Ethan is lucky to be alive considering what he has been through in his short 4-5 weeks of life. He was surrendered into our care with a suspected injury to his right shoulder. We don’t know how long he had been running around in the paddock trying to keep up with his mum before the farmer discovered him but we are glad he is now in our care.
A vet visit showed that Ethan had been attacked by, most probably, a fox. His right leg has 2 abscesses, one of which was drained and the other had antibiotics administered directly into the infected area. Poor little Ethan also has numerous puncture wounds over his body. Sadly, Ethan was unable to keep his leg and an amputation was performed. As with other tripods he is now doing very well and has no trouble getting around on 3 legs.
Tiny Joy, who was so freshly out of the womb that her hooves were still soft and rubbery, arrived into care severely hypothermic. Her temperature was so low that there was no reading on the thermometer and her body was cold and appeared lifeless. Her carer quickly swung into action trying to save the life of this helpless little lamb who was on the verge of no return.
Joy was given a warming bath and glucose was administered. As she worked to save Joy, her carer feared the worst but refused to give up. We are sure you can imagine her relief when, after 30 minutes of life saving treatment, Joy’s tiny body showed signs of life and her beautiful eyes finally slowly opened. She looked at her carer as if to say “thank you for not giving up on me.” Joy was then given colostrum and put into the Intensive Care Unit in order to stabilise her temperature.
After being on the precipice of death, Joy is now maintaining her temperature and drinking well. Despite her difficult start to life, she is now very energetic. She has become sure friends with Ethan who seems to know that Joy needs to be kept safe and has taken on the role of protector of his little friend.
Photos: Jane Jarman Photography, Laura Chaytor and Nigel’s Sanctuary
