Collapsed foal dies days after being rescued

A collapsed foal who was rescued on Christmas day has been put to sleep after his condition deteriorated.

‘Very bad way’

The RSPCA was called to a skewbald colt found in a field in Cinderford, Gloucestershire.

“He was collapsed in the mud and rain, he didn’t have the energy to lift his head, he looked in a very bad way,” said RSPCA acting chief inspector Rachel Hayward.

“I was willing him to survive, telling him ‘Come on it’s Christmas, don’t give up.”

The eight-month-old foal, who was given the name Chancer, was wrapped in blanket and propped up with bales of hay while inspector Hayward called the police. She also had to find an available equine vet, ambulance and hospital, prepared to take him in.

Round the clock care

“Because it was Christmas it was more difficult than normal to get the help we needed,” addedinspector Hayward. “There were some members of the public there, members of two wildlife charities and later some police officers – everyone was pitching in and helping to try and save this little foal.”

Chancer was in very poor health and required 24-hour care from the staff at Three Counties Equine Hospital, near Tewksbury. He had a high worm burden and needed a plasma transfusion and antibiotics. He was also given painkillers and five litres of fluid through a drip to rehydrate him.

Put to sleep

It looked like Chancer might pull through when he managed to stand unaided, however, hiscondition suddenly deteriorated. He wasput to sleep on 1 January, after thevet decided to prevent any further suffering.

“We would like to thank everyone involved in Chancer’s rescue, it was an incredible joint effort to help this little foal and give him the best possible chance,” said an RSPCA spokesperson.

The charity is trying to trace Chancer’s owner and is appealing for anyone with information to call 0300 1238018 and leave a message for inspector Rachel Hayward.