Thanks to your kindness, our Christmas Appeal has raised an incredible £52,538. That support will make a real, lasting difference to our work in the West Bank – especially with improvements to our Nablus hospital, where we will soon complete our surgical room.
Today I’d like to share Dr Rakan’s story of one young horse called Suzi. Cases like Suzi’s are exactly why the new surgical room at our Nablus hospital is so vital. Having a dedicated, properly equipped space will mean safer surgeries and better recovery for animals who already endure so much.
We’ll be sharing a full update on the improvements at Nablus in the new year. For now, please know that your support is already making such a difference to animals like Suzi.
Thank you for making care like this possible.
News from Dr Rakan in the West Bank
We first met Suzi, a sweet young filly, during one of our regular mobile clinic visits in the West Bank. Her owner told us she had badly injured her front leg after it became trapped on a sharp object in her shelter. He did his best to help her, cleaning the wound and stopping the bleeding, but it was clear she needed our help.
Suzi was in need of care – a growth had formed on the front of her leg.
Because Suzi was frightened and difficult to handle, her owner couldn’t continue treating the injury. Over time, the wound worsened. By the time we saw her, a large, painful mass of hard tissue had formed. It bled easily and made it uncomfortable for her to move.
Wael helped to care for her at Nablus – we provided pain relief, antibiotics and a tetanus injection.
We arranged for her to be transported to our clinic in Nablus for further tests. After an ultrasound, X-ray and examination, it was clear she would need surgery to remove the mass. Wael helped keep Suzi calm as I carefully cleaned and bandaged her wound. She was also given antibiotics, pain relief and a tetanus injection.
Suzi’s operation took place on the floor at Nablus – but soon we will have a fully operational surgical room – all thanks to your support.
A few days later, Suzi was ready for surgery. The operation required slow, careful work, but it was successful. As you’ll see we currently operate on the floor at Nablus – but soon we will have a new surgical room, thanks to you!
The hard mass was removed – and Suzi was able to start healing.
Suzi stayed with us for two weeks, receiving daily wound care until she was strong enough to go home. I’m so pleased to say that when we visited her again recently, she looked bright and healthy, with just a small area still healing.
Suzi up on her feet post-surgery. She stayed with us at Nablus for two weeks to fully recover.
I’d like to finish my report today by saying a big thank you to you, our supporters, for helping to keep all our work in the West Bank running. We’re excited to know we will soon have a surgical room at Nablus to help with cases like Suzi’s – thank you.
Thank you ♥️♥️
Your kindness supports our vet teams across the West Bank, as well as Egypt and Gaza, giving urgent first aid to donkeys, mules and horses who have nowhere else to turn. It also ensures the rescued donkeys in our sanctuaries in the West Bank and Israel receive the daily care they depend on.
Thank you for making sure these gentle animals get the care they need, exactly when they need it.
Suzi’s leg has now fully healed – all thanks to you and the support you provided to Dr Rakan and all our teams across the Middle East. Thank you.