Sad muntjac story

Today we had a very young muntjac deer brought in, we estimate only about 3 weeks old. He had been caught by a dog. He had probably been left, hidden away by his mum while she went off to feed. Unfortunately the dog discovered him and he sustained a bite to his side causing some ribs to be fractured.

Deer of any age are very difficult to deal with as they are so susceptible to stress when in close contact with people. This little one was in deep shock when he arrived and obviously had breathing problems due to his injuries.

He was given pain relief and steroids and was put in a heated, oxygenated incubator in a quiet room. Sadly he died a couple of hours later.

We still have lots of underweight hedgehogs coming in and we are looking after over 100, despite the fact that some people have been taking them to look after until they reach the important 600 gram mark needed to survive the winter.

We hope you all have a great Christmas - please spare a thought for our staff who will be working throughout the Christmas and New Year period in the Hospital, caring for the 170 casualties in our care at the moment, plus any others that arrive over this time.