A five-year-old gelding was yesterday treated for a strangulation wound at the end of its penis that was incurred while in a paddock between Fallon Street and Corrys Road.

Veterinarian Bob Fielding says the injury is similar to the type suffered by horses in the mutilating attacks in 2001 and 2002.

Dr Fielding said the wound appeared to have been made with a rope or cord and the horse had suffered a rope burn abrasion with considerable swelling above and below the wound.

The gelding, Billy, was ridden on Sunday night by owner Jamie Bicsak, 14.

She saw the injury when she went to feed the horse on Monday night, he was noticed to be suffering a swollen penis.

Jamie’s sister Bianca Bicsak also had her horse Buddy, a gelding, in the paddock.

She said the pair contacted Dr Fielding who thought Billy may have been suffering with dermatitis or a bite wound.

“We arranged for Bob to meet us there Tuesday morning and the injury was worse, real swollen and sore,” Bianca said.

“We looked around the paddock to see if there had been something there that may have caused it and Bob said it looked like something had been wrapped around the penis.”

Dr Fielding walked the paddock and did not find any rope or cord that may have caused the injury, but the injury was not the kind you would usually expect among horses.

“It is not the result of a kick where there is a singular blow. It is definitely a constrictive injury,” he said.

“This guy is a lovely quiet horse. I’m hoping I am wrong. I’m hoping this is a one-off incident but it doesn’t appear to be that way.”

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Dr Fielding said Billy had been treated yesterday with ice packs and anti-inflammatory drugs.

“There is no open wound. That is very lucky and we would expect him to make a full recovery.”

Last night Bianca and Jamie Bicsak moved their horses to another location.