When Assimi the donkey’s noseband caused a painful wound to develop across the bridge of his nose, SPANA vets in Mali were on hand to provide vital care.
Assimi the donkey supports his owner, Modibo, by transporting goods around their hometown of Ségou, in Mali. Assimi and Modibo have worked together for many years and this work enables Modibo to provide for his family and send his children to school.
Assimi spends much of his time working under Mali’s hot sun. But in recent months, the 12-year-old donkey was finding it increasingly hard to work. Dust, heat and general wear and tear had caused his old, makeshift noseband to rub across his nose and a painful wound had developed. To make matters worse, the constant friction had prevented the wound from healing properly. Modibo realised that the problem was not improving, so he sought help from SPANA’s mobile clinic in Ségou.
Our veterinary team removed Assimi’s rope noseband carefully and inspected the wound. They cleaned it gently using an antiseptic spray and applied a soothing ointment. Modibo was advised that Assimi should not wear a noseband until his wound had healed. Crucially, the vets gave Assimi some soft noseband padding and showed Modibo how to fit it so that Assimi would be more comfortable and to prevent similar wounds from occurring in future.
Modibo was delighted that SPANA had been able to help his donkey. He said: ‘Assimi makes it possible for my children to attend school. SPANA has cared for my donkey for eight years. Thank you, SPANA.’
Your kindness and compassion for working animals like Assimi is enabling SPANA vets across the world to relieve donkeys, horses, mules, camels and oxen from the considerable pain of harness wounds. Inadequately fitted and poorly made harnessing can lead to wounds that can cause misery to working animals if left untreated. Thanks to you, we are able to provide essential veterinary care, distribute comfortable and well-fitting equipment, and train owners how to make and fit their own padded harnesses, so that no animal has to suffer from this avoidable pain. Thank you.
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