Pony in recovery after successful dental surgery

Michael James, the pony, with staff at King Animal Hospital, following dental surgery. (Ralphy's Retreat Animal Sanctuary/Facebook)

After calling on the public’s help for donations, a pony at a local sanctuary is recovering well after a major surgery on Tuesday.

Michael James, the pony, got six teeth removed, one more than the five veterinarians originally thought.

Thanks to donations from the community, the pony was able to get the life-changing surgery he needed.

• Michael James, the pony, needs your help

While he’s not out of the woods yet and will need to get cavities filled later as a preventative measure, that surgery isn’t as urgent as the teeth removal, which the team at King Animal Hospital said went well.

Satff at Ralphy’s Retreat Animal Sanctuary—the pony’s current home—says he was a true champ during the whole process.

“He stayed true to himself and was a little spunky along the way, but he made it through like the little fighter he is,” the sanctuary said in a social media post.

Ralphy’s said Michael James stayed overnight at the animal hospital so staff could monitor him closely and make sure his recovery had a solid start.