Madonna, a 12 year-old mare who was found wandering with her three-month-old foal, Justin, was brought to the Society’s stables suffering from malnutrition, fungus all over her body, swollen hind-legs, pronounced lameness, exhaustion and dehydration. Despite her serious condition Madonna still nursed her little foal who seemed to be in good condition.
Following a veterinary examination, including hip and leg x-rays, she was diagnosed with a severe infection that caused her lameness. In addition saliva stones were discovered in her mouth, which made it difficult for her to eat and so immediate surgery was decided upon to remove the stones.
Shortly after Madonna and her foal’s arrival in the Society, two other young foals reached the stables; Brigitte and Oliver, whom Madonna adopted lovingly, protected and even nursed.
When the antibiotics did not improve Madonna’s infection, orthopedic surgery was decided upon, during which the infected area was drained and sterilized. The operation was a success and Madonna underwent a prolonged period of recuperation during which she was https://spca.co.il/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/group-puppies-celebrating-new-year-1.jpgistered antibiotics.
Thanks to the vitamins and nutritional supplements that she received, Madonna gained weight and today she is in healthy condition. She continues to be a model mother, looking after her own and her two adopted foals.
Update: In the end of the rehabilitation process Madonna was adopted by owners of a private horse farm.