Since our last update, two more equines in need have been assisted by donors through the Global Giving campaign. Tuxedo, a stallion, and Cletus, a donkey jack, were being kept in horrible conditions. The owner voluntarily surrendered 2 horses and 2 donkeys during the investigation. The stallion and donkey in worst need of medical and farrier care came into the USERL Horse Program for rehabilitation while the other two went to a private home.

The stallion (Tuxedo) had been confined for a long period of time in a stall that was not kept clean. Standing in his own excrement, he developed thrush which ate away at his hoof sole until painful ulcerations resulted. Unable to stand comfortably and unwilling to lie down long in the filth, he constantly shifted his weight around on all four feet trying to find comfort.

The donkey (Cletus) was also confined in an inadequate environment. His hooves were painfully overgrown to the point of impeding his ability to walk comfortably.

Both Tuxedo and Cletus were treated medically and with farrier care and responded immediately. Tuxedo was trimmed and his hooves carefully cleaned to expose the ulcerations. They were then wrapped and soaked daily, giving him immediate relief to his pain. Today, his ulcerations are completely healed. Cletus’s hooves have been successfully trimmed back to more normalcy and giving him the ability to move freely. It will take about a year of hoof trimming for Cletus to sport normal looking hooves, but luckily with no future lameness issues. Both have been castrated recently and will be available for adoption soon into new loving homes.

With your help, Tuxedo and Cletus have a new chance at a better life. Thus far, this project has assisted 19 horses! That’s 19 horses with a new life, a new home. But always there are more in need of nutrition and medical treatment. Help us help them by supporting the USERL Horse Program. Give them a second chance with your donation.

As always, Thank You, from USERL and the horses - to our supporters!

Links:

• News story on USERL and the need for support in 2010.
• USERL - NC Triangle Region's webpage story on Cletus and Tuxedo.
• USERL's Facebook page.

Pictures:

• Cletus upon arrival to USERL quarantine/rehab farm (JPG)
• Close up of Cletus's overgrown hooves. (JPG)
• Tuxedo upon arrival. (JPG)