Mounted Patrol Horse Needs Your Help

One of our police horses (CHAD) has suffered an injury and the medical bills are substantial. We are hoping the public can help with donations.  

Chad was donated to TPD eleven years ago by retired HCSO Deputy Don Hunt.  He is a Thoroughbred horse and was 7 years old at the time of his donation.  At the time of his donation, Chad was very “flighty” and nervous (a typical Thoroughbred).  Chad is now 18 years old and is the “go to” horse for any occasion.  He is great with new riders and does not take advantage of them.  He is also capable of performing complex maneuvers required by advanced riders.  He has taken part in numerous State Fair Training events and has been the top performer.  He has participated in the Police Olympics and has won numerous medals, including High Point Overall.  He is very patient with children at the countless demonstrations that he performs at throughout the year.  This year, Chad was the Riderless horse for the TPD Memorial ceremony and for the State Memorial ceremony in Tallahassee.  Honestly, he is the best horse we have.  As long as a horse is sound and healthy, we keep them on patrol until they are around 23 years old.  Chad has the potential to work another five years. 

Injury:

Recently, Chad suffered a serious injury to his left front leg.  While running, he overstepped with his back leg, and kicked himself in the front leg.  The wound was cleaned and bandaged.  Chad was given antibiotics and minor pain medication.  He was not lame and seemed no worse for the wear.  After a few days, it was discovered that the wound was infected and swollen.  It is not uncommon for infections to occur in horse injuries, as it is very difficult to keep any wounds sterile, especially in the legs.  Although he was given antibiotics, the infectious tissue resisted them.  Chad was taken to Surgicare, in Brandon, for a consultation and ultrasound.

They advised that there was a disruption (tear) in the Superficial Flexor Digital Tendon.  This tear was not serious.  The sheath that the tendon runs through was infected and filled with fibrous tissue.  This was the major concern.  The recommendation was to do surgery and remove the fibrous tissue.  Without the surgery, the infection would have killed him.

Surgery:

Dr. Christie Wimer advised that the surgery was a success.  They removed a large amount of infected tissue and abraded the surrounding tissue to scrape any residual bacteria off.  She advised that she located a rupture (tear) in the Deep Digital Flexor Tendon.  This rupture is more concerning than the one in the Superficial Tendon, as this tendon goes all the way into the hoof.  She left the initial wound open, and left an opening lower down in the leg so it could drain and she could pump antibiotics through it for a few days before she closes it. 

Chad is not out of the woods.  He remains at Surgicare for recovery and he is doing well.  He looks forward to visits from the officers on the Mounted Unit, and has become a favorite with the technicians at Surgicare. 

With all of that said, the Mounted Unit has a very limited budget and all of the horses are donated.  Since the Mounted Unit was brought back in 1995, an injury like this has not occurred to one of TPD’s horses.  The yearly budget for the six horses only covers feed, hay, supplies, routine and small vet emergencies, and farrier care.  The horses are housed at a City owned well field, in a barn that was built totally on donations.  

With the surgery and extended stay, Chad’s hospital bill is estimated to be very high (just over $10K) and any donations would be greatly appreciated.  Donations can be made directly to Surgicare and they can take checks or you can call with a credit card. 

Surgicare

605 E. Bloomingdale Ave.

Brandon, FL 33511

813-643-7177