Story
Born prematurely,
Zena was found curled up in the corner of a stable here at the Sanctuary early
one morning with her doting mother, Flora, watching over her. Although Zena was
breathing she was very still and quiet, lying almost motionless in the straw.
She was clearly unwell and it quickly became apparent that her legs were not
working properly and she couldn't stand up.
Urgent veterinary treatment was needed to save her life. Our veterinary clinician, Elena Barrio's initial examination confirmed that Zena's legs were too weak to hold her up and one of her front limbs was showing signs of a convulsive movement, suggesting potential brain damage. Zena desperately needed to feed, but couldn't stand to suckle from her mother. Elena had to hold her up to Flora to feed, but Zena's suckle reflex was poor and she could not get enough milk.
The early hours of Zena's life were crucial and staff worked around the clock to help her. A strict feeding regime was implemented and staff combined bottle feeding with trying to encourage Zena to latch on to her mother. Zena's back legs were bandaged in an attempt to give her added strength in standing to reach her mother's milk. Flora was calm and patient with her foal throughout. Sometimes mothers reject their foals if they fail to suckle or are weak from birth, but Flora has been a model parent.
Zena underwent an intensive period of tests, including blood tests, X-rays and routine veterinary examinations to eliminate serious conditions. She was given a course of essential medications and physiotherapy daily to strengthen her back legs. Further investigations revealed that she had contracted tendons, a condition that often requires surgery to correct. Our vets administered two injections to relax the tendons and, thankfully, this treatment was successful. Zena is now able to walk in comfort, without the need for corrective surgery.
Zena's story is a remarkable one. Thanks to the expertise and life saving facilities we have here at The Donkey Sanctuary, a desperate little foal has been nursed to perfect health. Zena's future is now secure.
Urgent veterinary treatment was needed to save her life. Our veterinary clinician, Elena Barrio's initial examination confirmed that Zena's legs were too weak to hold her up and one of her front limbs was showing signs of a convulsive movement, suggesting potential brain damage. Zena desperately needed to feed, but couldn't stand to suckle from her mother. Elena had to hold her up to Flora to feed, but Zena's suckle reflex was poor and she could not get enough milk.
The early hours of Zena's life were crucial and staff worked around the clock to help her. A strict feeding regime was implemented and staff combined bottle feeding with trying to encourage Zena to latch on to her mother. Zena's back legs were bandaged in an attempt to give her added strength in standing to reach her mother's milk. Flora was calm and patient with her foal throughout. Sometimes mothers reject their foals if they fail to suckle or are weak from birth, but Flora has been a model parent.
Zena underwent an intensive period of tests, including blood tests, X-rays and routine veterinary examinations to eliminate serious conditions. She was given a course of essential medications and physiotherapy daily to strengthen her back legs. Further investigations revealed that she had contracted tendons, a condition that often requires surgery to correct. Our vets administered two injections to relax the tendons and, thankfully, this treatment was successful. Zena is now able to walk in comfort, without the need for corrective surgery.
Zena's story is a remarkable one. Thanks to the expertise and life saving facilities we have here at The Donkey Sanctuary, a desperate little foal has been nursed to perfect health. Zena's future is now secure.