Give Health & Purpose to a Neglected Horse

We’ve shared before how starvation impacts young, growing horses in particularly complex and heartbreaking ways. It’s one of the reasons we get anxious when we know one is coming in. That doesn’t mean we won’t fight to undo the damage—but finding the right path forward can be a challenge.

In healthy foals, weight gain happens naturally with a good diet. But in emaciated foals like Chickadee, we must walk a careful line: giving enough calories for recovery, but not so much that it triggers rapid growth, which can harm developing bones, cartilage, and joints.

When Chickadee arrived, she had already been on the UC Davis Refeeding Diet for three weeks. We took a more conservative approach, replacing half of her alfalfa with grass hay in hopes of slowing her growth. Still, just a week later, she began resting her hind leg frequently—it would quiver, and her fetlock became swollen. Radiographs confirmed an OCD lesion, a form of cartilage damage often caused by rapid growth.

Chickadee’s condition at the time—body score 2/9, with likely lung damage from a heavy roundworm burden—made her an unsuitable candidate for surgery just yet. So we wait, supporting her as she builds strength.

We’re incredibly fortunate to be working with a brilliant Internal Medicine DVM who is also a Nutritionist. She generously donated her services, creating a specialized diet that allows Chickadee to gain weight slowly and safely, minimizing the risk of additional OCD lesions. She’ll also check in monthly to adjust Chickadee’s plan as needed. We are beyond grateful for this support.

Already, the new diet—along with stall rest and a few days of Banamine—has reduced the swelling in Chickadee’s fetlock. Her leg no longer quivers.

Next, Chickadee will receive a Vitamin E/Selenium injection to address low levels that could otherwise slow her healing. While her regular diet includes essential vitamins and minerals, she needs a temporary boost to get her back on track.

The next year of Chickadees life will be crucial to her long-term abilities and comfort, but we believe she has a fighting chance at a normal adulthood. Thank you for allowing us to give her this opportunity!