Benjamin
UPDATE 07/23/20: we have a sad update on Benjamin. After consulting with the veterinarians treating Ben, we made the decision to humanely euthanize him last night. His pain level had risen to a point where pain meds were no longer able to control it. A venogram showed that there was no longer blood flow to the right front toe and the hoof had begun to slough off at the coronary band. Once again we want to thank everyone at Anoka Equine for their excellent care of Benjamin. He was a really sweet horse and quickly became a favorite among the staff. We are still gathering forensic evidence for charges in this case. Thank you to everyone for their support and kind wishes for Benjamin over the past 5 days!
UPDATE: 07/22/20: Benjamin is still at Anoka Equine and his blood work looks better. His appetite is good and he is still bright and alert, but he is also still very weak. He had initial farrier work yesterday to make him more comfortable (he has some rotation in his coffin bones and very thin soles) and was fitted with front padded clogs (the blood on the right front is from an abscess on the coronary band). His temperament remains very sweet and he is definitely a fighter. Thank you to Dr. Snyder, farrier Mark Thorkildson, and to all of the wonderful staff at Anoka Equine for the excellent care, and thank you to everyone who has donated towards his care. We will post updates as we have them.
Original Intake Post: Benjamin came to MHARF on 07/16/20 from a Carlton County humane case (thank you to Investigator Oquist from the Animal Humane Society of MN!). He is currently hospitalized at Anoka Equine Veterinary Services where he is receiving i.v. fluids for dehydration and i.v. antibiotics for a high white blood cell count. He is also severely malnourished but he is eating and is bright and alert–so he is definitely a fighter! Watch for updates.