Traditional Gestures and Practices in the Management of Digestive Colic in Draught Horses in the Dakar and Thiès Regions of Senegal

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study is to gain a better understanding of the traditional gestures and practices used by horse owners and users in the management of digestive pathologies, in this case colic. Methodology: The study was a retrospective survey in the Dakar and Thiès regions, involving direct interviews with 540 horse owners and users between February 2023 and October 2023. Results: The owners and breeders of draught horses were all men with a variety of professional backgrounds, aged under 35 (69.07%) and making a living from breeding (60.74%).  All the respondents knew how to recognize a colicky horse at an early stage by the first signs of abdominal pain, and feared the seriousness and urgency of this condition, associating it with a significant risk of mortality. When abdominal pain occurs, most of the people interviewed admit to using mainly traditional first aid, and only call in an animal health professional if this fails or if there are complications. Conclusion: Horse owners should be aware of the actions and practices to avoid in order not to worsen the prognosis or risk the life of their horse. They should also involve animal health professionals in a collaborative effort for the health and well-being of horses.