Eddie, back on his hooves

Our vet team worked hard to ensure that Eddie, a donkey with a bleak future received all the treatment he needed to turn his life around.

Late last year, a man requested help with his donkey Eddie who had difficulty standing in his field. The donkey’s hooves were extremely long and misshapen and he was suffering from severe laminitis (a cripplingly painful foot disease).

As a result of poor hoof structure over many years, Eddie had painful tendons and muscles across his body. The future of the donkey’s life was in question but our veterinary team was hopeful that with the correct treatment and care, they could get Eddie back on his hooves again.

In our care Eddie’s hooves were examined, x-rayed and pared. Corrective farriery became a gradual process over a number of months as the donkey’s muscles and tendons adjusted to the new shape of his hooves.

Equine physiotherapist Áine Dillon worked with Eddie and he began to move more easily around his yard. Encouragingly. Eddie began to interact with his grooms and other donkeys. Gradually, traces of a wonderful personality started to appear.

Over a few months, Eddie continued to make progress. Each morning our veterinary team massaged his tense muscles and he took part in a controlled walking programme.

Further treatment on his forelegs included alternating ICE VIBE© cool boots by day and support boots by night. Eddie even had a few hydrotherapy sessions at Munster Equine Rehab Centre. Within a few months, Eddie’s treatment was complete.

Vet Sinead Murray says “When Eddie came to us he moved with difficulty. After months of care and treatment, we are delighted to see him interacting with other donkeys out in our fields”.

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