An abandoned filly who was discovered emaciated, suffering with a lice infestation and covered in hundreds of ticks alone and vulnerable on a fell in Northumberland is thriving in her new home.
Elouise, an 11.2hh piebald cob, was also malnourished and had liver issues when she was rescued by World Horse Welfare after they received a call raising concerns for her welfare. She hadn’t been on the fell very long which is why it is believed that she had been abandoned.
Watch Elouise’s story
The three-year-old was taken in by World Horse Welfare’s Penny Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre near Blackpool and following a period of veterinary care and rehabilitation she has been rehomed and is loving life with her new family.
“Elouise has settled into her surroundings brilliantly and has formed a wonderful bond with Billy – a calm, reassuring companion who has helped her grow in confidence. The pair are now inseparable, often seen playing or gently grooming each other out in the field,” World Horse Welfare said in a statement to Your Horse.
“Elouise, once shut down and shy, is now much brighter. Her trust in people is growing and the sweet, curious pony once hidden beneath the fear is finally shining through.”
About ticks
Ticks are particularly common at this time of year and can be found in wet environments, on grass or in low bushes. They are most often found between March and June and between August and November.
“Ticks are small arachnids (the same class as spiders) and they undergo four phases in their life cycle: egg, larvae, nymphs, and adult. The tick requires blood meals to develop between these phases,” explained Dr Jessica May, customer success manager at PetsApp.
“Ticks can spread disease, usually in the nymph stage of their life cycle and, if female, before they lay their eggs. Tick larvae will also seek blood meals but will not transmit pathogens. It is these pathogens that poisons or irritates its host and can negatively affect horse health.”
Ticks choose their host based in its size. Female ticks prefer larger animals like horses.
“Once the tick has attached itself to a host, it will feed, during which it might transmit pathogens. This can cause skin irritation, bacterial skin infections, and small abscesses. In severe cases, especially in ponies and foals, a tick may even cause anaemia,” continued Jessica.
Images © World Horse Welfare.
