Sparky’s Exam

December 8, 2010

The vet came to remove Sparky’s filthy bandage and examine the wound that had been left untended since September. We were warned that it might be nasty, but truthfully I was unprepared for what I saw. It was a massive area of raw flesh, with bone poking out. My heart broke for that poor baby, left to suffer all these months. It’s just criminal. Sparky was in a panic while he was being treated, because of course he couldn’t know that we were helping him. We are now leaving the leg unbandaged so that the flesh can heal and some skin can form. Then Sparky will need surgery to remove the dead bone. It’s risky to anesthetise a bovine, but we’ll have no choice. In the meantime I have to spray it twice a day with a topical antibiotic, and a natural flyspray to keep insects off of it. In spite of all the frightening things that are happening to him, Sparky let me pet him for the first time this morning. Animals have an amazing capacity to forgive and trust again. I’m so grateful we’re able to help this sweet creature.