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A young mule who was found severely neglected with an extremely large mass has received treatment and been moved to his new home at The Horse Trust.
It is believed that a botched illegal castration attempt or an infected tumour had left Frank, a Friesian x donkey, with the excruciating mass which required urgent testing and removal. He was also suffering from overgrown hooves and has bright white scars from inappropriate tethering.
The plight of the four-year-old was brought to the attention of Communities for Horses in Swansea by a good Samaritan and The Horse Trust was asked to take him into their ownership.
Frank received pain relief and antibiotics at Cotts Equine Hospital in Wales before undergoing surgery to have the mass removed. During the procedure, surgeons found two Sarcoids in that area and a third on his face, all of which were also removed.
While test results revealed no sign of cancer to the relief of all involved, Frank will need to be regularly monitored as Sarcoids can return or spread.
New home and new friends
Following a period of recuperation, Frank made the journey to The Horse Trust’s base in Buckinghamshire earlier this week where he is settling in to his new home. He has met Kelbrook, a recently retired police horse from Lancashire, who will be his new field mate. Despite all he has endured, Frank is kind, trusting and affectionate.
“Frank’s story is one of the most heartbreaking we’ve encountered in recent years. No animal should ever suffer as he has,” said Jeanette Allen, ceo of The Horse Trust.
“He had us all extremely stressed waiting to hear if he had made it through surgery and to find out what the surgeon had discovered. It was awful knowing during that time we might lose him before we even got to meet him.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who has already supported young Frank’s journey and been part of his story so far.
“At only four years old, he needed to be given the lifesaving chance of treatment and the guarantee of a safe home afterwards. Thanks to our wonderful donors, we can do that.”
The Horse Trust launched an emergency appeal to pay for Frank’s treatment and is continuing to raise money to cover his needs. To donate click here.
Images © The Horse Trust and Communities for Horses.
Further reading
- Charity reopens rescue centre to visitors in time for summer holidays
- Norfolk horse charity restarts rehoming scheme after strangles outbreak forced shutdown
- Mental health charity named as London International Horse Show’s official partner
- Charity conference ignites discussion on what a ‘good life’ for a horse looks like
