Donkey_talk

What types of places might you meet donkeys in the UK or abroad?

Privately owned, charity owned guardian homes, Donkey Assisted Activities centres, beach donkeys, breeding herds, welfare cases, and working donkeys.

What are the basic vaccination requirements for donkeys?

Tetanus and Equine Influenza.

What is the average heart rate reference range for donkeys?

36-52 beats per minute.

What is the normal respiratory rate for donkeys?

12-28 breaths per minute.

What should be legally required for donkeys?

A passport and microchip.

How do donkeys' ears assist them?

Thermoregulation and increased hearing.

What is a key difference in muscle development between donkeys and horses?

Donkeys have underdeveloped pectoral muscles.

How should you approach a dull or lame donkey?

Assess pain response and ensure you follow proper handling techniques.

What behavioral trait is typical of donkeys compared to horses?

Donkeys may stop and think before moving, whereas horses may react more dramatically.

What response might donkeys display when scared?

They may freeze, fight, or suddenly explode into action.

What does it indicate if a donkey is dull or not eating?

It is an emergency and needs to be seen immediately.

What signifies a potential pain or discomfort in donkeys?

Pain scoring and behavioral changes, such as difficulty eating.

How long does donkey gestation typically last?

11-14 months.

What is hyperlipaemia in donkeys defined as?

Triglycerides greater than 2.8 mmol/L.

What can cause hyperlipaemia in donkeys?

Entering a negative energy balance due to insufficient calorie intake.

What treatment is important for a donkey with hyperlipaemia?

Correcting the negative energy balance and monitoring metabolism.

What type of sedation is appropriate for donkeys?

Similar doses for donkeys but often higher in mules.

What is a common cause of colitis in donkeys?

Dullness, pain, and potential thickening found during examination.

What pain management is appropriate for donkeys with colitis?

Analgesics such as flunixin and paracetamol.

What should be avoided when treating hyperlipaemic donkeys?

Steroids, as they are contraindicated.

What should be done when you see a lump on a donkey?

Be suspicious and avoid starting antibiotics without further examination.

Where do common lumps form on donkeys?

Regions like the sheath/udder, ventral abdomen, axilla, and face.

What is important when performing a castration in donkeys?

To do it early to avoid unwanted behaviors and complications.

What is involved in a closed castration technique?

Crushing and ligating vessels to reduce the risk of hemorrhage.

What could be used for anesthesia in a donkey?

Horse anesthesia protocols, remembering to include analgesia.

What dental issue can lead to hyperlipaemia in donkeys?

Poor dentition.

What is the ideal way to maintain donkeys’ health?

Regular dental care, companionship, appropriate shelter, and dietary management.

What should be monitored in donkeys with laminitis?

Weight shifting, recumbency, and hoof temperature.

What is an important factor in managing laminitis in donkeys?

Avoidance of frog supports and management of sugar intake.

What is a symptom of a donkey with colitis?

Dullness and generically painful behavior.

What happens when donkeys experience stress?

They may reduce calorie intake and increase metabolic requirements.

What kind of milk is better for donkeys than horse milk?

Goat milk.

What can be a behavioral indicator of pain in donkeys?

Sham eating and pretending to be fine.

What condition often develops in hyperlipaemic or anorexic donkeys?

Glandular ulcers.

What is the management strategy for a donkey that is not eating?

Small meals of grass and soft feeds, monitor intake closely.

Why might a donkey's heart rate be important?

It can indicate stress or other health issues when observed outside the normal range.

What assistive measures should be taken during a stressful examination?

Ensure minimal environmental stress and prepare appropriate analgesia.

What anatomy is different in donkeys that may affect treatment?

Narrow nasal meatus despite a large head.

What should be done if a donkey is behaving dramatically during an exam?

Consider pain scoring and possible underlying pain issues.

Why is it crucial to manage a donkey's feet properly?

To prevent obesity-related foot issues and laminitic conditions.

What indicates the need for urine or blood screening in donkeys?

Signs of potentially severe conditions such as colitis or hyperlipaemia.

What must a clinician remember when treating a donkey?

They have a strong self-preservation instinct and may act stoically.

What is the recommended way to approach a painful donkey?

With care, observation of behavior, and consideration of pain response.

Why might donkeys show reluctance to move?

They are stoic and do not want to appear weak to potential predators.

What is a common clinical sign of laminitis in donkeys?

Refusal to move or shift weight.

What is the role of fresh hay in donkeys' diets?

It is essential to maintain digestive health and prevent colic.