While performing routine animal birth control and anti rabies (ABC/AR) work in Chungthang in the north of Sikkim, the SARAH team came across a stray mare and her 10 day foal. The foal had a severe injury and was backed up to a power pole, shivering and in shock with a complete flexion of the left hind hock. There was a deep cut 3 inches below the ventral hock. The superficial and deep flexor tendons were severed. According to equine specialists this is a severe debilitating injury and euthanasia or specialist surgery is recommended. Bystanders reported that the foal had been hit by a truck.
Volunteer vet Dr Tim Tolley, Dr Phurba Lepcha, SARAH staff and army personnel were able to catch the foal.
Although it seemed like a hopeless case Dr Tim thought that it was worth trying treatment as the foal was so young and otherwise healthy. They commenced treatment with analgesia and antibiotics. Tetanus toxoid was obtained from the local human hospital. A bamboo splint was made and held in place by modified army gaiters which were found at a nearby army supply shop. 
Once the splint was on the foal was immediately more mobile and started suckling milk from the mare. As there were no facilities to confine it, the foal roamed the streets and when the team needed to give it medications, they were first required to locate the foal and then catch it. Fortunately both mare and foal were very placid and the mare would stand watching while the SARAH team replaced the splint or administered injections of antibiotics.
Miraculously after 5 weeks of treatment the splint has been permanently removed and the tendons have healed. The foal is now able to walk and run normally