Every week, our mobile vet teams travel across the West Bank to reach working animals who would otherwise have no access to veterinary treatment.
Markets are an especially important place for our teams to visit. Donkeys, mules and horses arrive from many different villages, often with health problems that owners have struggled to solve.
During a recent visit to the animal market in Nablus, Dr Rakan treated a young horse with a painful dental problem that had been troubling him for some time.
Thanks to Dr Rakan’s quick intervention, the horse was able to return home comfortable and pain-free.
Work like this is only possible because of your support, so please accept our warmest thanks.
Update from the West Bank
When Dr Rakan examined a young horse at the Nablus animal market, the owner explained that something wasn’t quite right. The horse, around two and a half years old, had stopped chewing properly, and had begun showing behavioural changes.
A closer examination of the horse’s mouth quickly revealed the problem.
This young horse wasn’t chewing well and had behavioural changes.
Although the horse’s permanent teeth had started to grow through, his central milk teeth in the upper jaw had not fallen out as they normally should. Instead, the permanent teeth had pushed the milk teeth backwards where they had become stuck in the gum. This was pressing painfully against the soft tissue inside the mouth.
This close-up of the horse’s mouth shows two rows of teeth – the adult and milk teeth.
Left untreated, problems like this can lead to infections, gum disease, abnormal tooth wear and difficulty eating. Animals may also become restless because of the constant discomfort. To help the horse, Dr Rakan gently sedated him so he would remain calm and comfortable during treatment.
Dr Rakan removed the teeth causing the pain.
He then carried out a small surgical procedure to remove the retained milk teeth that were trapped in the gum. The whole procedure took just 20 minutes.
Once the teeth were removed, the pressure and pain were immediately relieved. The owner was so grateful – he had already spoken to several local vets but had not been able to find anyone who could solve the problem.
A simple 20 minute procedure meant the young horse was free from pain.
For this young horse, a simple procedure has made a world of difference. He can now eat comfortably again and continue his life free from the pain. It’s another example of how Dr Rakan’s expertise – delivered thanks to your support – can transform the lives of working animals.
Thank you ♥️♥️
Your support helps us fund our mobile vet teams in Gaza, the West Bank, and Egypt, bringing vital veterinary treatment directly to working donkeys in desperate need. You are also helping us care for rescue donkeys at our sanctuaries in Israel and the West Bank, where they receive nutritious food, specialist care, and the safety of a forever home.
Thank you for caring for these gentle animals.
Our work helping donkeys, mules and horses is only possible thanks to your support. You help us to fund our teams and also vital equipment – like this ultrasound.
Thank you so much.
Thanks to you we are able to equip our vet teams with vital equipment – such as this ultrasound machine. Thank you.