When Oumar the donkey was brought to SPANA’s mobile clinic in Ségou, Mali, with lameness, our vets were on hand to help him get better.
Oumar pulls a cart laden with goods around the rural town of Ségou, in Mali. The six-year-old donkey transports goods so that his owner, Zoumana, can earn a basic income to support his family.
The uneven and dusty roads can make it challenging for Oumar to pull his cart. One morning, when they were due to start work, Zoumana noticed that Oumar could not put his full weight on his left back leg. Zoumana was concerned that his donkey could be seriously injured, so he took Oumar to SPANA’s mobile clinic.
At the clinic, our vets examined Oumar’s leg carefully. They checked for signs of fracture or injury and made sure that his hoof was free from foreign material. Thankfully, all the checks were clear. Oumar was diagnosed with muscle strain due to pulling his cart, and the vets administered an anti-inflammatory injection. Zoumana was given some pain relief medication to continue Oumar’s treatment at home. He was advised that Oumar would need plenty of rest for the next few days. The team also spent time explaining to Zoumana how to prevent injuries in future by making sure Oumar’s cart was evenly loaded.
Zoumana was relieved and thankful that SPANA vets had been able to help Oumar. He said: ‘Thank you, SPANA. Oumar helps me transport my goods. I would not be able to work without him.’
Across the world, millions of working animals like Oumar provide vital support to their communities. By transporting supplies, they allow many people to access basic necessities such as food, water and medicine. Thanks to your compassion for working animals, SPANA vets are able to make a difference to the lives of these hardworking horses, donkeys, camels, mules, oxen and elephants by treating them if they become sick or injured, and by training their owners in humane care. Thank you for your continued support.
