Jericho

Very sad news from Shiloh as Sanctuary Horse, Jericho, was euthanized in the vet clinic this afternoon. (The photo above was taken a few weeks ago in his pasture.)

Last weekend, he was brought out of the Area 51 pasture. He was on three legs. There was no sign of an external injury, just a slight swelling above his one front knee. We are not sure what happened, possibly he was kicked by one of his herdmates. After moving him into a barn stall and giving him pain medicine, we were able to examine his leg. All his symptoms pointed at an extensor tendon injury. After speaking to the vet, we treated him like he had that injury. But, in the back of our minds, we knew there was a slight chance it could be a hairline fracture of the bone above his knee (rare, but possible). He had a good appetite and responded well to the pain meds we were giving him twice a day. He was able to lift and bend his leg. But, as the days went on, we became more worried about a possible fracture. Then today, we knew it was. The hairline fracture had begun to spiral down. We loaded him into the trailer and brought him into the clinic where it was confirmed. Sadly, he had to be humanly euthanized. There just isn't a treatment for a hairline fracture like he had, if it is a fracture, it's just a matter of time before the horse's weight makes the fracture spiral.

Jericho had been rescued by Animal Control in Logandale, NV where he was starving to death in a backyard. He was rescued along with Tecate, who was a stallion at the time. Both horses were actually wired into their corrals. Even to this day, we have never seen a horse more emaciated than Jericho was (see the photo below that was taken on his first day at Shiloh). It is a miracle that he survived and flourished. Jericho's last two years were full of love and comfort at Shiloh. He lived his days out in the quiet and peaceful Area 51 pasture. He was a loved member of the Shiloh Family and we will all miss him.