident in which the horse cart was completely destroyed and part of a wooden stick became embedded in the horses shoulder area. The stick was removed under local anaesthetic and the area sutured with the usual antibiotics, pain killers and tetanus vaccine given.

Another horse was treated for very sharp molar teeth which were damaging the cheeks, leading to bleeding while chewing. The horse was sedated, and the teeth rasped to smooth the edges. Antibiotics were administered, and the horse was observed to ensure that it was able to eat properly and without pain.

In an example of the importance of offering this veterinary service to the community, one owner sought the help of a local healer who applied some hot oil to a pony's hip area to "treat" lameness. The oil completely burnt the skin and created an ulcer on the skin. The team cleaned the area with antiseptics and applied silver sulphadiazine. Tetanus vaccine and painkillers were given, along with a recommendation to avoid unproven home remedies for future issues.

A 14 year old mare was also rescued from the Seelumpur slums - extremely malnourished and starving, tied up in a damp and dingy sunless shed. This horse was previously used as a ceremonial horse for weddings etc, but due to Covid-19, these types of horses are out of work. The owner didn't want to sell the horse, and surrendered it voluntarily. The team were very happy to rescue the horse and give it a safe and comfortable life at the sanctuary.

Two mules were also rescued - one from Sarita Vihar in New Delhi with severe lameness, and the other from the Kamla Market, suffering with colic. Both now safe and recovering at the shelter, along with two retired police mounts. Both are over 18 years old and now enjoying their well-deserved retirement.