Outbreak among Gili ponies

As long-term supporters of Animal Aid Abroad (AAA) would be aware, we provide clinics and assistance as needed for the working ponies on Gili Trawangan. Recently AAA was contacted with a plea for help as there was a sudden outbreak of a colitis-like illness spreading through the horses. The animals were seriously sick and a number of them dies from this illness.

Dr Septy from Undikma University in Lombok, and Dr Misha who immediately flew from Australia, worked hard to provide supportive care for the sick animals including rehydration therapy - fluids and electrolytes given through IV, vitamin injections, oral antibiotics and activate carbons. Within a few days, the 19 horses treated began to show improvement. A couple of the horses were refusing to walk, with suspected side effect on the muscles with prolonged dehydration, they were kept in intensive care. These horses are now about to eat, drink and stand but their walk is stiff from the effects on their muscles. It is also suspected from lab results that some of the horses have kidney issues due to the prolonged dehydration.

While test results indicating the cause of the outbreak are still on the way, the outbreak has been contained and managed. Thank you to Dr Misha and Dr Septy, many horses lives were saved.

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