Help mistreated Mocca to walk and live

Urgent call to help us with the with the financing of tendon surgery and follow-up treatments for Mocca. He was mistreated in young years. Its the only way he will be able to walk and live easygoing again.

Diagnosis: Front left leg with shortended back tendon and arthrosis in the fetlock joint

An orthopedic iron, pain reliever, weekly physiotherapy and osteopathy could not bring significant improvement.

A surgical intervention by a specialist in Lisbon, is urgently required followed by three month of intensive physiotherapy.

About Mocca

Mocca is a twenty-two year old gelding. He lives with us since 12 years after his previous owner (a small farmer) passed away.

Mocca is tall, beautiful, his clear brown fur is especially fine and soft. His nature is incredibly gentle and calm. A touching deep sadness emanated from him for a long time.

We noticed right from the beginning that Mocca liked to walk, but only slowly and in small steps. Unhealthy fur, an exhausted expression and a generally reduced behaviour indicated that he had years full of lacks. A first vitamin and mineral cure strengthened him.

With the financial support of his godparents Albrecht and Gabriele, we also consulted an animal communicator who confirmed our suspicions: Mocca must have suffered a lot before he came to us. Tied up by his legs (hobbles), he was exposed to the sun or confined to a small space. He lacked food and water and was very lonely. He had to plough, pull carriages, carry loads. All that is over now for a good while. Peace has returned. Only the suffering in the young years had its consequences.

At our donkey shelter, apart from the good food, it was above all the donkey ladies that soon awakened his spirits. He loved donkey Margarida, who has since died. She gave him orientation and support. Her place was soon taken by Isabella, a ten-year-old mare who is with us since two years. The two were very close to each other. But since Mocca's health has deteriorated and Isabella's youth has awakened, stimulated by the group of younger donkeys, a distance can be observed. Well, who knows what will happen when Mocca is fully recovered!

Mocca is our calm soul, our much-loved ZEN donkey. People of all ages are allowed to snuggle up to him, babies not excluded. He remains relaxed. When he is near and we are in contact with him, calmness and well-being set in. Mocca is always present without imposing himself.

Mocca shares his life with the donkey seniors Romano, Jeco and Emil. He is allowed to go his own way, which he seems to enjoy very much. He likes to keep to himself, but is usually close to the action. He clearly shows what he wants and what he doesn't want, and does so with great vigour. Full body massages are very popular with him.

Mocca's medical history

With Mocca it was noticeable that he walked on the front left hoof tip, at the same time, he lied often and conspicuously long. A tendon muscle has shortened. the assumptions about the cause are fetlock joint or tendon injuries.

Vet Manuel Lamas prescribed an orthopaedic horseshoe. This was adjusted several times by blacksmith Herbert to bring the tendon more and more into its original position. At the same time he was treated physiotherapeutically by Irmela Kuhn and osteopathically by Ruth Mayer.

However, the last visit of the vet made it clear that there has been no significant improvement. It is now urgent to prevent further damage. Both front legs were x-rayed. Veterinary surgeon Dr. Luis Lamas from the universitarian veterinary clinic in Lisbon was consulted. He also noted an arthritic change at the fetlock joint.

The solution is to cut one tendon. This will return the left leg to its normal position. Stronger painkillers during aproximately 3-4 weeks, simultaneously - during 3 month - intensive physiotherapy, targeted movement exercises will make it easier for Mocca to walk.

Luckily we got a very short termed date: Wednesday, 14th December!

Mocca will be hospitalised for 10 Days, accompanied by donkey Isabella.

The arthrosis in the left fetlock joint can be treated with appropriate medication, targeted nutrition and supplements. We have already started with this.

Once back home 5 physiotherapy session and 2 Osthepathy sessions will also ease his way back to health and normality, complemented by a specific herbal diet & supplements. The expenses of the diet are already gratefully in the caring hands of Moccas sponsors Albrecht and Gabriele.

Cost Breakdown

The costs amount to 3500€.

920 - Outward and return donkey transport (244km/trip), maut tolls - 120€ - included

925 - Tendon surgery, medication and Mocca's 10 days hospitalization

185 - 10 Days hospitalization of donkey companion Isabella

200 - 1 Veterinarian consultation at the donkey shelter for to treat the surgical wound

200 - 5 Physiotherapy sessions

160 - 2 Osteopathy sessions

200 - 20h additional donkey care taker hours

600 - Extra improvings in the barn: rubber mat, sawdust, extra straw, stable division

Iam trying to insert the you tube video, again, i lack the crucial knowledge. it is and remains a mystery to me. Here comes at least the link https://www.youtube.com/shorts/nF37PLG2DkU Hope it works!