Nigel beats septic shock after life-saving intervention

Sixteen-year-old Nigel took a turn for the worse at our Dorset-based Axnoller Farm in December last year.

He was found with a weak pulse, pus pouring from his mouth and brick red mucous membranes, indicating he had gone into shock. He also had a very high heart rate and a temperature.

It was an urgent situation for all at Axnoller Farm – Nigel had been seen happy and healthier earlier in the day. This sudden downturn in health had set alarm bells ringing.

Veterinary surgeon Rebekah Sullivan rushed to the site and conducted an examination, with concerning results.

Becky says: “Nigel had very reduced gut sounds, meaning that his intestines were at risk of going into paralysis. I administered fluids and glucose powders by tube directly into his stomach.”

Next, Becky quickly started intravenous fluid therapy, intravenous antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relief, and placed a dental gag to examine inside Nigel’s mouth.

She discovered that a large volume of pus was flowing from the right-hand side of his tongue.

Becky adds: “It was clear that Nigel would need overnight intensive nursing care and further investigation.

“Once he had been rehydrated and was more responsive and stable enough to walk to the trailer, he was quickly transported to our donkey hospital at Brookfield Farm.”

Under the care of Intern Veterinary Surgeon Emma Norris, Nigel continued his course of antibiotics, pain relief and intravenous fluids.

Thankfully, the next day Nigel had bounced back remarkably. Radiographs of his head, coupled with an oroscope exam – searching his mouth with a camera – had revealed the cause of his suspected septic shock.

“We found a found a deep abscess tract under Nigel’s tongue,” Emma says. “He had developed a major infection secondary to this.

“The abscess tract was flushed daily as he recovered, to prevent food packing, which would impede healing.”

Thankfully, Nigel made a full recovery and has now returned to Axnoller Farm.

Becky says: “It was a real team effort to get Nigel back from the brink of severe septic shock. The farm, vet and nurse staff were all involved in providing a rapid, emergency response.

“This will always be one of my favourite donkey ‘saves’ as he went from being critically ill to fully recovered through the results of timely actions and help.”