By Sunel Craythorne | Donor Care Officer
Thank you for standing with us through every chapter of Fishan’s journey. Your compassion enables us to provide him with the specialised care he needs, especially during times like these when nature adds unexpected challenges.
Weather Delays and Planning Ahead
Following our fundraiser for Fishan in December 2025, we scheduled his second X-ray session in mid-January, but extreme weather conditions and the area being declared a disaster zone made HERD unreachable. Dr. Rogers, who was to lead the procedure, was unable to leave his home. As a result, the session has been postponed, and given the number of experts involved, our next realistic window is in about two months.
In preparation, we also connected with an additional veterinarian, who reached out to HERD after learning about Fishan in one of Dr. Rogers’ professional groups. Her expertise in veterinary pharmaceuticals may offer valuable insights as we move forward.
Why the X-Rays Matter
Fishan suffered a severe leg injury after falling into a man-made hole. While we help manage his pain daily, understanding how the injury has progressed is essential for long-term planning. Because Fishan reacts unpredictably during a standing sedation, accidentally knocking Dr. Rogers over, we now need to conduct the X-rays under full sedation. This requires careful coordination between veterinarians, specialised equipment, and our HERD carers to ensure his safety.
To fully utilise the opportunity of this sedation, we also plan to collect blood samples for a detailed nutritional and immune assessment. This will help us determine whether Fishan has underlying micronutrient deficiencies impacting his skin, immunity, and healing, an increasingly important question after a series of abscesses that appeared over recent months.
What We’ve Seen Recently
Fishan developed two abscesses on his right foot, followed by a third on his cheek. All eventually healed with daily care, including a new HOCL-based spray that proved helpful. Although there are no new abscesses at the moment, their pattern suggests a deeper systemic issue rather than simple wounds.
Because Fishan is castrated, his hormonal balance is different from other bulls, which may increase his micronutrient needs, especially zinc, copper, selenium, and vitamin E. These nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy skin and a strong immune system. Despite mineral blocks and additional supplements, Fishan’s naturally sensitive palate makes consistent dosing a challenge.
A thorough blood panel will allow us to finally pinpoint what his body needs most.
Daily Life in Difficult Weather
The recent rains brought both joy and frustration for the herd. While they delighted in the cool weather and mud, the flooding has made movement difficult on the soft ground. Roads have turned into rivers, and daily routines have been affected. Even so, Fishan continues to show his gentle resilience, moving carefully through the mud alongside his companions.
Looking Ahead
Once the weather clears and a new date is confirmed, we will move forward with the X-rays and full blood work. These results will guide us in developing a personalised supplementation plan for Fishan. If delays continue, we may begin trialling a specialised nutrient supplement used internationally, with the goal of later developing a locally made formula tailored to his unique needs.
Your support ensures that Fishan receives dedicated, thoughtful care, based on leading global knowledge. Every step Fishan takes, no matter how weatherdependent or medically complex, is made possible by your generosity.
From all of us at HERD, thank you for your compassion, your trust, and your commitment to Fishan’s well-being.
If you want to make another donation to help us take care of Fishan, please visit Fishan Brave Elephant who Survived a Fractured leg
Warm regards,
The HERD Team
By Sunel Craythorne | Donor Care Officer
By Sunel Craythorne | Donor Care Officer
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