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Crosby Stables horse, foal recovering after Falmouth fire

A mare that was badly burned in a fire at Crosby Stables in Falmouth earlier this month is making a comeback after suffering severe burns on 20 per cent of her body.

The fire killed five horses and left the warmblood, Lily, in critical condition. Lily's foal, Bea, was only two weeks old.

The pair have been under the care of the Avon Animal Hospital in the Annapolis Valley, where veterinarians and staff have been watching them around the clock since the fire.

"They had suffered severe psychological and physical trauma," says Dr. Paul Johnston. "They were getting sicker by the moment because of the burns, they were developing fluid in their legs, they were shocked."

Veterinarians used intravenous fluids, antibiotics and painkillers to control the discomfort and itchiness. The heat scorched Lily's eyes, which required frequent treatment.

Adding to the trouble, the stressed mare lashed out at her foal. Johnston says the lasting stench of the fire on the filly — as well as the mare's own discomfort — contributed to her refusal to nurse without sedatives.

The clinic set up a special stall that allowed the foal to remain close to the mare so they didn't lose the attachment they had to one another, and so the mare continued lactating.

Meanwhile, the veterinarians fed the foal with milk replacements, often returning to the clinic at night.

Johnston says the gradual reintroduction of the foal to its mother has gone well and the two are now allowed to be alone together again.

The horses' pulmonary and respiratory problems, caused by smoke inhalation have improved, have improved with treatment. Staff still frequently apply burn ointment and Lily may need skin grafts for her first-, second- and third-degree burns.

"The pain isn't near what it used to be," says Johnston. "They're doing really, really well. But it's a long road ahead."