Olive's Progress
Below are photo’s from Olive’s story and how she has progressed over the past six months. Please note these images are graphic in nature and viewer discretion is advised.
Seven-month-old Welsh filly Olive was discovered by the RSPCA, dumped on a road in Bishop Auckland, with a shockingly deep open infected wound to her withers (the bony spinal processes at the base of a horse’s neck). An abandonment notice was put in place, but again, no owner came forward and Olive was signed over into their care.
Olive required unique and complex treatment, due the significance of the wound, and with the knowledge that Bransby Horses had the facilities and expertise to provide the best possible ongoing care, the RSPCA asked us to take Olive in.
They started by surgically removing unhealthy tissue and placing sterilised gauze into the wound, with cotton swabs tied to the sutures to keep the hole covered. Olive’s dressings were changed every day for weeks and over time her treatment plan was adapted as she began to heal, and the previously large open wound became smaller and shallower. She also needed to eat with her head as low as possible to prevent the top part of her wound from healing too tight.
Both the yard and the Veterinary Team did an incredible job of caring for Olive, with many hours dedicated to her rehabilitation.
Olive has since graduated from the ARC and is spending time with her friend Florence on the Main Yard. Looking at her today, there is little indication that the wound ever existed, which is testament to the excellent level of care she received, both at the start of her journey and ongoing.
“Being part of her recovery journey was a powerful reminder of why I do this job. I am incredibly grateful to Bransby Horses for taking her under their care, and it means a great deal to know she will have the best possible future. We are so glad Olive has been given a chance to thrive. She captured all of our hearts here.” – Abby Stavers.
Thanks to our amazing supporters, we were able to provide Olive with the care she needed to make a full recovery. Help us help even more equines by making a one-off donation or setting up a direct debit using the buttons below.
Thanks to our amazing supporters, we were able to provide Olive with the care she needed to make a full recovery. Help us help even more equines by making a one-off donation or setting up a direct debit using the buttons below.