Issam the horse’s sore mouth
In the heart of central Tunisia, a hardworking horse named Issam plays a pivotal role in the life of his owner, Nejib, a devoted farmer. For over a decade, Issam has faithfully supported Nejib with agricultural tasks, enabling him to provide for his wife and two young children. Issam is more than just a working animal; he’s a cherished member of Nejib’s family.
Nejib grew worried when he noticed that Issam had developed a painful wound on the side of his mouth. When the injury showed no signs of improvement, the owner became distraught, concerned for his horse’s wellbeing and the potential impact on their livelihood. Determined to find help, he took Issam to our member charity SPANA’s mobile clinic, which was scheduled to visit their rural village near the town of Sbeitla.
Upon arrival at the clinic, SPANA’s dedicated veterinary team promptly examined Issam’s condition. They discovered that the cause of the painful wound was an improperly fitted bit, which had been rubbing against the delicate skin of Issam’s mouth. With careful attention, the vets gently cleaned the wound and provided Nejib with thorough guidance on how to ensure Issam’s recovery. They instructed him on cleaning the wound during the healing process, advised him not to use the bit until Issam’s mouth had fully healed, and taught him how to fit the bit correctly to prevent future injuries — breaking the cycle of suffering.
During the initial examination, the team spotted that Issam had slightly laboured breathing, so they also carried out a thorough check-up. The vets examined the horses’ teeth and eyes, and listened to his lungs and heart with a stethoscope. The diagnosis revealed the horse was suffering from a mild inflammation of his airways. The team immediately began a course of anti-inflammatory medication and educated Nejib on how to administer the treatment at home. They also emphasised the importance of providing Issam with ample rest and maintaining a clean, dust-free shelter for his wellness.
For many animals living in remote communities, like Issam, SPANA’s mobile clinics often provide the only source of intervention for otherwise debilitating medical issues. Nejib led Issam home, confident in his ability to better care for his dependable horse. Incredibly grateful for SPANA’s intervention, he said: ‘Without SPANA, we would have no vets to treat our animals. Thank you for all your help.’