Hi, my name is Michelle and I am the fund raiser trying to help my sister Vicki and her beautiful boy Angelo in any way I can.

Yesterday at around 4.15pm Vicki got the phone call no horse owner want to hear

“Vicki, I think Angelo has colic”

Vicki immediately called the vet and rushed up to Angelo who was being walked to prevent from rolling which could cause more damage.

Once Vicki arrived it was very clear Angelo was very uncomfortable. She took his heart rate 56bpm (should be less then 40bpm) and his gums were pale capillary refill took approximately 3-4seconds which should take no more than 2seconds.

Once the vet arrived Angelo was given pain medication and sedation. Vet examined him and was highly concerned with the tightness in the rectal examination and advised us to take him to a Equine hospital. She gave him IV fluid while I got the float ready.

We took Angelo to Ranwick Equine Clinic and once there he momentary appeared to have improved. And we left him there for observation.

We had barley got out the driveway and the surgeon called to say Angelo was in discomfort again and he would like to fully examine him. Upon examination there were some unusual and concerning images and the surgeon decided with my approval to go ahead with surgery.

At around 2am Vicki got the message that Angelo was out of surgery and that around 8foot of dead small intestine due to strangulation had had to be removed.

Today we have been to visit Angelo. He is far from out of the woods still unfortunately.

Post surgery complications has occurred, and there is some unexplained bleeding that the vets are working hard at getting under control. At this stage Angelo’s body is managing it but there is a possibility of another surgery if it’s not improved but that is last resort.

There is still reflux as Angelo’s intestines are not yet functioning. This can still take time and the Vets are tubing this out when he is showing signs discomfort.

This horse has been through so many life events with Vicki and our family and he has been her rock and we will not giving up on him and I want him home.

At this stage we are looking at about $15,000.00 vet bill, however if further complications occur or he needs another life saving surgery, the bill could reach $20,000.00 plus.

We appreciate everyone’s kindness and support.