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I know \u2026 the photos are brutal to look at. Even the most seasoned of our staff were heartbroken and horrified when we first saw \u201cBuddy.\u201d<\/p>\nI know \u2026 the photos are brutal to look at. Even the most seasoned of our staff were heartbroken and horrified when we first saw \u201cBuddy.\u201d<\/p>\n
He didn\u2019t actually have a name when he was brought in to American Fondouk. But we found ourselves telling him over and over, \u201cIt\u2019ll be okay, Buddy. It\u2019ll be okay.\u201d<\/p>\n
So, we gave him a name and the best care we possibly could. And yes, it\u2019s hard to believe, based on the condition he arrived in, Buddy made it!<\/p>\n
While his is one of the worst burn cases we\u2019ve ever seen at American Fondouk, you already know we see severely injured and ill animals on a daily basis. Their owners are simply so dependent on these animals to survive, that even a day without them threatens their ability to put food on the table and keep a roof over their family\u2019s heads.<\/p>\n
When one day without your animal can do that, it makes it a little easier to understand why animals aren\u2019t brought to us until they are in very, very bad shape.<\/p>\n
The best part is, that with every equine we treat, we\u2019re also able to work with their owners. With education and understanding they\u2019re learning to eliminate old, harmful animal practices that have been passed down for generations. Instead, we\u2019re seeing improvements in how animals are shoed, the kind of materials used for bits and halters, and that not overworking animals is better in the long run for everyone.<\/p>\n
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Four-year-old Buddy\u2019s extensive thermal burns happened in a stable fire. The large area of severely damaged skin included his face, eyes, back, and legs. Just as with humans, the extent of burn wounds for animals are described by extent (percentage of body surface) and the depth of tissue damage (first, second, or third degree). Buddy had second and third degree burns on more than 60% of his body.<\/p>\n
As you may have guessed, treating this kind of extensive injury was very costly. After his initial examination, we started Buddy on antibiotics and other medications, and put in an IV catheter because he was severely dehydrated. His wounds still needed daily washing, fresh dressings, and additional topical antibiotics to prevent infection and promote healing.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve often mentioned that we can provide veterinary care here for a fraction of what those expenses would be in the United States. But, in Buddy\u2019s case, treatment was very expensive and not something we could\u2019ve planned in the budget.<\/p>\n
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Buddy needed our help, along with all the other horses, mules, and donkeys who filled our stables that evening (and every night). We also had to care for the lineup of animals at the gates the following morning (and every morning).<\/p>\n
Also, outside those gates are the people who depend on their animals and genuinely care about their well-being. Buddy\u2019s owner borrowed a mule from a neighbor to get through this difficult time. And, he came to American Fondouk every week to check on Buddy\u2019s progress.<\/p>\n
I was amazed that an animal can come so far after such a devastating injury. We all were. After treating all of Buddy\u2019s injuries, we were able to fulfill our promise of sending this brave young mule home.<\/p>\n