A foal who had an untreated eye injury is recovering in Redwings’ care in Norfolk after having the eye removed. Pickle, as she has been named, had surgery at the charity’s Equine Reception Centre within 24 hours of being signed over to Redwings, and whilst still under quarantine conditions.
The piebald cob filly is just four or five months old and is one of 55 equines in Redwings’ care with sight loss or impairment. Julie Harding, Senior Field Officer and Reception Centre Manager, said circumstances meant her owner wasn’t able to provide the veterinary attention she needed, and they agreed to sign her over to the charity so that her welfare could be secured.
“We think she probably scratched her eye on some fencing, causing the initial injury, followed by a serious infection,” said Julie. “Thanks to our brilliant Reception Centre team, she had the treatment she needed within 24 hours of her coming into us.”
Nicola Berryman, one of Redwings’ Welfare Veterinary Surgeons, performed the operation.
“Pickle was in a great amount of pain when she arrived, and she couldn’t see out of her eye, so the best option was to remove it,” she said. “Things were looking a little shaky for a few days due to problems linked to a high worm burden, but she was in the very best place with the very best care and some special company – Phoenix the foal’s old teddy bear.
“Our supporters will remember much-missed Phoenix’s story, who we lost just before Christmas despite all efforts possible to help him recover from extensive burns. For our dedicated nursing team, seeing her with his favourite toy was heart-breaking and heart-warming all at the same time.
“She’s adapted so well to having one eye, and it doesn’t seem to be phasing her at all. We’re so thrilled that she’s come through it and is now doing great.”
Pickle, who was accidentally named by a member of staff, has now been turned out on grass at one of Redwings’ Norfolk sites, which is closed to the public. Once she’s ready, she’ll be moved to one of the charity’s other centres.
