MA miniature horse shot, needs prosthetic leg

By News Staff

news@abc6.com

A family in Massachusetts is desperate to help their precious mini-horse recover after being shot.

His owners say the horse, named Max, was shot last week by a random hunter while he was prancing around their property in Acushnet and was badly injured. After a week stuck in intensive care, veterinarians now say that his injuries are so bad Max need a prosthetic leg.

"We’re doing the best we can to keep him comfortable, to give us some more time to see what we can do," says Julie Nightlinger, Max’s owner.

"He’s still happy, he still nickers at you when you walk up. He’s been laying down, you can tell he’s hurt, but he’s a tough little pony. He’s making it through. He’s trying his best. He’s still in good spirits," she continues.

Nightlinger says there are only two other mini-horses in the country that have prosthetic legs and that the cost for the procedure is substantial. She’s hopeful that a local veterinarian may be willing to help Max, maybe even using a an un-tried procedure so they can waive the cost.

© WLNE-TV 2015