January 2006
Molly is a survivor. This little pony is a Katrina survivor who was rescued from the floods by a kind caring pony lover in New Orleans. Kaye Harris runs a pony rescue in New Orleans and when Katrina hit, she took in as many refugees as she could including some dogs. As her rescued animals were trying to adjust to their new and confusing surroundings the stress was too much for at least one and the result was horrifying. An abandoned pit bull took it's rage out on poor little Molly, barely any bigger than the dog herself.
The dog destroyed Molly's right front leg so bad that all the tendons and arteries to the hoof were severed. The rest of her lower leg, the canon bone, was also destroyed. Molly did her best to heal. She never even got infected, but the injuries were too extensive to heal completely. A few weeks after the attack, Molly's hoof died and fell off of her leg. By this time, there were already plans to have it amputated anyway.
Molly was under the watchful care of Dr. Barco in New Orleans, and her suggestion was to take her to the University of Louisiana in Baton Rouge for examination and consultation. Dr. Barco's hope along with Kaye Harris, was that the remaining leg could be amputated above the "too far gone to save" line and a prosthesis could be designed for Molly.
The University's Vet School were up for the challenge of trying to save Molly's leg, but uncertain of the prognosis as they have never tried to save a horse's leg by amputation before. Molly, however, was thought to be the best candidate for this amputation/prosthesis case as she light weight, and calm by nature. One strike against her is her mature age. Still the surgery was scheduled and Molly came through it with flying colors.
Above is a photo of two of the Doctors who were determined to save Molly's life. Prognosis remains guarded, but very hopeful. In addition to the amputation of a major portion of Molly's canon bone, the surgeons also skin grafted over her remaining canon bone where previously the skin had not returned from the injury. It's all very complicated, but Molly seems to be holding her own. Her cast includes a post that reaches to the ground so if she wants to she can put some weight on her short leg in order to balance or travel. She is using her temporary leg a little bit.
Kaye is caring for Molly daily and watching over her recovery. If all goes well, a prosthesis will be designed and made for Molly in hopes that she will be able to move around comfortably and enjoy the many years she has left of her happy and loved life.
Lifesavers is proud to be a sponsor of Molly's surgery. We hope to be able to contribute again to her prosthesis.
Many thanks to Kaye Harris for her dedication and committment to Molly's survival. And, many thanks to the compassionate team of veterinarians and students at ULA's School of Vet Medicine for their high skills and determination to save Molly's life.
April 2006
As you can see by the pictures below, Molly is doing exceptionally well. The left picture is Molly with her cast at home after surgery, and the photo on the right is Molly with her new leg. The prosthesis that we were all hoping for is now being worn by Molly daily. She is able to move quite easily and has accepted her new leg with pride. Thank you to all who have contributed to Molly's recovery.
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Send donations to: Lifesavers, Inc., 23809 East Avenue J, Lancaster, California 93535
Phone for more information: 661-727-0049 or email lifesavers@wildhorserescue.org
© 2006 Lifesavers, Inc.