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A Clydesdale mare who developed colic after foaling is recovering well at home after undergoing lifesaving surgery.
Lilly, a nine-year-old purebred Clydesdale who is owned by Amanda Bennett, gave birth to Darcy Daydream with no complications in early March.
However, on Monday 5 May, Lilly started displaying colic symptoms and was diagnosed by Amanda’s vet Shara Peggrem from Rowe Equine with eight-week post-foaling colic.
Amanda was told that Lilly required surgery, but as this was such a major operation on such a large horse, her chances were 50/50.
Lilly was transferred to B&W Equine Vets’ Breadstone Hospital for emergency surgery.
Darcy had to be lightly sedated to limit her stress levels as she travelled with her mother in the horsebox.
720° colon twist
Under general anaesthetic, Lilly underwent an exploratory laparotomy.
It was discovered that the mare had a 720 degree twist in her colon and her caecum (the first part of the large intestine) had been displaced.
“The colon was markedly enlarged with gas and firm intestinal contents. The colon volvulus was corrected and the intestinal contents evacuated via a pelvic flexure enterotomy,” said notes from B&W Equine Vets’ report.
‘At risk’ breed
Amanda, who runs Ariss Moore Clydesdales in South Gloucestershire with her sister Liz Bidwell, has owned Lilly since June 2024.
Clydesdales are in the ‘at risk’ category on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) Watchlist.
“B&W ordered in a special colic belt from America as no one had one big enough, as I understand this was the first Clydesdale they had operated on,” said Amanda.
“Fortunately, Lilly pulled through.
“We would like to say a massive thank you to Shara at Rowe Equine and B&W Equine Vets at Breadstone for saving Lilly’s life, without their skills and knowledge Lilly would not have survived.
“Their professionalism is outstanding, not only did they take care of Lilly and Darcy, but they made sure we were updated on the hour ever hour as we were all beside ourselves.”
Recovering at home
Lilly returned home on 11 May and was put on box rest. Her recovery went well and she is now back out in her paddock with her elder daughter Tiger Lilly and her foal Digby.
“We would also like to say a big thank you to Christiana of Pinkers Country Store in Latteridge for making sure we had sufficient shavings and feed in place for Lilly and Darcy’s return home.
“She dealt with messages outside of their normal business hours to help us,” said Amanda.
Images © Amanda Bennett
