AWOL - Dr Mohammed's FACT FILES
SUMMER SORES
 Cutaneous Habronemiasis
Cutaneous Habronemiasis is its proper name but is rather a mouthful so it is referred to more commonly as Summer Sores. It gets this name because it is a condition that is seen during warm weather that coincides with periods of high fly activity.
The Cause of Summer Sores
House and stable flies infected with the Habronema worm larvae deposit it in fresh wounds and moist areas of horses and donkeys such as the mucous membrane of which the corners of eyes are a favourite. The lave then move down and block the lacrimal (tear) duct which runs from the eye to the nose.
Indications of Summer Sores
The most obvious indications are ulcerated or raised skin lesions that progressively enlarge and bleed easily. The lesion of Summer Sores that we come across most frequently here in Luxor is an ulcerated or raised granuloma (a tumour caused by infection) usually in the top third of the duct from the eye to the nose. The condition is highly seasonal with individual animals being affected and re-infected whilst
many appear to be totally resistant.
Treatment and Control
Initially we treat the animal by flushing the lacrimal (tear) duct which is not as easy at it sounds with strong animals like donkeys and horses. We have to insert a very fine tube into the nasal passage end of the tear duct which can be quite difficult to locate. Once fully cleared treatment with a drug such as Ivermectin given at three to six week intervals is our standard course of treatment to kill any remaining larvae and produce rapid resolution of lesions.
Being mobile AWOL actively searches for the first sign of Summer Sores as when caught early it is very easy to treat. Once the animal has an ulcerated granuloma the treatment can be quite protracted as we have to make surgical debridement of the dead tissue around the area of bleed which then requires frequent cleaning and application of Sudocrem mixed with an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory such as Mastalone. Where possible we mix some for the owner and leave it with him to apply daily but this does rely on him having access to a fridge otherwise the high summer temperatures would render it useless. Wealways visit frequently but we must involve the owner in looking after his own animal.
Donkeys and horses that are susceptible to Summer Sores benefit from the fitting of fly veils which stop the infected flies from landing around the eyes.
AWOL educates the owner to understand the disease and its treatment in a simple but informative way. We take the owners name, address and if he has one the number of his phone.
We always give owners our card so if they have any questions or concerns either he or someone with a phone can call us. By making regular visits to the owners house with additional treatment we are able to ensure that everything is progressing satisfactorily and ensure that he is continuously cleaning to the stable or the area where the donkey stays in order to reduce the number of flies.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Obviously AWOL cannot charge for any treatment so it is your donation that allows AWOL to continue to help these poor people and their animals so please donate whatever you can. To find out how you can donate to AWOL please Click Here.
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