This mare highlights the difficulties faced by people living in remote areas with limited access to veterinary services. 

“Dove”, an 8 year old stockhorse mare, injured her hind cannon. She had a foal at foot at the time. Efforts were made to help her with long distance phone calls and dressings sent in the mail. However, as can happen with deep wounds that have disturbed the periosteum (lining on the bone), over the next few months she developed a large boney growth covered in masses of proud flesh. Unsightly, but relatively painless.

       

The mass on "Dove's" leg before removal.

“Dove’s” owners finally had an opportunity to bring her to Charleville for veterinary attention. By now she had a 2 month old foal at foot. Surgical debridement was the treatment of choice. These types of lesions are typically poorly innervated (lacking feeling) but have a very good blood supply.

The mare was sedated and 3.4kg of granulation tissue (proud flesh) was removed surgically. The surgery was abandoned at this stage because of excessive haemorrhage. About a quarter of the lesion remained. A pressure bandaged was quickly applied to control further bleeding as the mare was beginning to show signs of shock. We would have to do further surgery when she was strong enough.

For two weeks pressure bandages were used to prevent any proliferation of the proud flesh. By now “Dove” was strong enough to face further surgery. This time she was given a general anaesthetic because the removal of the bony growth would be painful. Pressure bandages were continued and a week later “Dove” and foal travelled home.

Recently, Dove's owner took a motorbike (and a camera) out to the large paddock where she is living to get us this great progress shot!