Stig
Stig was rescued by the RSPCA in Durham after someone had broken into
another horse owner’s field and dumped him there. He had an enormous
gash on one of his hind legs, which had clearly been there for some
weeks and become horribly infected. After initial veterinary treatment
at the RSPCA centre in Durham, the prognosis for his recovery was good,
but the level of damage was judged to be such that his leg would not
cope with the stresses of a working life.
Once the wound on his leg had been cleared of infection, one of Redwings
veterinary surgeons carried out skin grafts to try and replace some
of the skin. This involved transferring healthy patches of skin from
the loose flesh between Stig’s front legs and inserting tiny sections
of it into little holes made in the scar tissue on his leg. The area
needed cleaning, treating and dressing everyday for several weeks after
this delicate procedure. This was a time consuming task, but one made
much easier by Stig’s remarkably placid and tolerant nature, despite
the amount of pain he had experienced before his rescue. Almost all
the grafts were successful and have grown to make healthy layer of
skin which protect the area. The wound will always be visible, however,
as the hair has gone white!
When he was rescued, Stig was just a yearling so will need special
care for many years to come. By staying at Redwings, Stig benefits
from a secure, permanent home and is guaranteed to receive all the
treatment his leg may need in the future. Sadly, despite a great deal
of effort by the RSPCA in Durham, Stig’s owner was never found and
so no-one could be held responsible for the suffering of this lovely
youngster.
