Find out how SPANA’s veterinary team in Mauritania provided vital dental treatment for a horse called Dominique.
Dominique is a senior horse from Nouakchott, the capital city of Mauritania. Due to his advancing years and some problems with his eyesight, the 18-year-old horse is only used for light work by his young owner, Sadio.
Sadio took ownership of Dominique four years ago when an illness left his father disabled and unable to work. Sadio, who is 19, is now responsible for supporting his family.
That’s why Sadio was very concerned when he noticed that Dominique was drooling and struggling to eat. He decided to take him to SPANA’s busy veterinary centre in Nouakchott in the hope that our vets would be able to help.
At the centre, Dominique was checked over by SPANA’s veterinary team. Our vets found that Dominique had problems with his teeth and was suffering from malnutrition. The team carefully filed the sharp points on Dominique’s teeth and removed any plaque and accumulated food material. Sadio was advised to add hay to Dominque’s diet to improve his nutrition and to prevent sharp points from forming on his teeth again.
Sadio was relieved that our vets could treat Dominique. He said: ‘I always come to SPANA to receive care for my animal, just as my father did before me. SPANA is not only crucial for the wellbeing of my beloved animal, but it also holds immense significance in my life, since my animal serves as my sole source of income.’
SPANA was formed on 2 October 1923 by Kate Hosali and her daughter, Nina, to help sick and injured working animals just like Dominique. This month, as we celebrate 100 years of working animal welfare, we would like to thank every single one of our supporters who enable our charity to be there for working animals in need across the world. Every day, your dedication, kindness and compassion are making a real difference to the lives of working animals. Thank you.
