When Aldebaran was suffering from a serious respiratory illness, he was admitted to SPANA’s centre in Mauritania for vital veterinary care.
Aldebaran is a five-year-old horse from Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania. Every day, Aldebaran pulls a heavy cart laden with goods and equipment over long distances so that his owner, Yacoub, can earn a meagre living.
Yacoub brought Aldebaran to SPANA’s busy veterinary centre in the heart of Nouakchott because he was worried about his horse’s health. Aldebaran was finding it difficult to breathe. He was also coughing, tired and struggling to walk.
Our vets conducted a full examination and diagnosed Aldebaran with bronchopneumonia, an infection causing lung inflammation and exhaustion. The heavy loads Aldebaran pulls daily had strained his respiratory and muscular systems, making him more susceptible to illness.
It’s important to give horses with pneumonia enough time to heal, as the condition can become life-threatening without proper recovery time. Consequently, Aldebaran was admitted to SPANA’s stables for 15 days so that he would be able to receive the veterinary treatment and rest that he needed.
During his stay, our vets administered antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication to treat his bronchopneumonia. Aldebaran was also given vitamin supplements to boost his general health and to help regain his strength. As part of his care, when Aldebaran was well enough to go home, our vets trimmed his hooves to ensure they were all well-balanced and even.
The vets also advised Yacoub to closely monitor Aldebaran’s health, reduce his workload, and ensure he has plenty of rest and access to fresh water while working.
Yacoub was extremely thankful for the vets’ help. He said: ‘I always bring my animals to SPANA. They treat them in the best way possible.’
Thanks to your support, our vets can provide lifesaving care to sick and injured working animals like Aldebaran. Whether it’s emergency treatment at our mobile clinics, or longer-term care at our stables, you are helping to provide the training, medication and equipment our vets need to transform the lives of working animals around the world. Thank you so much for caring for working animals.
Did you know that you can play a special role in helping sick and injured working animals make a recovery by sponsoring our stables? Find out more about becoming a Stable Sponsor and help transform the welfare of working animals today.