A premature pony is in need of lifesaving surgery which will cost £6,000. Minxy, a Falabella pony who may be the smallest in the world at 17.6 inches tall, desperately needs surgery to help straighten his twisted legs.
His owner, Joanne Morris, has now launched a desperate appeal to help raise the money needed to cover the cost of the operation that will save his life.
Minxy was born ten weeks ago in St Blazey, Cornwall. Joanne has provided constant care for the sick pony, even spending two weeks living in her car so that she could look after him. She has now moved the pony to her home so that she can continue to provide him with care.
“He needed feeding every half hour and couldn't stand to suckle from his mother,” Joanne said.“
He was around six weeks premature and not fully formed. His legs were severely twisted.'
Minxy has already received some treatment to his legs and now has splints and bandages to help straighten them. This treatment has already cost around £1,600.
“His front legs have become a lot stronger but his back legs will need pinning. He needs a scan which costs £800 a leg plus around £4,000 to operate,” Joanne said. “Without these operations he would not survive. “
Even though he is able to walk with the aid of splints, they are causing pressure sores and if they were to get infected could kill him.
“He is such a strong willed little fella - we want to give him the chance of a normal life.”
Falabella ponies that are born with conditions such as Minxy’s are usually put to sleep due to the cost of treating them. However, Joanne has launched an appeal in the hope that she will be able to raise the money needed for Minxy’s surgery.
Minxy has a Facebook page, which can be accessed at: http://www.facebook.com/people/Minxy-Morris/100002608359841