Sory the donkey: Healing from painful harness wounds
In many of the countries where Together for Animals’ member charity SPANA works, harness wounds are among the most common conditions seen by veterinary teams. For working animals, these injuries are not only extremely painful but can also become life-threatening if left untreated.
One such case was Sory, a nine-year-old donkey from Kabe, a village south of Mali’s capital, Bamako.
A working donkey in pain
Sory plays an important role in his owner Soumaila’s life, helping him transport firewood from a nearby forest and assisting with agricultural tasks to earn a small income. But over time, Soumaila noticed several small wounds along Sory’s back that refused to heal.
Concerned for his donkey’s health, he brought Sory to a SPANA mobile veterinary clinic, which regularly visits the community.
Expert veterinary care
After a thorough examination, SPANA vets discovered that the wounds had been caused by Sory’s homemade harness. The constant rubbing against his delicate skin, combined with the strain of carrying heavy loads, meant the injuries could not heal properly.
To relieve his pain, the vets administered pain relief and carefully cleaned the wounds with antiseptic. They also gave Soumaila essential advice on how to care for Sory during his recovery.
Preventing future harness injuries
A vital part of the team’s guidance was to improve Sory’s harness to prevent further wounds. By adding simple, locally available padding to make the harness more comfortable, Soumaila could protect his donkey from painful injuries in the future.
Soumaila said: “SPANA are a regular presence in our village. They treat our animals very well.”
Transforming the lives of working animals
Thanks to the kindness of supporters like you, SPANA’s veterinary teams are able to provide free treatment for working animals in some of the world’s poorest and most remote communities. Your support not only eases suffering but also helps to train owners and provide better equipment, preventing avoidable injuries.
Together, we can give working animals like Sory the chance of a healthier, happier life.