We receive an unexpected visit in the valley. An elderly couple from the village of Debren asks the vets in action to help their donkey. Even though this is not on the list of our aid program, we can't say no.

The couple report that their brown donkey Jeff has not gotten up or eaten for two days. Reason enough to set off immediately to check on the middle-aged patient.

As described, we find Jeff lying on the floor, obviously in pain. As is not uncommon in this region, this stable is also small, dark and depressing. We repeatedly emphasize the importance and ultimately also the benefits of species-appropriate housing for donkeys. However, as this example shows, our words often fall on deaf ears.

The examination in the almost spooky darkness confirms our suspicion that Jeff is suffering from severe colic.

Jeff is spread out thin between three families. Unfortunately for him, it means there is no order or consistency in his diet. Everyone feeds him at any time with whatever they have at hand. Abrupt change of diet often results in bad colic. We continue investigating and discover that ignorance means Jeff was fed with rich foods, heavy on sugar, which usually makes matters even worse.

Before we start with the actual treatment, we give Jeff some strong medication against the extremely painful colic.

Fifteen minutes later, we try to get the donkey to stand up - unfortunately without success. After another fifteen minutes it works. Due to the lack of movement and the cold ground, Jeff is completely stiff, swaying and wobbling. Nevertheless, after a while he manages to stand on his four feet. Slowly and with gentle encouragement, we finally lead him out into the fresh air.

Here we can carry out a more thorough examination.

Apart from the colic, Jeff's hooves are also in a terrible state. But we tackle them one by one and take care of his agonizing cramps first.

We continue with the actual treatment; an infusion works wonders in such cases.

It strengthens and moisturizes.

Shortly afterwards, the effects start to show, which Jeff demonstrates with a more confident demeanor. We venture further out - time for a longer walk.

Walks are essential in the treatment of colic. One of Jeff's older caregivers is particularly pleased with the signs of improvement and takes on this important task. Both humans and animals are motivated to work towards recovery.

A few days later, we check on Jeff again. Although he looks better overall, he is limping noticeably when walking. A possible diagnosis: laminitis, which is also due to the irregular and inadequate nutrition.

The poor condition of Jeff's hooves is also not conducive to his general health. We trim them and get them into the right shape. While we are working, we continue to educate Jeff's owner about suitable nutrition so that his companion is spared such suffering in future.

After appropriate instructions, we give him an anti-inflammatory medication for ten days.

If Jeff is lucky, his condition will not become chronic. We are cautious about making any prognoses, especially as it is still too early to do so. However, we promise to visit Jeff again in the foreseeable future and keep an eye on his condition.