Curing colic in donkeys – Maggie’s colic

SPANA’s vets examined her and found that she was dehydrated, with a very fast heart rate. She was hospitalised immediately and rehydrated by receiving fluids via a nasogastric tube, and painkillers.

One of the main causes of Maggie’s colic was parasites living in her intestines, so SPANA’s team treated the infestation. After two weeks, she was well enough to go home.

Maggie is a valuable member of El Yousfi’s family, providing passenger transport and helping with ploughing, harvesting and collecting water from the local well. She helps to support him, his wife, five children and one grandchild who all live with him.

To prevent Maggie getting sick again, SPANA’s vets advised El Yousfi to soak any barley she is fed in water, to make sure she has regular dental care, and to treat her against parasites every three months.