Theban Hills from the terrace

Despite us not having many patients at ACE today, partly due to Ramadan and partly the heat, we did have an emergency case arrive just before lunch.

A small Halwa (Part motorbike and part truck) sped in through the gates with 5 children sitting in the back. I stopped what I was doing, as I didn't see an animal, which tells me that there is an animal with a very serious problem.

A baby donkey was laid down in the back, motionless and staring blankly into the air. I recognised the bandages tied on the back legs almost the same time as Zofia, one of our 6 month vets, exclaimed 'It's Sally'

I had only asked about Sally, a previous patient of ours, half an hour previous to her arrival. She had been sent home 3 days ago, as her wounds to her legs were healing and she was fit and well. Now, she was back.

She became frantic and tried to stand, but was unable to. We all felt anger and despair, as she seemed to be in a very bad way indeed. One of the children told us that 'Someone' had tried to ride her! She is possibly just 6/8 weeks old!
We never get the full story from the people that bring the animals in and have to piece things together, bit by bit and treat on the here and now instead of the history you would normally get in the UK or any other European Country.

She was unable to see, unable to hear and could not stand, it seemed she had suffered trauma and we did not know from what. She was extremely hot and had sunstroke as well.

The vets hosed her down to reduce her temperature and immediately set her up on a drip. She was given an anti inflammatory and monitored for 4hrs by Zofia and Alex, both highly competent, experienced and focused vets from Poland.

The sadness at seeing this little lady, who was running and jumping just a few days ago, now in such a critical state, silenced us all. How can children do this to an animal? She has been in hospital 2 times in as many weeks, both injuries had not been accidental.

I left them a few hours ago sitting with her, sedated and with her legs bandaged up. This was so she would not hurt herself if she did try to get up.

In my naivety, I hope that the trauma is temporary and that Sally can survive, but we will know more by tomorrow.

I couldn't take a photograph of her, so I am sharing a quiet moment I had this evening on my terrace, looking to the hills and searching for an understanding of why things like this happen...too often here.

Added Tuesday am...Poor Sally had to be Put To Sleep, she was unable to survive with her injuries. Many, many thanks to all that tried to help her.