Shakira
Shakira was rescued in July 2026 along with other horses suffering from severe neglect and in danger of entering the slaughter pipeline.
From her initial veterinary exam and evaluation are some of the findings:
Shakira is an approximately 10 year old QH-style grade tall palomino with a left hip brand, and body condition score (BCS) of 5/9. Her left muzzle has a significant but old scar. The right eye lateral canthus has mild to moderate squamous cell carcinoma changes that only occupy the sclera without invading the cornea.
Shakira has a massive, ulcerated left fetlock region which is firmly enlarged and mostly ulcerated and scabbed on the lateral aspect. The fetlock joint is largely deformed, with the pastern deviating medially in the frontal plane such that the lateral hoof wall is deflected medially, and it bears the majority of the front end weight when in stance phase of ambulation.
There is 100% loss of range of motion (may be fused), but it is difficult to fully assess as the contralateral right front leg is more painful than the enlarged left.
The right forefoot has an extreme elongation of the toe and underrun heels. Shakira is 4 out of 5
lame on this right foreleg, with top two differentials being dependent-limb founder and/or caudal heel pain exacerbated by neglectful lack of trimming. When at rest, Shakira shifts weight between the right and left forelegs, but places the left forelimb out cranial to her body and does not bear weight on it.
Radiographs were obtained and details show:
Lateral and DV views were taken of the enlarged left fore fetlock and the lamer right foot. A complete diagnostic workup was not done due to her obvious significant level of pain in spite of being given doses of bute in the 2 days prior to the veterinary exam.
Imaging was done with Shakira in lateral recumbency, and as such, no traditional weight-bearing setups were used.
The right forefoot shows a severely elongated toe and neglectful over-long hoof wall and retained sole. There are two dissecting planes of radiolucency cranial to and ventral to the distal P3 bone, possibly indicating air incursion or possible abscesses close to the one.
In both views, the navicular bone has abnormal changes involving irregularity of the flexor surface and an abnormally high medullary radiolucency, indicating cysts, osteolytic changes, and possible pathology involving the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT).
The left fetlock image shows massive osteolytic and osteo proliferative changes to the synovial insertion/attachment locations, the periosteal bone, and destruction of the articular cartilage. This joint was found to be functionally fused in post-mortem flexion attempts, and was fused with bony proliferation in radiographic views. These changes are consistent with a long-standing septic joint.
Shakira was humanely euthanized in a quiet setting with compassion. There is no excuse for what humans did to this lovely mare and how she ended up before we found her and removed her from a no win situation.
More About Shakira
- In Assessment
- Palomino
- Mare
- 2015
- QH Cross
- Colorado