A foal who was found in her stable with a bloody mouth and her jaw hanging out of place has defied the odds by making a full recovery.
The filly, who was born in February, was just five days old when she was discovered with a broken jaw late at night by her owner Amanda Johnson.
She took the foal to UC Davis Veterinary Hospital in California, where X-rays showed complete displaced fractures of both of her mandibles (jaw).
“Apart from the obvious injury, the filly was alert, responsive, and in good health,” said a spokesperson for UC Davis.
The filly, called Quincy, was unable to nurse and so a nasogastric tube was placed for feeding.
Dr Sandra Valdez, a surgeon at the faculty, manually realigned the fractures and bandaged the jaw for short-term stabilisation while the foal awaited surgery.
External fixators
A CT scan was carried out in order to classify the fracture and to plan a surgical approach.
Surgery was then carried out by Dr Scott Katzman and surgery residents Dr Bridget Ratliff and Dr David Orozco-Lopez.
“After discussion with Amanda, it was determined that the fractures would be stabilised with external fixators,” said the spokesperson.
“Surgeons reduced the fractures and placed locking compression plates on the exterior of [the foal’s] face.
“Intra-operative radiographs (fluoroscopy) were used to confirm accurate reduction of the fracture and placement of the external implants.”
Recovery
The filly recovered well from anaesthesia and was able to feed from her dam just one day after surgery.
She remained in the hospital for one week before being discharged.
X-rays at two follow-up appointments showed appropriate healing and the fixators were removed from Quincy’s jaw five weeks after surgery.
The future
Quincy is the sixth mare born to Buckin Bay Rose, a 12-year-old American Quarter Horse.
Amanda, who owns Johnson Livestock, a small American Quarter Horse breeding facility in Gilroy, California, believes the mare may have accidentally stood on her young foal after being spooked.
The filly made a remarkable recovery and is able to eat and drink normally. She has been left with no disfigurement or scaring.
“The owner reports it’s as if the accident never happened,” added the UC Davis spokesperson.
