They may also lance the abscess and irrigate the wound (any abscess on the face or neck should be treated by a veterinarian to minimize risk of major bleeding). They may also put the donkey onto a ‘drip’ (fluid introduction via the large vein in the neck) and prescribe pain-killers and antibiotics when appropriate. Guinea pigs and hamsters are highly susceptible. Donkeys are particularly susceptible to this condition. Others are soft nodules under the skin, and some start off as alopecia with a crust surface. Isolate any sick donkeys or horses and disinfect their environment. When an infectious agent is involved it is most often caused by Brucella abortus. Glanders. Humans can get scabies or other types of mange from direct contact with mites that cause the condition. There are annual rabies vaccinations to protect donkey residents from this disease. Grass cracks start at the bottom of the hoof and crack upwards, while sand cracks start at the coronary band and crack downwards. It is important to seek veterinary treatment if a donkey resident has Equine Flu as it weakens their immune system, making them vulnerable to secondary infections. Many cases of herpes have been found in the animal kingdom—from elephants to reptiles to fish and even oysters. The disease originated in the western United States, but has since spread through the rest of the country, and even some parts of Mexico. The causative organism is a protozoal parasite called Sarcocystis neurona. Equine infectious anemia, or EIA, is a blood-borne viral disease transmitted primarily through insects, particularly horse flies, deer flies, and mosquitos. Sarcoids can be found on any part of the body but they are most common around the head, eyes, groin, midline, and, axilla (underarms). Luckily, lesions are rarely painful, but care must be taken to ensure the hoof stays free of foreign objects and organisms. Signs of lice include itching and hair loss. Symptoms of conjunctivitis include a reddened, inflamed membrane, and watery/mucousy discharge. Sadly, there is currently no cure. Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Symptoms begin one to two weeks after an infected tick bit and include flu-like symptoms — fever, chills, severe … Protecting your farm; Animal health; Diseases that can spread from animals to humans; Reportable animal diseases; Animal disease surveillance programs; Managing organochlorine contaminants; Chemical residues and contaminants in food-producing animals ; Lead contamination in food-producing animals; Cyanide and nitrate … The practice of breastfeeding or suckling between humans and other species has gone in both directions: women sometimes breastfeed young animals, and animals are used to suckle babies and children. Some cataracts are congenital, while others are acquired. A veterinarian may prescribe pain medicine and give recommendations for trimming the hoof. Be sure to check for these three parasites every time you conduct a donkey health checkup! Major modern diseases such as Ebola virus disease and salmonellosis are zoonoses. It is important to identify the cause, removing the source of pain where applicable. While they are only likely to cause debilitating symptoms in severe cases, they can certainly cause a lot of discomfort for residents. Pigeon fever is an infectious disease affecting donkeys and horses. It is most commonly spread by animal bites, but can also be spread from contact with the saliva of an infected animal through a break in the skin, or by touching eyes, nose, or mouth after touching saliva. Do not try to return it to the ‘correct’ shape, as this could cause lameness. (Back to the top). American Mule Association. The “stoic” nature of a donkey may mean the only signs of colic you observe are “dullness” and an unwillingness to eat. It’s important to identify the cause before further treatment, as it will alter the course of treatment. (Back to the top). Be sure to wear gloves and dispose of these as well, and wash up thoroughly before coming into contact with other donkeys or horses. Fortunately, the number of sexually transmitted diseases is low, and owners are becoming wiser about what venereal diseases are out there and how to reduce the risk of their transmission. Anaplasmosis, previously known as human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE), is transmitted primarily through blacklegged tick bites containing the bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum. This may heal over, leaving a scab, or it may continue to drain for many days. Hoof avulsions happen when the hoof wall becomes partially or fully detached from the foot. Common organisms involved in these issues are. If you take in a donkey with severely overgrown hooves, you should get a radiograph to ascertain whether bone changes have occurred within the hoof. Aging donkeys may also develop senile cataracts. (Back to the top), Thrush is a fungal infection caused by Spherophorus neaophorus. Two things, says zoonosis expert Lawrence T. Glickman, VMD, DrPH, professor of … Unfortunately, cataracts are irreversible once formed. This ultimately causes increased quantities of hormones to be released from the gland. Steroid treatment can help alleviate itching and inflammation. In general, infection tends to be severe in young horses and mild in old ones. Lice infections are very common, and there are a number of donkey-safe treatments for lice, but it’s important to begin treatment early on to prevent infestations before they get out of control. Rabies is a zoonotic disease affecting the brain. Dirt will only push the crack further apart. There are many cause of conjunctivitis, ranging from viral disease to fungal infections. A single testicle should never be removed if the other cannot be located; the animal may remain fertile and this could lead to serious welfare implications if mares and jennies are impregnated. If a donkey or horse remains in a rainy environment, the dorsal (back) surfaces may become soaked with rain, increasing the likelihood of contracting rain scald. Prevention is best! The white line area can become crumbly. (Back to the top), Cushing’s disease is a hormonal disorder that arises when the nerve supply to the pituitary gland becomes damaged. the severity does seem to increase with age. There are a number of pesky parasites that can irritate your resident donkeys. Be sure to change diets gradually, as immediate changes can cause other health issues to arise. Cataracts may appear as an initial grayness, or bubbles or cracks in the lens. There is a distinctive foul odor associated with the infection. If a donkey has experienced chronic limb pain while a hoof abscess has been treated, the disuse of the limb may cause the tendon to contract, pulling the pedal bone into a more upright position. Human–animal breastfeeding has been practiced in many different cultures in many time periods. Dental signs tend to be noticed less in donkeys since many are not ridden and don’t wear a bridle, but this is no reason to neglect this important area of health and comfort. It could also develop into a more serious respiratory disorder if left untreated. (Back to the top). Minimizing exposure to wet and muddy environments can help prevent and treat rain scald. Rolling and pawing at the ground (rare in donkeys, if seen indicates very serious problems), Color of gums or inside eyelid – brick red color is a poor sign, Lack of, or a reduction in the normal quantity of droppings. Call a veterinarian to discuss the symptoms and proper course of treatment. Glanders can be transmitted to humans. The heart rate of a donkey with colic is often increased above their average normal of about 44 beats-per-minute. You may also observe swelling, heat, and pain at the coronary band if there is an infection. Horses can be affected by Western Equine Encephalitis as well as birds and humans. (Back to the top). Washing the eye to remove dirt or a foreign object is a good first step. It is possible to treat a small separation by flushing and bandaging the area, and administering antibiotics and NSAIDs. The disease is more correctly termed ‘Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID).’. If the bursa is un-ruptured and not draining, treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents is recommended. Vesicular stomatitis is a viral disease which affects horses, cattle, swine, and occasionally sheep and goats. Make extra sure that their environment is as arthritis-friendly as can be, minimizing steep grades or long walks to food or water if you can! like, and when you should be concerned. It’s important to identify the cause before further treatment, as it will alter the course of treatment. WHO estimates that at least 2.4 million people are infected in more than 75 countries worldwide, with several million at risk. Laminitis is a serious and sadly common disease affecting donkeys. It affects the sensitive and insensitive tissues in the foot that support the pedal bone. For some donkeys, the hives or bumps will resolve themselves over a day or two. (Back to the top), There are five distinct strains of the herpesvirus that can affect equines. In addition to a low carb and sugar diet, donkeys with EMS will need daily exercise. Reading about health issues does not qualify you to diagnose your residents! Suspect teeth problems if donkeys are ‘quidding’ (dropping partially-chewed food) or drooling saliva. By continuing you agree to the use of cookies. (Back to the top). Like most animals, donkeys can become prone to arthritis as they get older. (Back to the top). Definitely get advice from a veterinarian on the best course of action and in the meantime, try to leave them them alone. On occasion, a crack may run the full length of the hoof. NSAIDs can be used to encourage relaxation of the tendons. Glanders is an infectious and life-threatening disease that mainly affects horses, donkeys or mules caused by the bacterium Burkholderia mallei. Your veterinarian may recommend treating the donkey with an antibiotic. Dietary management of donkeys is especially important as they are prone to obesity and related disorders. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. As if biting insects weren’t troublesome enough for donkeys, it is possible that donkey residents may have a hypersensitivity or “sweet itch” to insect bites. In severe cases, your farrier should work with a veterinarian to make sure that the work does not cause any instability to the hoof. Please consider supporting The Open Sanctuary Project by making a donation today! You may notice a donkey frequently attempting to urinate or notice blood in their urine. Affected animals may display circling or head-pressing behaviors and show signs of impaired vision, muscle twitches, inability to swallow, paralysis, convulsions, and fever. (Back to the top). Although it may be difficult to see them, lice are visible. (Back to the top). If a source includes the (Non-Compassionate Source) tag, it means that we do not endorse that particular source’s views about animals, even if some of their insights are valuable from a care perspective. An abnormally shaped upright foot can be caused by congenital or acquired deformities of the deep digital flexor tendon. You may want to isolate the donkey depending on the abscess size or location for this time period. Pancreatitis – very serious inflammation of the pancreas. After handling infected animals, wash your hands, clean and disinfect your boots, and change clothes. If you suspect a donkey resident may have EMS, call your veterinarian. Although sarcoids are benign, they can can grow and become infected. You can start by applying a poultice – heated, moist cloth to the site of the abscess. Dental Disease: Dentition in donkeys is very similar to horses though the eruption times of teeth tend to be later. Rain scald appears as small, crusty lumps, causing hair to stand up. Third eyelid moving – leading to vision issues. The most form of the disease are lethal, and it affects both human and other animals. Carnivores may become infected by eating infected meat. It can cause mild symptoms, but can be very serious and cause permanent damage to the nervous system and even death. Dietary management of donkeys is especially important as they are prone to obesity and related disorders. Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. or its licensors or contributors. Vaccinate against VEE as recommended by your veterinarian. As such, they have different nutrient requirements with significantly lower energy and protein needs when compared with horses. Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis is a neurological condition affecting donkeys and other equines. Depending on the findings of the examination, the veterinarian may decide to introduce fluids into the donkey’s stomach via a tube inserted into a nostril. Treatment for arthritis differs depending on the root cause, so if you believe that a donkey is suffering from arthritis, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian. Diets high in concentrates, fruits, and lush grass can cause issues. They may also need a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement, on a veterinarian’s recommendation. Be sure to closely monitor their appetite and communicate with your veterinarian if they are not eating. (Back to the top). On occasion, a crack may run the full length of the hoof. Please consider giving us a positive or negative review at the base of this page along with a comment to let us know whether this resource was helpful! Photosensitisation/Sunburn associated with liver disease or certain plants, Immune-mediated disease of the blood vessels, Abscesses, sores, and/or draining pus along the midline. There are annual rabies vaccinations to protect donkey residents from this disease. This condition can present subtly at first, including behavior changes such as dullness and decreased appetite. You may also observe swelling, heat, and pain at the coronary band if there is an infection. Affected donkeys typically do not give this disease to other animals or humans, but it can be spread by cows, goats, wild pigs, sheep, deer, and related animals to horses, donkeys, and humans. To treat, shave or clip the affected area, apply diluted antiseptic, and leave the afflicted area open to the air to dry. Be sure to check for these three parasites every time you conduct a donkey health checkup! If the insulin level tests high, your veterinarian may confirm the diagnosis with a Combined Glucose-Insulin Test. Consult your, Pick up manure from the paddock a minimum of twice per week, Reduce stress and ensure you ‘trickle feed’ the donkey. Feeding donkeys a couple large meals a day may increase the likelihood of them developing ulcers. It is possible for humans to spread the disease through contaminated clothing, hands or equipment, etc. The treatment is to remove all dead and discolored material so new healthy horn can grow down. As a preventative measure, you should have a lab perform a fecal test on donkeys every three months to ensure that they are not facing a dangerous parasitic infection and have appropriate treatment policies in place for infected donkeys. Animals that graze are susceptible to the disease after eating contaminated grass. However, if they are showing signs of laminitis, only exercise them on the advice of your veterinarian. Infections that cause conjunctivitis can be also known as Pink Eye. A single testicle should never be removed if the other cannot be located; the animal may remain fertile and this could lead to serious welfare implications if mares and jennies are impregnated. As a result, there can be a number of causes. Tetanus can be prevented by annual vaccinations. There is a 7-45 day incubation period before signs of the disease are observed. However, if they are showing signs of laminitis, only exercise them on the advice of your veterinarian. Sarcoids are common skin tumors and can be problematic to treat. They can cause inflammation of the brain in both equines and humans. Call a veterinarian to discuss the symptoms and proper course of treatment. Brucellosis in equines is characterized by two conditions, namely Poll evil and fistulous withers: A horse’s poll is the area at the top of the head between the ears and running down the back of the neck. Anaplasmosis. There is an annual vaccination for donkeys. It is therefore important to pay close attention, and alert a veterinarian, Age and Sex: Older jennies (female donkeys) are more at-risk, Stress, such as from concurrent diseases & surgery, Mucous-covered dung or reduced dung production. Unfortunately, the first indication that a donkey may have PPID is a severe attack of laminitis, or if a donkey suffers from recurrent bouts of laminitis. This serious disease can be difficult to diagnose because its signs often mimic other health problems in the horse and signs can range from mild to severe. Although sarcoids are benign, they can can grow and become infected. Donkey populations have gradually expanded throughout the globe, particularly in developing countries. The treatment used is a drug called Pergolide. There are annual or semi-annual vaccinations available against EEE and WEE. The healing donkey should be kept on clean, dry ground until fully recovered. Identifying the underlying cause and treating it is the best course of action. They can cause inflammation of the brain in both equines and humans. When these tissues lose blood flow,  become inflamed, or break down, the result is a painful condition that can be debilitating and sometimes fatal. Vaccinate donkeys routinely based on your veterinarian’s recommendations. (Back to the top), Sarcoids are common skin tumors and can be problematic to treat. These progress to white or grey opacity, preventing light from being reflected from the retina. If you suspect an abscess, call a veterinarian to diagnose it. A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is any disease that is spread primarily by sexual contact. 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