Bungle's Battle
Bungle was found him collapsed in the back of a trailer back in 2008. He was gravely ill, and would have died without emergency treatment.
Bungle was taken to Redwings’ intensive care unit, where he received round-the-clock care. He had a huge worm burden, which left him severely anaemic. Anaemia causes muscle weakness as he had few red blood cells to transport oxygen to his muscles. He was also hypoalbumionaemic, which is a lack of protein. Protein is essential for growth – so, at only two years old, Bungle was at risk of lifelong damage.
Redwings' staff spent the whole night with Bungle on his arrival
Bungle was fed via a drip and was given eggs mixed into feed throughout the day to boost his protein intake. For several days he was so weak that he could not stand without help. Our staff had to lift him every two hours (throughout the day and night), as he could have developed sores or even pneumonia. If horses lay down for too long, blood may start to pool in the lungs.
Oakley (right) playing with his surrogate uncle Bungle!
It took five months before Bungle was strong enough to be turned out into a field with other horses. Because of a lack of nutrition as a youngster, Bungle’s bones and muscles are weaker than a normal pony’s, so he will spend his life under the watchful eye of the Sanctuary. Recently he has been fulfilling the role of surrogate uncle to little Oakley, who had a similar start in life to Bungle. The pair are so similar that you’d be forgiven for thinking they were brothers!
