Mukhtar’s painful case of colic
When Mukhtar the donkey was suffering from colic, our member SPANA’s veterinary team in Mauritania ensured he received the vital treatment he needed.
Mukhtar the donkey transports food around Marché Capitale, a busy, sprawling market in Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania. The five-year-old donkey pulls a heavy cart laden with produce so that his owner, Rahi, can support his family.
Rahi became increasingly concerned for Mukhtar’s health when his donkey stopped eating. When Mukhtar showed no sign of getting better and started lying down, Rahi knew he needed help, but didn’t know who to turn to.
Luckily, his friend told him about SPANA and the charity’s veterinary centre in Nouakchott, which provides essential veterinary treatment to thousands of working animals every year.
SPANA protects working animals by vet treatment and help in emergencies.
At the SPANA centre, the veterinary team examined Mukhtar and asked Rahi lots of questions about his donkey’s diet. They established that although Rahi was feeding Mukhtar the correct food at home, Mukhtar was also eating cardboard while he waited for Rahi in Marché Capitale. This cardboard consumption – and not having enough water available while he waited – had caused Mukhtar to suffer from an excruciating case of colic.
The vets treated Mukhtar’s colic with anti-inflammatory medication to ease his stomach cramps and relieve his pain. They then administered fluids to break down the impaction in his gut and help Mukhtar to process his food. The treatment was successful, and Mukhtar started eating again a few hours later.
The vets provided Rahi with advice on the best diet to feed Mukhtar, including stopping him from eating cardboard, and ensuring that he has access to clean, fresh water. Sadly, SPANA vets see many working animals, like Mukhtar, who are suffering after ingesting waste materials such as cardboard and plastic. If working animals aren’t treated for colic in time, their condition can become life-threatening.