A 6-year-old American Paint Horse named Northstar was deliberately doused in an unknown accelerant and set on fire the weekend of Aug. 25 in Crawford County, PA, sustaining first, second, and third-degree burns to approximately 40 percent of his body.
Due to the severity of Northstar’s injuries, he was transported to The Ohio State University’s Galbreath Equine Center on September 5 to be treated by specialists.
Dr. Samuel Hurcombe with Northstar
Dr. Hurcombe reports that Northstar is making progress with baby steps each day as burns heal, and skin grafts plus cell based therapy become possibilities.
© 2012 by Ohio State University
Currently, Northstar is recuperating satisfactorily as reported by Dr. Hurcombe on 9/25 at 10:30 a.m.:
"Northstar is stable and being a wonderful patient. We are very encouraged at yesterday's dressing change in that the area where bone is exposed is almost covered with healthy granulation tissue.
After removing some damaged bone tissue— Northstar was a champion during this procedure— we are hopeful that by the start of next week we should have covered the bone completely. What's even more impressive is that we didn't even need to sedate him for this procedure; he is allowing us to treat his wounds with only bribes in the form of Apple Wafers :)
As always, we are pleased with his progress, and even though baby steps are being made each day, we are seeing real and tangible improvement. His cells are growing in the lab and as each day passes we are getting closer to considering skin grafts and potentially cell based therapy.
We wish to thank everyone for their support of Northstar, but also the team here at Ohio State. It is truly appreciated."
Sam Hurcombe
BSc BVMS MS DACVIM DACVECC
Where he is:
Northstar has been at The Ohio State University’s Galbreath Equine Center since September 5.
Injuries:
Northstar is being treated for injuries sustained in an attack that took place on August 25. Northstar was intentionally doused in an unknown accelerant and set on fire. He received first-, second-, and third-degree burns to over 40% of his body.
Primary Veterinarian
Northstar's primary care veterinarian is Dr. Samuel Hurcombe, BSc, BVMS, MS, Diplomate ACVIM & ACVECC and assistant professor of Equine Emergency and Critical Care at the Galbreath Equine Center. The short version is Dr. Samuel Hurcombe, assistant professor of Equine Emergency and Critical Care at the Galbreath Equine Center
Treatment:
Northstar is receiving intensive wound care for his burns. His treatment plan is reassessed daily as there is no protocol for a horse this badly burned, but he is doing very well. To-date, Dr. Hurcombe and his team have removed most of the dead skin and can see some very good healing taking place. They are also seeing some good response from the wound edges as the body starts to try to close the space where skin is missing, a process called epithelialisation. The healing will be watched closely in the coming weeks to determine when skin graft surgery - a multi-operation process - can begin.
Length of hospital stay:
Northstar is responding to treatment very well, but he has a long way to go to recovery. It is very difficulty to say how long his intensive treatment will need to last.
Prognosis:
Northstar is an incredibly strong horse with a tremendous will to live; getting him to this point has been a victory in itself. He will have future issues, but their severity is unknown at this time.
Funding of treatment:
There has been an incredible outpouring of support for Northstar and his family, and at this point his care is being funded by donors. He does face a long road, though. Individuals wishing to contribute to his future support can visit helpnorthstar.com .
To help other horses like Northstar who need intensive critical care, people can also donate to the Northstar Equine Critical Care Fund at The Ohio State University