Ease the Ache Gift

Bamba was brought to the SPANA centre in Nouakchott, Mauritania, when his owner, Houssein, became worried about his donkey’s rapid weight loss and unsteadiness on his feet. Poor Bamba was so malnourished that his ribs were starting to show through his fluffy white coat. Not only was he weak and thin, but the vets also discovered that he was suffering with hoof issues.

Upon examination, the vets concluded that parasites had caused his weight loss. They explained to Houssein that Bamba had likely ingested parasite eggs while foraging. As the internal parasites matured, they deprived him of the vital nutrients he needed to stay healthy. After examination, the team gave Bamba an antiparasitic injection, a course of painkillers and trimmed his hooves to ease his aching feet. Thanks to the vets’ intervention and some much-earned food and rest, Bamba made a full recovery after a few weeks.