26 April 2023

Michelle's story

After keeping Thomas alone for eighteen months I lost my grazing and had to move to a livery yard. Five weeks in, one evening I pushed Thomas out of the way whilst mucking out & as I pressed against the side of his cheek, was shocked to feel how hot it was.

Thomas was still eating, did not have a temperature, was not coughing, nor did he have any nasal discharge. I made a mental note to keep an eye on this hot patch.

The next evening it had enlarged so the vet was called to visit the following day. She came and diagnosed a tooth abscess. The swelling got bigger! Later that week the same vet and the senior partner called and still diagnosed a tooth abscess. I insisted on bloods. Four days later the results came back and Thomas was diagnosed with bastard strangles.

Due to the stigma of strangles I had to move him a few weeks later. Luckily I found an unused yard and within 24 hours he was moved and turned out. We had 3 courses of antibiotics. All of which just kept producing more abscesses. I stopped the antibiotics & let nature work it’s magic. Thomas was isolated and kept alone for over six months before having scopes.

Michelle's story

View related stories

Welfare is at the heart of everything we do

Michelle's story

View related stories

Sign up to our eNewsletter

Welfare is at the heart of everything we do