A dog attacked deer had to be rushed to specialist vet in Buckinghamshire last night (5 October) by volunteers from East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS).
At about 7.30pm last night (5 October) a Crowborough resident noticed a deer at the side of their house in Coopers Lane. WRAS rescuers were on site within the hour and had the young roe deer contained. One of the organisations veterinary ambulances from Eastbourne was dispatched to help with the deer.
Experienced rescuer and WRAS founder Trevor Weeks attended on site and checked over the deer which was no more than 3ft tall at the shoulders and thought to be an early youngster from this year. "When I arrived WRAS volunteer Debbie had secured the deer at the side of the house and wrapped it in a blanket and was trying to keep it dry and warm. I could smell infection even before I could see the wounds." Said Trevor Weeks.
The deer was carefully picked up and moved into the veterinary ambulance where it was assessed in better light. The deer had several puncture wounds to its rear leg, which were filled with maggots and covered in fly eggs. "The leg had turned various shades of purple, green, brown and black as the injury was quite old and the tissue was traumatised and dying back. I really don't know how this young deer has managed this long in getting around." Said Trevor.
The Roe deer was transported back to East Sussex WRAS's Casualty Care Centre at Whitesmith where the wounds were flushed out, maggots and fly eggs better cleared away and medication given. After discussion with veterinary staff at St Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital in Buckinghamshire it was decided to rush the deer up to their specialist wildlife Hospital for expert care and attention, which is currently not available in this area.
It took about 2 hours to get to the Buckingham hospital arriving just before midnight, where the deer was admitted and given further treatment by the veterinary team. "The rear leg does not look good and may need to be amputated but deer do really well on three legs and St Tiggywinkles has various sites where they can release 3 legged deer onto safe country estates. If the deer had not been spotted it would have died a slow and lingering death due to the wounds and infection, I'm really pleased this was found and we have been able to help it" said Trevor.
Rescuers finally returned home at 3am this morning after working a 19 hour day.
There are quite a few young deer around at this time of year and WRAS is asking dog walkers to keep their dogs under control and only let dogs off the lead if they are controllable and not going to chase wildlife. "These incident quite often happen at this time of year especially as the nights draw in and speak walk their dogs in the dark more." Said Trevor.
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Press Contact: Trevor Weeks, Director, East Sussex WRAS, 07931 523958
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