Thousands of working animals are silently suffering from untreated health problems – but many owners don’t realise their animals are in pain.
Horses and donkeys have teeth that grow throughout their lives. In many dry environments, working animals lack access to proper forage, causing their teeth to overgrow and making it impossible to eat. Over time, this leads to malnutrition, weakness, and distress.
Dental issues in working animals are widespread, and the risks are growing. In many regions, severe droughts and food scarcity make it harder for animals to access the forage they need, which increases the likelihood of untreated dental problems. This can lead to painful conditions like ‘choke,’ colic, and even starvation.
Owners may not even realise their animals are in pain, and without access to treatment, their suffering continues. But with veterinary care, this condition is treatable, and animals can live pain-free.
Will you help stop their pain today with a donation to give them the care they desperately need?
Djambar’s Story
In the sweltering heat of Mauritania, Djambar worked tirelessly on his owner Ahmed’s farm – ploughing fields, carrying tools, and transporting crops to market. His hard work was essential to Ahmed’s livelihood. But when Djambar suddenly stopped eating, everything changed.
His ribs began to show. His strength faded. He became weak, withdrawn, and unable to work. Ahmed was devastated. He didn’t know what was wrong – only that his loyal companion was suffering.
When SPANA’s mobile clinic arrived in their town, Ahmed brought Djambar in, desperate for help.
Djambar was in a terrible state. His overgrown teeth had developed sharp points that were cutting into his mouth, leaving painful ulcers and making it almost impossible for him to chew. The little food he did manage to pick up often just fell from his mouth. He was in constant pain and becoming dangerously malnourished.
SPANA’s veterinary team acted quickly. Using a dental rasp, they carefully filed down Djambar’s overgrown teeth to relieve his discomfort and help him eat again. They also treated him for parasites, which were worsening his condition, and gave him nutritional support to help him regain strength.
Without good quality forage, working animals are at high risk of developing painful dental disease. Their owners often can’t recognise the signs, and without access to veterinary care, many animals suffer in silence – becoming weak, malnourished, and at risk of starvation.
With your support, SPANA can reach more animals like Djambar with the lifesaving care they need.
Will you help stop their suffering today with a donation?
How your support could give relief to working animals with dental pain
Dental issues often go unnoticed in working animals, causing them to suffer in silence. But your support can change that. With your help, we can provide vital treatment and prevent ongoing pain for these hardworking animals.
‘[SPANA's] visits are a blessing for farmers like me who live far from the city and don’t have access to regular veterinary care. I rely on my animals to keep my farm running, and their health is crucial to my livelihood. I hope SPANA can come more often to our village because their help makes all the difference. Without them, it would be difficult for me and others here to keep our animals in good condition.’ – Ahmed, owner of Djambar.
Thank you
Your generous donations will be used for projects such as those featured in this appeal and where they are required the most to help animals in need. We would be so grateful for whatever you can give to this vital appeal. Thank you.
To speak to our friendly supporter care team please visit our contact us page and get in touch.