Redwings has announced the passing of a four-month-old foal who suffered horrific burns across the left side of his body in a suspected arson attack.
The youngster did not recover from the general anaesthetic required for skin graft surgery, it was confirmed by the charity today (20 October).
Phoenix was rescued when just seven weeks old on 3 August. He was found with first to third degree burns to his body and it is believed that his stable was deliberately set alight. His mother was not found.
The foal spent over a fortnight at Lingfield Equine Vets receiving emergency care until he was strong enough to be transported to Redwings’ Caldecott centre to live at the charity’s horse hospital.
Round the clock care
Phoenix garnered a huge response from the public. Within 24 hours of his arrival being announced on Redwings’ social media channels, nearly £20,000 was donated and the charity’s Amazon Wishlist of essential items, including gauze and milk powder, sold out within two hours.
Phoenix required round the clock care, including bandage changes every one to two days, which took over 90 minutes to complete and cost £250 each time.
On the vet wrap keeping his bandages in place, vet nurses created beautiful designs (pictured below) that were shared via Redwings’ blog and social media.
-
- Phoenix’s ‘Babe’ themed bandages
-
- Phoenix bandages for Phoenix
-
- Stars and moon theme
-
- A Harry Potter-inspired bandage
-
- Ladybug bandages
-
- Superman
Burns consultation
During his time at Redwings, Phoenix spent time with foster mum Mildred.
Phoenix suffered severe burns on the left side of his body
The severity of Phoenix’s burns meant that vets were concerned that it could take years for his wounds to heal, and that the scar tissue would be thin and susceptible to infection.
This would have restricted his movement and limited his turnout and time with other horses.
Veterinary and human medicine burn experts were consulted and it was decided a skin graft would be the best option.
This involved a thin layer of healthy tissue from Phoenix’s abdomen being used to create grafts and applying them to his severe burns.
A leading veterinary surgeon specialising in animal wounds came from the Netherlands to join the Redwings team for the procedure.
The charity shared the news of Phoenix’s death on its website and Facebook page, and confirmed that Phoenix’s ashes would be scattered in its Caldecott visitor centre’s memory garden.
A permanent memorial will also be placed at the charity’s Hapton headquarters, which is home to the horse hospital where Phoenix lived.
To make a donation in memory of Phoenix, call 01508 481000 or click here.
All images courtesy of Redwings
Look what’s inside the latest issue of Your Horse
