Mules Receive Much-Needed Care at Special Treatment Camp
Our partner group, Friendicoes, recently organised a much-needed mule treatment camp in Kedarnath, India. This was in response to an outbreak of equine influenza that affected many animals in the region. Prompt action was taken to isolate the affected animals and provide them with appropriate medical care to control the spread of the infection.
In addition to treating equine influenza, the veterinary team also addressed other common ailments including colic, wounds, hoof care and lameness. The camp played a crucial role in ensuring the wellbeing of working animals, offering them timely and comprehensive care. Additionally, the team held a workshop to educate owners about the basic care needs of animals.
Friendicoes treated 1574 animals in May. Some of the issues seen were:
· Colic
· Back sores
· Chest wounds
· Leg wounds
· Head injuries
· Eye injuries
· Ear injuries
· Lameness
· Deworming and indigestion
· Vaccinations
· Respiratory infection
· Abscesses
· Hematomas
· Hoof problems
Case Studies from Camp
Colic:
Presents as frequent lying down and getting up.
Painkillers and fluid therapy were given.
Treatment may involved a stomach tube or rectal enemas.
Medicines provide great relief.
Back sores and chest wounds:
A common injury often caused by saddles.
Wounds were cleaned with antiseptics and dressed.
Tetanus vaccines and painkillers were given.
Leg wound:
Injured on a track due to sharp stones.
Lacerated wound.
Wound was dressed.
Lameness:
Can be caused by injured tendons, joint problems, hoof punctures, kicks from other animals.
Painkillers administered.
Advised owners to rest their animals.
Head injury:
Slipped on a trek.
Lacerated wound.
Wound cleaned with antiseptics and sutured.
Antibiotic, painkiller and tetanus vaccine given.
Hematoma:
Injured by kick from another animal.
Fluctuating swelling.
Hematoma incised and drained out.
Painkiller and tetanus vaccine given.
Hoof Picks and Soft Muzzles
Hoof picks were distributed to owners at the camp so they can regularly clean out the hooves of their animals. The team also issued soft muzzles to prevent animals from eating garbage.
May Rescues
Pony
A pony was rescued while the team were in Kedarnath. He had been abandoned, so was rescued and brought to Friendicoes’ shelter.
Donkey
An elderly donkey was rescued from Pari Chowk. She was rescued and brought to the shelter.
It is only with your invaluable support that Friendicoes can continue treating and rescuing working animals in need. Thank you so much for your compassionate donations, which are creating a kinder world for animals.