Minnie

Minnie
2000 – August 2013

In January of 2013 County of San Diego Department of Animal Services rescued a stray horse that clearly had not been cared for. This sweet mare quickly became a staff favorite. However, by March it was clear that her medical issues, including lameness made her “unadoptable.” Even though our sanctuary was at capacity, we wanted to help this special mare, so we decided to board her in Lakeside at Sun Bear Ranch.

Initially, she improved significantly, responding well to the love and care she was given.  Unfortunately, there was a dramatic change in August of 2013. After extensive evaluation, including x-rays, by our veterinarians at East County Large Animal Practice, it was determined that she had a systemic infection, related to lameness in her right front foot. Further examination showed that the infection hadn’t gotten into the bone, which gave us hope of a successful recovery. We suspected that the infection was in the tissue that surrounds the coffin bone. We believe that some sort of trauma occurred before she was rescued by Animal Services.

Surgery was not considered a viable option, based on the location of the infection. Unfortunately, in spite of aggressive antibiotics, she failed to respond. Based on her worsening condition, it was determined that further treatment would be inappropriate and the decision was made to humanely euthanize her.

While her story ended much sooner than we wanted, we are happy that we were able to provide her several months of loving care at Sun Bear Ranch. When it came time to say good bye, she was in the hands of people who cared for her.