Molly - Pony
- morethanpethk
- Jul 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 24
HIGHLIGHTS
Foaled 1990 - July 7, 2018 (31yo)
The Incident: August 2005 (at 15yo) - US
The Incident: Molly was attacked by a frightened dog that bit her face, abdomen, and legs; her right foreleg was severely injured and became infected.
The Leading Surgeon: Dr. Rustin Moore
The Outcome: A Success - Molly underwent amputation and was fitted with a prosthesis in 2006. Then the pony stayed at an animal rescue organisation as a horse therapist for people in need until her death in 2018 at the age of 28. Ultimately, she survived for 12 years after the surgery.
THE INCIDENT – August 2005 (at 15yo)
Molly, a Shetland Pony, was stranded in the barn for weeks when Hurricane Katrina hit southern Louisiana in August 2005. She was rescued and taken to a farm where abandoned animals were stockpiled.
After couple of months, Molly was attacked by a frightened dog, who also experienced emotional trauma. The dog bitten her face, belly and legs, her right front leg was terribly damaged and became infected. Veterinarians thought that was it and Molly looked to be on her way to the knackers yard.
Dr Rustin Moore, a veterinary surgeon who led the LSU horse program, changed his mind to give her a second chance. He observed that Molly was smart, she alternated lying on each side to prevent sores, she protected her injured leg. She constantly shifted her weight, and didn’t overload her good leg. She also had a healthy appetite. She allowed people to handle her. She got an iron will to survive.
THE SAVING EFFORT – led by Dr. Rustin Moore
They knew that Molly is a right candidate to overcome the process as she is tough but sweet, willing to cope with pain. Dr. Moore consulted with the handful of veterinarians who had tried the operation, asking about technique and complications before proceeding the surgery.
Mr. Mara, a human prosthetic designer, watched ponies walk to see how their joints bent as they moved, studied horse anatomy and calculated how much weight the limb would need to support.
In January 2006, Dr. Moore and his team of surgeons amputated Molly’s right foreleg just below the knee, fitted her with a hollow cast with a pole for balancing. The operation was a success, it’s their first equine amputation on the horse and with the help of a prosthetic leg.
Molly’s rescuer Kaye Harris, a truly committed and compliant owner is dedicated to providing the daily care required over the lifetime of the horse.
THE OUTCOME
After the operation, Molly was taken to the prosthesis centre. Children with medical conditions like spina bifida who were being fitted with orthotics flocked to her, amazed at the horse who was getting a metal leg.
The prosthetic has given Molly a whole new life, she romps to a new role in life for the community. Kaye shared Molly’s inspirational story, took her to shelters, hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centre, to bring hopes to people in need. Kaye also created her Facebook page, and launched a children’s book ‘Molly the Pony’ in 2012, about her story of survival to inspire people.
She was living for 12.5 years with her prosthetic leg, happily and healthily. She died on 7 July 2018, est. 28yo according to her owner.
Source: LSU Vet Med
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