Last month, shortly after learning from the Navy that my son passed away, my Highland pony mare, Sandby Opal was injured by another Highland pony.  She had a draining wound on the inside of her left hock.  As soon as I noticed the injury, I took her down to our local vet and her joint was tapped to make sure that the wound didn't communicate with it, which it did not.  She was sent home on antibiotics, wound treatment protocol and pain meds, which I have treated her religiously twice a day.  She has improved, but as the leg was still swollen and she still had the draining wound, I took her to the vet for a recheck today and he ultrasounded the area and the wound communicates with her tendon sheath.  With surgery to open up the wound and debride all the infected tissue out, she has a good prognosis for a happy healthy life.  She is only five years old.  With continued treatment with the flushing and placing her on heavier antibiotics with continued pain meds and no surgery, her prognosis is guarded on a hope and a prayer. 

Time is truly of the essence in this situation.  

Highland ponies are on the watch list for the endangered species act.  There are only about 70 on this continent and 3500 world wide.  Opal is in the very small number of breedable stock on this continent.  She has a wonderful sweet temperament and is completely true to her breed in conformation and type.  It would be horrible if we lost this beautiful mare. 

I have a lot of pride and normally would not go this route to find a way to pay for this surgery, but with the recent passing of my son, my world is in a downward tail spin that I am trying to get control of.  I am seeking some sort of assistance in helping get funds together for this surgery to give this girl a chance for a long and happy life.  Please help.  Every little bit or small donation helps in the big picture of things.