This week, I’m pleased to share a special update from our teams working in the brick kilns of El Saf, Egypt.
Thanks to your kindness, our mobile vets are reaching working donkeys and mules who urgently need care – animals who simply wouldn’t receive help without you.
Everything you’ll read in this report is made possible by your support. On behalf of all of us – and the animals you’re helping – thank you so much.
Dr Shaaban’s update from El Saf, Egypt
An 11-year old donkey who has worked in the El Saf brick kilns for three years was recently reported to our team after developing a sudden and painful eye problem. He couldn’t open his right eye. It was constantly watering, and he was clearly in severe discomfort.
Close-up of the corneal ulcer before treatment.
When our team arrived, he was nervous and in obvious pain. A full eye examination revealed a corneal ulcer – a serious condition that can quickly lead to permanent sight loss if left untreated.
Treatment began immediately. He received antibiotics to fight infection and medication to ease pain and inflammation. Our vets also applied a specialised treatment called platelet-rich plasma to help speed healing of the damaged surface of his eye.
Medication is carefully applied to fight infection and reduce pain.
But this donkey will need ongoing care, so we took time to train the stockman who looks after him, carefully explaining how and when to apply the eye medication so treatment could continue correctly each day.
Thankfully the donkey improved daily and went on to make a full recovery – with his vision completely restored.
Corneal ulcers are common in the dusty, harsh conditions of the brick kilns. But because of our regular visits, cases like this are becoming less frequent in El Saf. This progress is only possible because of you.
The donkey after his sight has been fully restored.
In another urgent case, we received a call about a working donkey involved in a cart accident. He was in severe pain and bleeding heavily from one of his hooves. When our team arrived, he was badly lame on his left hind leg and visibly shaking.
Front view of the damaged hoof before treatment began.
On examination, we found a deep wound at the coronary band – the top of the hoof – where part of the hoof wall had been torn away. X-rays confirmed a fracture to a small bone inside the hoof. Our first priority was to stop the bleeding and prevent infection.
The wound was carefully cleaned, a firm pressure bandage applied, and the hoof soaked to reduce contamination. He was given antibiotics and strong pain relief, along with medication to reduce swelling and tissue damage.
The team carefully repeat the hoof soak as part of ongoing care.
Over the following weeks, the team provided regular follow-up care including gengle hoof trims to support healthy regrowth, and healing was closely monitored.
Gradually the pain reduced, the wound healed, and the hoof began to grow back normally. Today, he is standing comfortably again, a remarkable recovery from what could have been a life-ending injury.
Amr, one of the Egypt team, with the donkey after his full recovery.
Thank you ♥️♥️
Your support funds our mobile vet teams in the West Bank, Gaza and Egypt, bringing veterinary care directly to working donkeys in desperate need. It also helps 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.
You are helping to care for the donkeys of El Saf, working hard in the brick kilns every day. Thank you.
Thanks to you we are able to equip our vet teams with vital equipment – such as this ultrasound machine. Thank you.