We started the month with a very concerned call from Craddock, alerting us to a horse that was down at the Transnet station and was not looking good. After eventually finding the owner of the horse, surprisingly enough a Security Company based in Johannesburg, we advised that a vet needed to be called out immediately. The security company asked if we could assist as they were not there presently. We managed to organise a vet from Bosberg Vets, who could only assist that afternoon. Sadly when the vet arrived he advised us that the kindest thing to do was to PTS after assessing the poor state of animal. It was also found that there was no clean water available to the animals which most likely played a role in this one’s demise. The security company took responsibility and rectified the water problem afterwards. Rest in Peace sweet child. Rechecks to continue..
Then a complaint regarding a touch farm with a horse that was not looking good. After inspecting the premises all seven donkeys and two ponies were found to be in acceptable condition but the horse in question was very old and needed to be retired. Luckily their vet is advising too and keeping an eye on it’s overall health.
A lodge with a horse with chronic severe eye condition. We advised that horses do very well with one eye if the eye is surgically removed.
Four horse’s hooves trimmed. Unfortunately one had prominent ringbone on the hind pastern causing lameness. We advised owner to get an Xray done to confirm but no treatment unfortunately for ringbone and the poor horse can’t live on pain killers..
A very alarming video of Shrek was sent to us early one morning , showing how he managed to fall into the neighbour’s pool with a freeking Pool cover on as well! Luckily he managed to get out safe and sound after the alarm went off alerting the homeowners. My heart though! Donkeys, especially boy donkeys ;) will always find a way to get up to mischief. It often ends in a less desirable outcome too.. Thankfully this time he escaped with just one very wet coat and bruised ego .. Shrek had been breaking through to the neighbour’s property looking for guavas on a regular basis these last few months and this time he probably needed some water to wash them down ;) We anyways admitted him to unit until the hole in fence can be found and rectified.
A recheck on 16 horses in acceptable condition, bar two who had received vets attention .
A donkey roaming in Addo with a Broken Leg was finally spotted and contained for us to collect with foal at foot . Poor Mama Rest In Peace sweet Girl, your baby (Luckily older enough ) is in safe hands now and already has a new BFF
Our little Midnight who has had a list of problems of late was sadly sent to God after yet another complication. Rest in Peace sweet Boy X
A recheck on one of our adopted out ponies alarmed us when we saw his loss of condition. Thorough instructions and rechecks were done until it was decided that the premises was no longer suitable and had to be moved. All parties agreed and happy to say he is looking much better at is new yard.
Three donkeys rechecked and dewormed at the same time.
Our little Starboy was gelded and ready to go to his new home. Very small shame man..
Dewormed all the children at the Unit as Spring is well on its way.
A recheck and second dewormer done on a very old boy. Owner is happy to pay and accept any advice on where to go from here. If second dewormer does not make a difference, a vet/dentist visit will advise further.
A recheck on Five horses and five donkeys all ok .
Then a complaint of a horse with a very swollen hind leg. After inspection it was found to be ‘ Phleg leg‘ which is basically cellulitis and can only be managed. Once again an old horse and owner is trying everything but aware that if gets worse may be time to call it a day. Horse is comfortable enough for now and cleaned daily or when need be.
Five different donkeys out on the roads on two consecutive days. The three donkeys on Butterfield road were taken in by kind neighbours until the owner was located two days later. Safely walked them back home a km or two down the road. Luckily we recognized the two on Lakeside road who were also kindly moved into a safe camp off the road until owner collected. It makes life a lot easier when we recognize the animals.
Our little Ebony was homed to a very excited young lady after attempting to take over her mother’s horse ;) Go well boy you have landed with your bum in the proverbial butter. See Photo:
Stray horses in little towns with known owners are unfortunately out of our limits. Unless the animals are contained or injured we unfortunately cannot assist. Especially if the owner of the animal is known and the body condition is acceptable.
Treated three horses for ticks on request of their owner.
Our little Joepie, who was brought in from dispatch a few weeks ago, found a wonderful home being a companion to one of our adopted out elderly ladies in a home fit for a princess, from rags to ritches Joepie ;) We are so happy for you and Kiki, who lost her companion a couple of months prior.
BLUE STEEL EQUESTRIAN donated R1 207 in Cash after another of their informative talk evenings. Thank you Blue Steel J
A very lame donkey lying down a lot, was assessed and found to have an abscess in the hind leg. We cleaned and flushed out with Epsom salts water which the owner repeated daily. All was good to go in a couple of days.
A complaint of horses being kept in stables 24/7 is still under investigation as no proof as of yet.
Our little darling, Meadow, who we had to send to God. May you Rest in Peace little one.. After days of vet visits and still no pooping or improvement, the decision was made. Post mortem revealed she had ruptured an intestine. Only two years old and such a hard start to life L We brought her in from Uitenhage Township a month ago already injured and abused, yet she remained trusting and loving even so. You will be forever remembered and loved dear sweet Meadow.
Seven horses vaccinated for AHS.
Five horses and four donkey’s hooves tendered to.
A property check done for donkeys, still needs a shelter and proper fencing before we can safely send them some.
Till next time
Carla
GENEROUS DONATIONS RECEIVED DURING September FOR WHICH WE ARE MOST THANKFUL!
DONATION – carrots x 5 packets- Fresh Stop (Astron)
DONATION – 2 bags teff – Allison Harris
DONATION – Belt, brush, MSM – Kathy Lombard
DONATION – 1 x bag of feed - Nadine
DONATION – Shirly van der Merwe- tub iceman
DONATION – Equine Librium – came to see Pendragon again – best to Xray Carpus right fore.
DONATION – Hilton 20 bales teff
DONATION – 22 x lucerne bales. Yay! Thank you Marlies
DONATION – Pauline Whittal – old tack
Please note we also have donators who put money into our account every month, even though we don’t mention your names and amounts, please know how grateful we are to you for it!
VOLUNTEER – Brett
VOLUNTEER – Tarryn
VOLUNTEERS – Danell and Rebecca
VOLUNTEER – Nicole
Banking Details: Eastern Cape Horse Care Unit: Standard Bank Current Account 080733875, Code 051001. Reference: Your name. Facebook: EAST CAPE HORSE CARE UNIT Contact numbers Office cellphone 072 357 2505 NO LANDLINE email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.