Donkey_talk

Donkey Talk Overview

Date: 29 May 2024Presentation Title: 'It's Just a Donkey - Send the New Grad!'Presenter: Jamie Forrest BVSc MRCVS, The Donkey SanctuaryEmail: vets@thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

Focus

This presentation aims to equip new graduates with crucial skills and knowledge to impress supervisors and clients with a comprehensive understanding of donkeys and effective handling practices.

Meeting Donkeys

Meeting Locations in the UK/Overseas:

• Privately Owned Donkeys: Interactions with owners to understand individual care practices.

• Charity-Owned Guardian Homes: Provides insight into rehabilitation and care for donkeys in need.

• Donkey Assisted Activities (DAA) Centres: Explore how donkeys can facilitate therapeutic activities.

• Beach Donkeys: Understanding the welfare conditions of donkeys used in tourism.

• Breeding Herds: Learn about genetics and breeding for health and temperament.

• Welfare Cases: Assessing the needs of donkeys rescued from neglect.

• Hospital Referrals: Experience handling donkeys in clinical settings.

• Working Donkeys: Discuss the roles of donkeys in agriculture and transport.

Population: Estimated 10,000 - 20,000 donkeys in the UK, which highlights the importance of welfare and appropriate care practices.

Objectives

1. Understand the basic needs of donkeys, which include social interaction, proper diet, and healthcare.

2. Recognize differences between donkeys and horses, focusing on anatomy, behavior, and management needs.

3. Identify common donkey conditions, especially those related to pain response and management techniques.

4. Learn how to properly approach a dull or lame donkey, understanding stress signals and behavior.

5. Understand the procedure for donkey castration, with emphasis on technique and pain management.

6. Discover resources available through The Donkey Sanctuary, including education and welfare support.

Donkey Basics

Health Care

• Vaccinations: Essential vaccinations include Tetanus and Equine Influenza, which protect against common diseases.

• Regular Dental Care: At least once a year, dental check-ups ensure oral health and prevent malnourishment.

• Farriery: Trim hooves every 6-10 weeks to maintain foot health and prevent lameness.

• Parasite Control: Regular deworming is necessary to maintain health.

• Companionship: Donkeys are herd animals; isolation can lead to behavioral issues.

• Legal Requirements: A passport and microchip are required for identification and tracking.

Clinical Parameters

• Heart Rate: 36-52 bpm

• Respiratory Rate: 12-28 breaths/min

• Temperature: 36.5-37.8 °C

Anatomical Differences

Key Features:

• Ears: Play a crucial role in thermoregulation and acute hearing; helpful in finding arterial lines for medical procedures.

• Musculature: Pectoral muscles are less developed compared to horses, making them less suitable for certain injections.

• Tear Duct Position: Variability affects fluid drainage from the eyes.

Size Ranges

• Miniature Donkeys: 90-120 kg

• Standard Donkeys: Approximately 160-200 kg

• Poitou/Mammoth Donkeys: Approximately 400-500 kg

Body Condition Scoring (BCS)

Condition Scores:

• Score 1: Extremely thin, bones prominent and visible.

• Score 2: Thin, with bones easily felt.

• Score 3: Ideal condition where bones are felt under light cover.

• Score 4: Overweight; thick neck with a bulging abdomen, which may indicate health issues.

Behavioral Traits

Donkeys exhibit behaviors that sharply contrast with those of horses:

• Social Creatures: They require close companionship for mental health and stability.

• Stoic Behavior: Often appear stubborn under stress, maintaining a calm demeanor despite pain.

• Self-Preservation: Intuitive with strong instincts; may resist potentially harmful actions.

• Emergency Responses: Food-driven behavior is critical; lethargy or loss of appetite signifies a health emergency.

Important Notes:

• Donkeys can sham eat, which can be misleading; careful monitoring of food intake is essential.

Pain Assessment and Response

Pain Scoring Tools:

• FEPS: Focused on eye/dental pain score.

• CPS: General pain scoring tool.Note: A score over 5 indicates the need for additional analgesic support.

Breeding and Reproductive Health

• Donkeys breed throughout the year; gestation lasts approximately 11-14 months.

• Feeding Newborns: Goat milk is preferred as it closely mimics naturally occurring maternal milk over horse milk.

• Drug Metabolism Considerations: Variation in how drugs are processed; many drugs are not licensed for use in donkeys, and dosages for sedation may be notably higher in mules with rapid onset seen in donkeys.

Health Issues in Donkeys

Hyperlipaemia:

• Characterized by triglycerides >2.8 mmol/L, typically arising from a negative energy balance, necessitating timely intervention.

• Lack of treatment leads to excessive fat mobilization and potential multi-organ failure.

Colitis Management:

• Symptoms include dullness and generalized pain, often lacking clear findings on rectal examination.

• Blood tests might indicate signs of hypoproteinaemia and inflammatory responses indicating underlying health threats.

• Treatment strategies: Ranges from analgesics to antibiotics such as penicillin and gentamicin, adapted according to patient response.

Specific Conditions and Treatments

Dental Issues:

• Prioritize addressing hyperlipaemia before proceeding with any dental interventions.

• Regular dental check-ups and tailored veterinary advice on diet and living accommodations are essential.

Castration Procedures:

• Closed castration under general anesthesia is recommended, emphasizing technique to minimize complications.

• Key considerations include effective analgesia and thorough management during recovery from anesthesia.

Common Conditions:

• White Line Abscess: Managed similarly to equines; involves clearing out the abscess and possibly medical treatment.

• Sun Exposure Risks: Use sun protection strategies to prevent squamous cell carcinoma, particularly in light-colored breeds.