Brave police horse Trojan returns to The Horse Trust after emergency surgery

Monday, 02 December 2013

Brave police horse Trojan returns to The Horse Trust after a second visit to the Royal Veterinary College for emergency surgery

Former Essex Police horse Trojan has returned to The Horse Trust’s from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) for his second round of emergency surgery this year.

Trojan was first admitted to the RVC in September 2013, where he was treated for tooth spurs, cracked teeth and a severe sinus infection. He had been continuing to eat as normal before he was admitted, not losing even a kilogram in weight. His attitude and bravery led to the revival of his police nicknames, Mr T and The Trojanator! Vets at the RVC did as much work with Trojan as it was safe to, before he came home with a course of antibiotics to clear up the remaining infection.

On his return home in September, vets had warned that there was a chance Trojan would require further surgery. Unfortunately the antibiotics that Trojan was on didn’t manage to completely clear up the infection in his sinus and based on our vet’s recommendation, Trojan returned to the RVC to do battle with his teeth once more. Trojan needed additional surgery to remove a last cracked tooth on his left side, and a sinoscupy to drain his left sinus.

Trojan’s surgery was long, but essential, and this bold horse took everything in his stride as he always does. A few days later, vets operated on Trojan again to remove some tooth fragments on the right side of his mouth. Although there was no infection here, the removal of these fragments was vital to prevent the risk of future infection.

Trojan has now arrived safely back at The Horse Trust where he has been seen by the vet, who is delighted with his progress so far. Trojan now has one final battle to beat the last remnants of his sinus infection. He won’t re-join the rest of his herd just yet, so that his wounds have time to heal and are kept clean. For now, Trojan is going on our new horse walker every day to help keep him fit, keep his sinuses clear and keep him out of trouble!

Despite everything that Trojan has been through, nothing seems to phase this horse and aside from the wounds on his face, looking at him today, you would hardly notice there was anything wrong at all. Trojan retired to The Horse Trust in January 2013 following the closure of the Essex Police Mounted Section. Aged only fourteen years old, The Horse Trust hopes that Trojan will use his fighting spirit to overcome everything and go on to live a long and happy life.

Trojan’s vet bills have now reached almost £5,000. Whilst we are incredibly relieved that we are able to help horses like Trojan, it does mean that our resources are stretched significantly, and at our busiest time of year. We rely on donations from the public to help us provide our horses with emergency treatment when they desperately need it. To make a donation for Trojan, please visit our website www.horsetrust.org.uk or contact us on 01494 488464.

Photography:
Trojan before his second trip to the RVC for emergency treatment
Trojan standing in the new stocks at The Horse Trust to see the vet following his surgery

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For further information please contact:

Catherine Napper
T 01494 540024
M: 07900 905199
E: catherine@horsetrust.org.uk
W www.horsetrust.org.uk

PR Agency
Insight Group Marketing
Mark Robson
T: 0845 643 6181
M: 07785 395 499
E: tht@insightgroup.co.uk
W: www.insightgroup.co.uk


Notes for Editors
1. The Horse Trust, founded in 1886, is the oldest horse charity in the world. Their Home of Rest for Horses based at Speen, Buckinghamshire, provides a place of retreat for working horses that have served their country or community and nurtures them throughout their final years. The charity also gives sanctuary to horses, ponies and donkeys that have suffered and need special treatment. The Horse Trust funds non-invasive research that advances knowledge of equine diseases, improving diagnosis and treatment and reducing suffering among equines worldwide. The charity also offers training for professionals and owners, with a focus on equine welfare and quality of life assessment.

2. The Horse Trust depends on the support of the public to look after retired working horses. It costs the charity an average of £12 per day to look after each horse at the sanctuary, which includes the costs of grooms, forage, farriery and veterinary care. The Horse Trust spends £50,000 per year on medication and vets fees. To donate to to The Horse Trust, please visit www.horsetrust.org.uk, or contact the charity on 01494 488 464 or info@horsetrust.org.uk.