Pilchuck Vet Helps Save Horse On Ebey Island Vet Comments: Real Hero Is Operator of Excavator
For Immediate Release
Contact Beth Jarvis
Marketing Associate
Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital
360-568-3113 x 510
August 16, 2010, Snohomish WA – At about 12:00 PM on Monday, August 16, 2010, Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital 
receptionist, Susan Edwards, received an emergency call from Katie Millholland, a horse owner, notifying her she might be in need of emergency services. Edwards contacted Dr. Brandi Holohan, an experienced emergency equine vet, regarding the critical situation.
Red, a beautiful 9-year-old gelding, had just wandered into a deep, ten foot, muddy ditch, part of the Ebey Slough while browsing the rush grasses and blackberries in the oppressive heat of the summer sun.
“There are two big fields in the front and a third smaller field in the back,” commented Millholland, owner of Red. “We usually alternate the boys and the girls between the front two fields which are protected by a very mild fence current, but when we do so, the back field fence is turned off. With no deterrent, Red just followed his nose to the greenest grass and ripening blackberries and spilled over the edge into the ditch. We knew he could be in big trouble if we didn’t act immediately so we called Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital’s emergency equine number and Dr. Holohan responded right away.”
Once on scene, Dr. Holohan could barely see the top of the horse’s head, and after assessing the situation, contacted 911 for further help from the Everett Fire Department. A call was also made to Shane Knaak owner of World Excavating by a friend of Millholland, named Derek Buyer. Buyer contacted Knaak, who just happened to have his excavator on the back of his tow truck for a job scheduled for the next morning.
Dr. Holohan prepared the horse to be loosened from his sticky mire by covering his head with a towel and placing cotton in his ears. Knaak then operated the excavator very carefully and gently, freeing Red from his muddy trap.
“The timing could not have been more perfect,” said Dr. Holohan, as she and Dori Jackson, Red’s trainer, administered care 
to the frightened horse. “It took all these dedicated people to help rescue the gelding, and the best part of the story is that he emerged from his muddy ordeal virtually unscathed. Probably the most he’ll have to deal with is a bit of dermatitis and some sore muscles,” commented Dr. Holohan. “He’s one lucky horse.”
From the newborn kitten to the elderly horse, Pilchuck’s experienced veterinarians provide compassionate and innovative care, tailored to each animal’s individual needs. Pilchuck offers comprehensive primary health care, emergency care, and referral services. Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital is comprised of a companion animal hospital with 24/7 emergency services, an equine hospital and ambulatory service with 24/7 emergency services, and an integrative medicine clinic as well.
For more information on Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital Companion Animal services call 360-568-3113, for Companion Animal Emergency call 360-568-9111, for the Equine Hospital and Ambulatory Services call 360-568-3111 and for Complimentary or Integrative Medicine call 360-568-3112. For an overview of Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital check out www.pilchuckvet.com or call Beth Jarvis at 360-568-3113 x 510.
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