The Hope fund gives Domino his looks back for Christmas!

Domino's story is horrific but we are delighted that it now has a happy ending. Savagely attacked by someone as he stood in his field in 2017 he was left with deep lacerations to his belly and shoulder along with facial wounds thought to be caused by a knife and a hammer. The wounds to his body were extensive, but his facial wounds most serious damaging his cheek bone which had to be removed.  All of his wounds healed in time, except an area on his cheek that left a hole through to his sinus. 

The Vet Wound Library Hope Fund is here to help vets achieve the best possible outcome for the most challenging cases.  

Domino's facial injuries were extensive and despite best efforts he was left with a non-healing area below his left eye.

Domino on arrival at the Veterinary Practice prior to surgery to fix his 'hole'.

Domino's long term prognosis was poor on account of the risk of contamination and infection. His head had to be covered at all times to avoid dirt and debris getting into the sensitive area within his nose which could cause serious infection. The wound needed daily cleaning and protection. In addition, Domino was susceptible to intermittent infections, often requiring treatment with antibiotics which could affect his health in the longer term. Despite Domino's owner having raised thousands of pounds to get him healed to this point, there was little hope to fix this wound without specialist surgery. ​ 

It was at this stage that Georgie Hollis, founder of the Vet Wound Library was contacted and made aware of Domino's situation through Domino's Diary on Facebook. Georgie contacted her friend and specialist equine surgeon Dr. Dylan Gorvy BVSc PhD Dipl. ECVS. Dylan is a european specialist in equine surgery and although trained in the UK, is now part owner and head of surgery at Mälaren horse clinic near Stockholm, Sweden. He came up with the plan for surgery for Domino and provided his expertise on a minimal cost basis for the VWL HOPE fund. 

Dylan considered the options to help Domino researching the latest ideas to resolve this challenge. After hosting several teleconferences and discussions with Domino's vets and owner, Tracey, it looked like surgery was an option. Dylan flew over from Sweden on the 1st of November 2018 and he put his plans into place the next day supported by Domino's vets at  Towcester Equine Veterinary practice. 

Domino was clipped and prepared for surgery .The hole clearly visible.

Dr. Dylan Gorvy begins the surgical procedure to replace the missing tissue beneath using layers of periosteum, muscle and skin.

Domino 6 weeks post surgery. The hole is now gone and only a small area left to heal naturally.

The surgery lasted around 3 hours with layers of tissue carefully transposed to cover the deficit. Over the next 4 weeks we held our breath while the healing progressed so we could be sure that it was a success. Now, 6 weeks later we are delighted to share the overwhelmingly positive results. Domino's hole is now gone and he just has a small area left to heal naturally. 

Tracey, Domino's owner had already committed thousands to Domino and all involved felt that it was in Domino's best interests to try the surgery. By funding this case through the Hope Fund we wanted to offer Domino an option for surgery that may not have been affordable or accessible. The techniques required being extremely specialist. We know that many other cases like this exist and have taken extensive recordings of the technique used which we can now use for education and training for others.

Domino has been a fantastic patient throughout and we could not be happier with the outcome. We are delighted to have been able to help him and that at last the ordeal for Domino and Tracey can be put in the past. If you would like to help us do more for cases like this, then please consider supporting our Hope Fund. ​

Domino is finally back to normal in time for Christmas and the New Year. We have been delighted to be able to help such a dedicated owner and such a kind, genuine horse. Thank you to EVERYONE involved for making this possible.