Donkeys

Question 1

Donkey Behavior

Answer 1

Do not have same fight or flight response as horses: usually freeze until able to observe something new
o Hence reputation for stubbornness
o Lean into pressure, lean against pulling force

Nose twitch: ineffective restraint

Very stoic, difficult to assess illness: likely to be much sicker or more painful

Question 2

Hinny

Answer 2

Male Horse x Female Donkey

Question 3

Mule

Answer 3

Male Donkey x Female Horse

Question 4

IVC Placement

Answer 4

MUCH thicker skin, catheter placement requires jug down
o Jugular vein also more buried under cutaneous colli vs horses, difficult to see distention

Thicker skin also has consequences for absorption of transdermal medications

Question 5

Vital Parameters

Answer 5

o Thermolabile: Body temperature may increase more in hot climate or following exercise than considered normal for a horse
o Similar HR – good indicator of stress or pain
o RR 20-30bpm

Question 6

Fluid Regulation

Answer 6

Desert adapted, fluid balance different: increases in HCT not seen until 30% dehydrated

Question 7

Anorexia in Donkeys

Answer 7

Very susceptible to hyperlipidemia when anorexic: any donkey off feed should have triglyceride levels checked
o Potential for increased risk of fat embolism

Question 8

Drug Metabolism in Donkeys

Answer 8

Higher doses of NSAIDs or shorter dosing intervals to achieve same degree of analgesia as they metabolize many drugs more rapidly than horses
o Esp true of mini donkeys&raquo_space;> standard donkeys

Generally 1.5x horse dose
Horses > mules > donkeys (LJ)

Question 9

Opioids

Answer 9

Will cause excitation

Question 10

Following IM Sedation

Answer 10

Donkeys often lie down if feel uncoordinated

Question 11

Epidurals

Answer 11

Co2-Co3

Question 12

Induction

Answer 12

• Adequate sedation required, often easier due to small size
• More rapid metabolism of ketamine: miniature donkeys will not achieve surgical plan of anesthesia at horse dose of xylazine, ketamine
• Smooth, rapid inductions with propofol
• Slower recovery with alfaxalone: muscle fasciculations, weakness

Question 13

GKX

Answer 13

GKX: 5% GG, 2g ket, 500mg xyla in 1L – 1mL/kg/hr

More sensitive to respiratory depression of GG so donkey GKX = more ket, less GG

Question 14

Endotracheal Intubation in Donkeys

Answer 14

achieved in same manner as horses

Miniature donkeys: potential for hypoplastic tracheas, abnormal airway anatomy

Can be more difficult: caudal angulation of larynx, pharyngeal diverticulum, excess pharyngeal mucosa, long paired laryngeal saccules

Nasal intubation also more difficult DT narrow nasal passage

Question 15

MAC

Answer 15

Similar to Horses

Question 16

Monitoring Depth

Answer 16

• Ocular signs of depth similar but not as reliable in donkeys
• BP = better measure of depth

Question 17

Recovery

Answer 17

• Do not experience same hysteria of horses
• Important to provide analgesia: pain effects quality of recovery
  –Generally not necessary to hand recover
  –Donkeys: lie quietly until able to stand, frequently stand hind end first like cows
• Mules more variable in response to recovery may require mor
  e assistance