Working Camels Benefit from Free Veterinary Care

Help in Suffering’s Camel Rescue Centre (CRC) is one of AAA’s partner groups in India. They provide free veterinary treatment for working camels, both at their centre in Bassi and in their mobile clinics.

In May, the CRC treated 402 camels for conditions including colic, dental disease, worm infestations and wounds. They also assisted 280 other animals in need, such as dogs, goats, horses, cows and even rabbits! In addition to their veterinary work, CRC issued 44 cart reflectors, which prevent road accidents involving working camels, and 38 plastic nose pegs, which are more comfortable than wooden or metal ones. 

Two interesting cases stood out, including a camel with a fistula (hole) beneath his right eye and another camel suffering from severe colic.

Case 1

Blacky is a permanent resident at the CRC who is sponsored by AAA. In May, he developed a buccal fistula under his right eye, which describes a hole in the cheek where food can emerge. The team closed the fistula surgically under general and local anaesthetic. The whole procedure went smoothly and, thankfully, there were no complications. Blacky was kept on a soft, liquid diet and provided with antibiotics and painkillers. His wound was dressed regularly. It is hoped the wound will heal completely and allow Blacky to resume life as normal.

 Case 2

One evening, the CRC received a call from an owner whose camel was suffering from severe colic. The team travelled to the camel immediately and found him in a terrible condition. He had severe colic and dysentery and was lying on the ground. They commenced treatment immediately, including fluids, painkillers and anti-diarrhoeal medicines. This helped the camel to feel much better and his owner was extremely grateful. Oral medications were provided for the owner to ensure his camel recovered fully.

Thank you to our donors for allowing AAA to support these vets at the CRC, so they can continue to care for and alleviate suffering for so many working animals.