When Mulatu the carthorse’s worn harness caused an agonising wound, SPANA’s veterinary team in Ethiopia gave him the care he urgently needed.
Mulatu is a 13-year-old carthorse from Bishoftu, in central Ethiopia. Every day, Mulatu travels around Bishoftu with his young owner, Chala, transporting goods and helping people get to school, hospital and the market.
Mulatu works in all weathers, in hot, dusty streets. Over time, the horse’s old girth harness started to rub against his skin, causing a painful open wound to develop. Despite Chala’s best efforts, the constant rubbing would not allow the wound to heal. So, Chala took his horse to SPANA’s veterinary centre in Bishoftu for help and advice.
At the centre, our vet team gently cleaned Mulatu’s girth sore and applied a soothing cream. They gave a supply of the cream to Chala and showed him how to apply it so that he could continue Mulatu’s treatment at home. They also told Chala that Mulatu should not wear a girth until his wound had healed completely.
Our vets then gave Mulatu a brand new padded girth harness. They took their time to show Chala how to fit the harness correctly and how to ensure that the rest of his harnessing was comfortable and secure.
Chala was so thankful that SPANA had been able to help Mulatu. He said: ‘I’m living and covering all my expenses because I have my horse. Thank you, SPANA, for helping me live.’
Your continued kindness and compassion for working animals like Mulatu is enabling SPANA vets across the world to relieve donkeys, horses, mules, camels and oxen from the considerable pain of harness wounds. 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 for your ongoing support.
