Corolla foal being nursed back to health at NCSU vet school
A young foal that is part of the Corolla Wild Horses on the beach in Currituck County is being cared for at the North Carolina State University veterinary school as it recovers from serious health problems.
Posted — UpdatedBorn June 12 in searing heat, William was just a few days old when he was rushed in the back of Chevy Tahoe to an emergency vet clinic in Virginia.
He was leaking urine into his abdomen and was weak, needing CPR and oxygen.
“He would have probably died within a few hours had they not been there,” said Dr. Tonje Saetra, an equine medicine specialist at NCSU, where William was transferred for more specialized care.
“He was really sick,” said Saetra, who is in charge of the horse’s care. William first had surgery to correct the urine leak, followed by antibiotics and nutrition to nurse him back to health.
“It’s a lot of hard work, very little sleep for the past week,” Saetra said. “But when they improve like this, it’s just amazing to be a part of.”
William is improving every day, she said. He just needs to learn to eat on its own.
The hope is young William will grow up to be Old Bill.
“Coming in barely breathing and barely having a heartbeat, and improving as well as he’s done – it’s great to see,” Saetra said.
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