Gifts in Action
The difference that a vet for a day can make…
Every day the Brooke’s vets treat countless sick and injured animals and give advice to owners - in some cases travelling vast distances to reach isolated communities. Here Dr Mahmoud from Matrouh describes a typical day’s work for him and his team.
Vet: Dr. Mahmoud Redaa El Dien
Assistant : Reda Zayed
Driver: Ishmael Ahmed
7:30am
The assistants check the stock of drugs and equipment in the mobile vehicle and then my team and I set off on the 140km journey to Barany – a village which lies in the desert and has a donkey population of 3,500.
On the way to Barany I receive a phone call from an owner whose donkey had severe colic – an excruciating illness which can be fatal if not treated. I assure him that the team are on their way.
9:00am
In Barany and find the owner and his donkey waiting. I examine the donkey and advise the owner that his animal’s colic could have been caused by a sudden change in diet. I then give the donkey laxatives to treat the colic, and painkillers to relieve his pain.
10:30am
My team and I treat 44 donkeys suffering from hoof and teeth problems and wounds.
We also conduct a training session on colic, and advise owners on how to recognise the symptoms and prevent the illness occurring in the first place.
2:30pm
My team and I set off on the long journey back to the clinic in Matrouh.
4:00pm
My team and I discuss the day’s activities and experiences with our colleagues. It had been a very successful day and we had reached many animals and their owners – all thanks to the kindness of a Brooke supporter.