Filipo´s big improvement

Filipo came to the sanctuary together with her best friend Megara after they were found suffering in Motril, Granada due to a terrible lack of basic care.
Two other donkeys, Diana and Era, came to the sanctuary with Filipo and Megara but sadly passed away because of the very bad condition in which we found them.

Filipo had a hoof deformity called ‘Ballerina Syndrome’. It happens when tendons in the back of the donkey’s limb shrink, which causes the hoof to lose contact with the ground and the donkey looks like it is walking on the tips of the hooves, like a ballerina. This caused him pain and prevented him from walking properly. After a veterinary check, we decided that Filipo needed emergency surgery to offer him a decent quality of life.

The operation involved cutting a part of the tendon and lengthening it enough for Filipo to put his hoof on the floor normally.

The operation has been a success and now Filipo walks normally while getting used to the weekly visit of Guillermo, our vet, who rigorously checks his progress and rehabilitation until he fully recovers. Although he's now back with the other donkeys, he requires daily therapy from the grooms.

Without your help, we would not be able to do what we do daily to improve the lives of donkeys and mules.
Here is Filipo’s ‘before and after’ video, where you can see his huge improvement for yourself!

We can only continue to rescue and care for donkeys with your help, so please continue to support the work of El Refugio del Burrito, as together, we can make a big difference.