PRINCE of Penzance’s race to glory was nothing short of extraordinary according to those who nursed him back from the brink of death.
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This year’s Melbourne Cup champion horse only underwent life-saving surgery at the Ballarat Veterinary Practice in February after experienced horsewoman Laura Dickson noticed that something was seriously wrong.
Ballarat Veterinary Practice Doctor Nicola Lynch visited the six-year-old horse in his stable where it was discovered he had a twisted bowel. If left untreated, the condition can be fatal. Within an hour of being diagnosed, Prince of Penzance was on the operating table.
Practice Doctor Brian Anderson lead the team which included another surgeon, anesthetist and two nurses who undertook the major abdominal surgery. Horses needed 24-hour care following the surgery and remain in critical care for at least seven days. A full recovery can often take up to six months.
The life-saving bowel surgery came after three rounds of keyhole surgery to remove bones in his front ankles between May 2013 and December 2014.
Dr Anderson said Prince of Penzance was “iron horse” who had continued to beat the odds.
While colic surgery was common in horses, Dr Anderson said there was a perception they will never be able to race as well again.
However, Dr Anderson believed if a horse was given appropriate treatment and care a full recovery was possible.
“They often recover well but that being said we’ve never had one come back and win a Melbourne Cup,” Dr Anderson said. “The fact that he was able to overcome three bone chip surgeries and a life threatening operation and go onto win a race of such international calibre is absolutely amazing.”
Dr Anderson said the team at the practice were “extremely proud.”
“We did our bit but it’s a huge team effort,” Dr Anderson said. “It would not have been possible without Darren Weir’s work training him to get him fit and ready and the incredible work undertaken by Michelle Payne.”
The win came days after the clinic found itself engulfed in scandal following a withdrawal of a horse from Tuesday’s $6.2 million race, part-owned by multiple Melbourne Cup winner Lloyd Williams.
It has been reported by media outlets that Mr Williams planned to sue the clinic for what he claims was ‘negligent' veterinary treatment.The claims have been disputed by the practice who believed the veterinary treatment of the horse was appropriate.
