Donkeys

Question 1

Difference between donkey and horse parameters (3)

Answer 1

Higher heart rate
Higher respiratory rate (smaller lung field)
Appear anaemic (lower RBC numbers, increased MCV)

Question 2

What is sham eating?

Answer 2

When a donkey takes food into its mouth but doesn’t swallow it

Question 3

Clinical signs of hyperlipaemia (long list)

Answer 3

Dull/lethargic
Inappetence
Halitosis
Ileus
Congested MMs and delayed CRT
Dry/mucous covered faeces
Muzzle and head oedema
Tachycardia/tachypnoea/pyrexia
Ataxia
Hepatic encephalopathy
Recumbency
Death (multiorgan failure)

Question 4

What are the options if an owner can’t afford to treat hyperlipaemia in their donkey?

Answer 4

Euthanasia (as will lead to multi organ failure and death)

Question 5

Further testing that should be considered for a donkey with laminitis?

Answer 5

PPID (ACTH test)
Asinine Metabolic Syndrome/AMS (basal insulin or Karo light)

Question 6

Treatment for white line disease in donkeys

Answer 6

Trim regularly and spray with iodine

Question 7

What disease commonly occurs in donkeys after they’ve had laminitis?

Answer 7

White line disease

Question 8

Problems with castration in donkeys (compared with horses)

Answer 8

Mature Jack often presented
Large testicles
Challenging behaviour
Fat deposits in scrotum
Large blood vessels (need to ligate)
Poor history
Stoic (post op problems recognised late)