Pan is a 16-year-old Standardbred gelding who came to Happy Trails in November of 2013 through our Amish Horse Retirement Program. He could no longer go the distance, no longer pull carts day in and day out, and his family was forced to retire him. Pangaia recently began to come up lame. He had always had some issues but this was different – he would not put any weight on his left front leg. The vet was called and after a radiograph was taken of his leg, it was found that he had a very large bone cyst in his ankle as well as a small stress fracture. This means that inside the bone, there is a hole instead of the normal bone structure. Our Pan is remarkable in every way and to prove it, the vets declared this bone cyst was the largest they had ever seen! View the Radiograph!
The cyst has existed for years and yet Pan was smart enough to protect it with his movement, unfortunately making it hard for us to have detected. Over 2 1/2 months, Pangaia has endured a regimen of supplements, hand walking and stall rest to help strengthen the bone and heal the fracture. Against all odds, the fracture has healed! This means we have received the all clear to schedule a very important surgery. This surgery will entail placing two screws in his bone to help stabilize it. The cyst is something that will never grow back, progression can be stopped, and it will not get worse. With this surgery expense of $2500, the vets are extremely optimistic. Pangaia will be live up to his name meaning (perfect living) leading a long, comfortable life as a pasture pal and doing all he has dreamed of without the pain or lameness he has endured silently for so long. Recovery time for this surgery is next to none, he has a bright future ahead, and we need you!
Please donate toward Pan’s surgery by clicking here
Does Pan’s story touch your heart? We are looking for a foster or adoptive home for him to complete this story. If you are that person, or know of someone, please share and email [email protected] or call the office today at 330-296-5914.
