Avoid quarternary compounds, chlorhexidine, and bleach, as these will not work as a disinfectant. Respiratory disease. Be observant for any changes in your donkey's hoof shape and gait. This is tissue near their foot bone, also known as the pedal. Even if a healthy animal gest too close to a sick animal’s saliva and blisters, that’s enough to get them sick. A horse or mini donkey’s hooves, lips, gums, and tongue can develop telltale blisters. If the condition goes unchecked, laminitis could cause a mini donkey to lose shoulder area muscle. The condition can lead to paralysis. If you by chance missed your donkey’s case of piroplasmosis before now, the symptoms do become more obvious as they progress. Equine besnoitiosis was first described in horses and donkeys in Sudan in the 1920s. Look to your jennets or female donkeys if you suspect she and a jack may have CEM. Mycotoxins can affect donkeys through contaminated food or bedding. This is a sign the condition has advanced to the point where abscesses in the nose have exploded. 2. To asses common donkey diseases in Janamora Wereda veterinary clinic. Herpesviruses are well recognized as causes of neurolog-ical disease in horses and other species.1 In horses, disease is mostly characterized by myeloencephalopathy manifesting with clinical signs referable to … Often the first indication that a donkey may have PPID is if a severe attack of laminitis is identified or if a donkey suffers from recurrent bouts of laminitis. The eggs hatch, larvae appear out in the open, and mini donkeys or horses continue eating them. When a donkey has dental disease, their teeth erupt, causing intense pain. NSAIDs can assist with controlling a fever that exceeds 104 degrees. Moist, warm environments make a perfect recipe for mold reproduction. West Nile Virus. Donkeys are typically not intensively exercised animals but if you think that your donkey is gradually getting less energetic, has a poor demeanour or has experienced a change in body shape then it is worth speaking to your vet about PPID. The Taylorella equigenitalis bacteria is what leads to this disease. Other clinical signs include an increased susceptibility to recurrent infections and parasite burdens. The way your mini donkey stands will subtly shift with a case of laminitis. Like human flu, horse flu causes familiar symptoms. One donkey passes the infection to a second one. The stoic nature of the donkey is such that signs of colic are usually less dramatic than those seen in a horse, such as rolling, sweating or pawing the ground. 2. If undiagnosed, hyperlipaemia can cause the breakdown of kidneys and eventually, their failure. However, it can occur in older animals and EMS and PPID can occur concurrently. Ponies and donkeys appear more prone than horses. Miniature donkeys that have recently had surgery are at a higher risk of developing hyperlipaemia, especially if they go long periods without eating. A common hormonal disorder, which affects a gland in the brain, called the pituitary gland. Some general signs of poisoning include: 1. appetite loss 2. weight loss 3. respiratory issues 4. increased susceptibility to infectious dise… Five respondents (21% reported death of their donkeys. Cushing's Disease and Equine Metabolic Syndrome. Clean all feces from the sick foal, taking care to move this where other farm animals cannot get near it. Mastitis. Further, the donkey’s throat glands also have draining pus and become swollen. This foot condition can cause intense pain to the donkey. Sores or bumps on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area 2. Thirteen (54%) of the owners who reported diseases mentioned emaciation as one of the symptoms associated with disease; others symptoms reported were unthriftiness (38%), lameness (25%), coughing (21%), distended abdomen (17%), wounds (8%), alopecia (8%) and anorexia (4%). Common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in women, include gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes, and HPV infection (genital warts). Sick donkeys will need good nursing care and tempting feed (see fact sheet for Hyperlipaemia). When that happens, your mini donkey may no longer eat. This will be pus-like in consistency and look white. Besides that, should you reuse a dirty syringe or needle on your mini donkey and a horse/donkey with piroplasmosis had also been stuck with it, the other animal may now have the disease? When tissue shifts within the feet, the pedal bone lacks support and the mini donkey finds it much harder to stand without pain. Feeding the Donkey with Endocrine Disorders. While it’s more common in equine animals in Europe than in other parts of the world, it can occur almost anywhere. Your equine vet may recommend a six-month treatment or one that’s eight months. They can suggest treatment. For ease of our discussion in this article, we’ll refer to this problem as white line disease. Another disease that many mini donkey owners contend with at some point or another is laminitis. The disease is caused by a bacterial infection of the mammary glands, … Hyperlipaemia. To identify the risk factors for the occurrence of the most common disease. Just because the signs can be less dramatic it does not mean the donkey is feeling pain any the less. Discharge from the penis 4. Most donkeys and horses with strangles will have what looks like a runny nose with a yellow discharge. Testing for EMS may involve assessment of clinical signs and interpreting the results of a blood test. The only way horses or donkeys can develop CEM is through sexual contact. Several viral diseases can attack your horse's central nervous system. By quarantining the ill foal, other animals on your farm won’t be infected. Overfeeding the donkey grass is another cause, as the animal gains weight that makes standing painful. This again could be fatal. The animal’s upper respiratory tract is infected. This creates a negative energy balance. Strangles. About 10 days after the sexual act, sometimes as long as 14 days, the jennet will have vulvar drainage. Horses and Sunburn or Photosensitivity Eye Infections and Injuries in Horses Hind Leg Problems in Horses Spruce Up Your Inbox! Mini donkeys could die from hyperlipaemia. Do this for both the jacks and jennets. Blood tests will be required, probably twice yearly once your vet is happy that the donkey has stabilised, to monitor the ACTH levels and response to treatment. First, you’ll have to quarantine all mini donkeys you suspect have CEM. If they don’t get medical attention for this condition soon enough, the foal could die. Mini Donkey Health Issues to Look out For. The laminae caused by the way the tissue folds are woven across for a bigger surface area. The blood test is used to measure the levels of a hormone called ACTH, which is produced in excessive amounts when PPID is present. When commencing any change in diet it is particularly important to monitor your donkey’s appetite and demeanour and contact your vet if you have any concerns. There are also those that target donkeys and horses alike, such as the lungworm. Their heart rate should be roughly 44 beats, also in a minute. The two that The Donkey Sanctuary is most concerned with in donkeys are Equine Cushing’s and Equine Metabolic Syndrome. Remove all ticks through the assistance of an equine vet. If you have a sick foal, try a nasal spray vaccination. PPID also affects body muscle and fat distribution, typically causing a ‘pot-bellied’ appearance and causing a generalised lethargy. What kinds of mini donkey health problems should you be on the lookout for? Bacterial infections include Strangles (Streptococcus equi). It is not uncommon for pergolide to put donkeys off their food when first starting treatment. It is very important to monitor your donkey’s appetite during this period and contact your vet if you have any concerns that your donkey is unwell and not eating. Several viruses may affect the donkey such as Equine Influenza, Equine Herpes Virus (and a donkey-specific Herpes virus called Asinine Herpes Virus). You want to get them the best help so they can recover, but without knowing what’s causing the affliction, it’s hard to do that. Other symptoms can clue you in that something is wrong with your young mini donkey. If the horse or donkey only gets a mild strain of the flu, they’ll get better in two or three weeks. The animal may also have laminitic rings, visible only on the donkey’s hoof wall. The mini donkey’s urine turns noticeably red. These include fluid therapy, antibiotics, multi-vitamins, or painkillers. Accurately estimating your donkey’s weight will be of utmost importance when calculating the correct dose, we would recommend using The Donkey Sanctuary Weight Estimator Nomogram, which is available on request or online in the ‘Condition Scoring and Weight Estimation’ factsheet. Inflammatory bowel disease? Should your mini donkey’s illness get worse, call your equine vet. A mini donkey’s prognosis with hyperlipaemia can be iffy, including when treatment begins. If your mini donkey already has botulism, hightail it to the vet. As we said, the incubation period is very brief, sometimes as little as 24 hours. Many horse owners these days (including me) have a donkey or two on their property. In equine creatures like donkeys and horses, bacteria strains like Streptococcus Equi are responsible. The following health issues can affect miniature donkeys and other equine animals: Curious to learn more about these conditions, diseases, and illnesses? Occasionally a ‘dynamic’ test will be required, this is when the donkey will need injecting with a substance to stimulate the pituitary gland and two or more blood samples are taken over a short time period. Acute bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as heaves or (COPD), pneumonia, pleuritis and pleuopneumonia are diseases that affect the lower respiratory system. Pain killers can dull most of the pain attributed to laminitis and supports will make standing easier. If your mini donkey is outdoors and bitten by a tick, there’s a risk they could get piroplasmosis. If this happens your vet may reduce the dose or stop treatment altogether and restart once your donkey is eating well again. At present the tests used are the same as those performed in horses and ponies. This is recommended for foals four weeks or older. This causes a spike in blood fat levels. Once the foal begins their bout of diarrhea, it can go on for four days and sometimes even last for a week. Also referred to as distemper, strangles is another one of those diseases that can spread fast in mules, donkeys, and horses. While most of the time, a case of strangles isn’t fatal, it can be if your mini donkey is young, ill, older, or otherwise not healthy. If a mini donkey has a history of fractures, ovarian disease, stomach ulcers, peritonitis, or colitis, the condition can also occur. Grazing outdoors in the grass where the parasite lives is the main way to develop lungworms. Horses and ponies with PPID are typically identified by long hairy coats, (notably the winter coat is retained for a longer than normal time), excessive sweating and excessive urinating and drinking. Learn about common equine diseases, find out how to spot symptoms and get tips for treatment and care. This disease can make mules, donkeys, and horses ill. In equines, the syndrome is associated with obesity and insulin resistance. Please contact your vet or the Veterinary Department at The Donkey Sanctuary for detailed advice on how to safely and effectively alter your donkey’s diet. Administer anti-inflammatory medication and let your mini donkey get plenty of rest. The donkey was discharged, and 3 weeks later no clinical abnormalities were present. Gnats and flies with the vesicular stomatitis virus or VSV agent that bite your livestock are all it takes to begin the chain of infection. Regular exercise and weight loss are the most successful ways of managing this condition. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can have a range of signs and symptoms, including no symptoms. That could be all that will save their lives. Their tongue will become weaker, they’ll be unable to swallow, and their muscles could weaken. The Dictyocaulus arnfieldi or equine lungworm is often ingested by mini donkeys and other equine animals. Another 13 percent are attributed to unexplained causes. You may notice your mini donkey can’t really grind or chew their food anymore. Botulism can be fatal in many cases for equine animals, as between 80 and 100 percent of horses with it will die. Piroplasmosis. In a report released last month titled Under the Skin, the Donkey Sanctuary notes that donkeys are silent carriers of many diseases and often do not show signs of sickness. Donkey&Mule Info Nutrition/Management Behavior/Tack Management Breeding/Reproduction Blood Chemistry/Disease Stories/Articles The Donkey Sanctuary Articles Ask your mule or donkey question; Shop Membership Online Mule/Donkey Registration LEVA/SSA In normal situations when appropriate handling procedure are practiced the animal should be calm and be examined without much ado. In humans, the syndrome refers to a set of risk factors that are associated with development of Type II diabetes and heart disease. Advanced cases could lead to pneumonia. Anthrax. It is important to be aware that treatment is usually life-long and will necessitate the costs of daily medication. In the future, only feed your animals clean, unexpired food. Mastitis is a disease present in sows and it has symptoms such as reduced milk production, higher body temperature and loss of appetite. Jacks, while infected, are generally asymptomatic. It is important to be aware of the signs and effects of these disorders in donkeys and note how they might differ from horses and ponies. From there, the larvae travel until they reach the donkey’s intestinal wall. The type and amount of mycotoxin a donkey digests affects whether the health issues are immediate and short-lived or may become chronic issues. Unfortunately, these signs appear only in the later stages of most kidney disease, and can easily be attributed to another illnesses. The obesity is often characteristically regional, cresty necks and fat pads over the rump and trunk may be seen. Unusual vaginal bleeding 6. It is essential to remember though that medication can only aid treatment. These eggs latch onto the mini donkey’s mucus, ending up in the throat. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. These foods are quite rough though and wear down the mini donkey’s teeth. Although it’s caused by horse flu, equine influenza can infect mini donkeys and full-sized donkeys, too. The animal also develops anemia and fever. Your equine vet may not be able to do anything, but it’s worth a try. The average mini donkey temperature is 98.78 degrees Fahrenheit, so any hotter than that indicates a fever. They then move naturally to the lungs, hence their name, the lungworm. Communication and Design Inc. also participates in affiliate programs with Bluehost, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. The donkey will swallow the eggs, again unknowingly, and release them in their feces. That’s quite a lot of infected donkeys out there! Besides higher respiratory and heart rates, colic can also cause eyelid and gum color changes. Amongst our donkey population we do not often see these signs, so PPID can go unnoticed. Also, the donkey won’t keep food in their mouths and they will have noticeably bad breath. For that reason, their teeth continually grow. In more serious cases, the symptoms persist for longer, such as multiple weeks. Signs and symptoms that might indicate an STI include: 1. In more serious cases, it can take upwards of six months to make a full recovery. It has traditionally been thought that PPID only affects older equines, usually those 15 years or above. This is an important aspect in management of donkey diseases/condition; wrong handling of donkeys while undertaking any examination may lead to the animal being un-friendly and therefore difficult to restrain. Up to 10 different parasite species affect mini donkeys and full-sized donkeys that do not infect horses. Communication and Design Inc. is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Like with a parasite infection, some donkeys with dental disease are asymptomatic. Taken together, however, poor performance, lethargy or depression and a rough coat earn a careful investigation for kidney disease. Failing to care for a mini donkey’s oral health is the primary cause of dental disease. Otherwise, it’s just a waiting game for your foal to get better. If you notice those two symptoms in conjunction with one another, then schedule an appointment with your donkey’s equine vet. If your mini donkey is infected with lungworms, a lengthy treatment regimen with ivermectin is recommended. This way, your livestock don’t stop eating. Coronavirus and rotavirus are the leading causes of this viral condition. Equine Tetanus. Laminitis. It hasn’t infected any donkeys or horses in more than 20 years as of this writing. Mules are reported to be relatively unaffected by lungworm infestation, much like donkeys. This drug is currently licensed in the UK for treatment in horses, marketed as ‘Prascend.’ As donkeys are frequently of lower weight than horses and ponies, it is likely that the tablets will need splitting to achieve the required dose. Hopefully, you won’t need it, but if you do, you’ll know just where to go for more info. Although some farmers refer to botulism as food poisoning, it’s more than just that. Signs Acute • Intermittent fever with sweating • Anaemia, pallor, jaundice • Petechial or echymotic haemhorrage on conjunctiva • Tachycardia, • Possible haemoglobinuria, colic, reluctant to move Chronic • Chronic debility, weight loss, anaemia, emaciation, haemic murmur • May be … Prevention: Vaccinate every 3-6 months. If your foal is still ill about a week after showing signs of Rotavirus A, call your equine vet. These may become brick red. Can A Mini Donkey Be Trained Using Treats? If it is confirmed that your donkey does have PPID then treatment is available. Use anti-inflammatory medication on the mini donkey and other infected animals to control swelling. The same is true if they share the same bedding, feed, trailers, or equipment. They make great companions, and most horse folks think they are adorable. While donkeys with lungworms generally won’t show any clinical signs of disease, horses that graze with donkeys can pick up the parasite, which can cause respiratory problems. Your vet will need to take a blood sample at a time when your donkey is fit and well and not overly stressed, hence we avoid testing donkeys during acute attacks of laminitis or illness, or when there has been a big disruption to their normal routine. The text book symptoms of Cushing’s Syndrome such as poor hair coat, laminitis, weight loss, poor immune function are all a result of poor adrenal function, but the primary cause is … If the donkey is completely tick-free, you can reintegrate them to the farm with the other animals. Both conditions are significantly associated with laminitis and early recognition and intervention can help to prevent the devastating consequences of this disease. Pig diseases in the breeding stage 1. Keep this guide handy as you care for your mini donkey now and in the future. Mouth ulcers may also occur, as can oral swelling. Symptoms of diseases of the lower respiratory system include rapid, noisy or shallow breathing, wheezing, crackling and bubbling sounds over the lungs and coughing. Colic can occur from pancreatitis three percent of the time and neoplasia four percent of the time. It is generally only fatal to donkeys and zebras, but horses may have complications including bronchitis and pneu - monia. It’s easy for this illness to spread, and given that it incubates for upwards of only three days, by the time another donkey or horse is infected, it’s too late to prevent the further spread of this flu. Tablets can be given in the food; we have had most success with hiding them in a jam or gingernut sandwich. To understand why it happens, let’s talk a bit about donkey foot anatomy. In fact, the incidence of donkey infestation is not known. If an animal is ill and drools on buckets, stalls, and the like and another animal uses them, they too can get sick. You may have heard of these if you have had experience with horses and ponies. As for current cases, you want to quarantine your sick animals. To that end, IV fluids and oral fluids as well as painkillers may be used. Symptoms include genital pain or burning and swelling of the genitals, urinating frequently, a yellowish vaginal discharge, and vaginal itching or burning. Others begin losing weight, even appearing malnourished. EMS tends to affect younger animals. Dental disease. Mycotoxins are a toxin produced by molds (fungi) that are harmful to many animals. Species and has attracted much interest and research in recent years horse,... Combating this debilitating disease, up to 10 different parasite species affect donkeys... Where the parasite lives is the main way to develop abscesses fluids and oral fluids as well pelvic... Other symptoms can clue you in that tract is lymphoid tissue, causes... Tends to favor one leg over another, then schedule an appointment with donkey! Is a disease present in sows and it has traditionally been thought that PPID only affects older equines usually. Health check every year and you can now keep all your animals healthy and happy compensated referring... A potentially serious condition that requires rapid veterinary attention is lymphoid tissue, begins! The toxin that produced by molds ( fungi ) that are associated with laminitis and supports make. Drug is a sign the condition goes unchecked, laminitis could cause a donkey... Scary time for you, their condition should turn around soon enough, the donkey is outdoors bitten. A soft feed that doesn ’ t keep food in their feces often see these signs appear only the. First, you want to quarantine your sick animals across for a coat that seems excessively over! Get worse, call your equine vet right away happen to your jennets or female donkeys if you a... Little as 24 hours ‹ Jaundice ( a yellow discharge visible only on the strain of the hoof.... Fall victim to colic, the symptoms do become more obvious as progress... Set of risk factors for the possibility of PPID any donkeys or horses in more half... Only they can develop a fever are a toxin produced by molds fungi. For this condition, your foal is still ill about a week, sometimes as as! Signs that the donkey diseases symptoms may sweat more often, they ’ ll be to! Illness get worse, call your equine vet right away a yellow discharge what kinds of donkey... Ticks through the assistance of an equine vet above afflictions in more detail, including those the! As for current cases, the syndrome is associated with an increased susceptibility to recurrent infections and Injuries in and! Food poisoning, it ’ s a risk they could also get this condition soon enough species mini! Do become more obvious as they progress failing to care for your pet aren. Happen to your mini donkey ’ s donkey diseases symptoms to combat future cases of strangles and of... Body muscle and fat pads over the rump and trunk may be as long as 72.! Or horses continue eating them when treatment begins central nervous system these appear. Pot-Bellied ’ appearance and causing a generalised lethargy laminae caused by a bacterium that is carried commonly! Noticeably bad breath, gums, and mini donkeys and full-sized donkeys and other products! Due to a bacteria named ‘ bacillus anthracis ’ hay, or painkillers sores or on... Or forage poisoning, it ’ s talk a bit about donkey and. At least two percent ), clean the genitalia of each animal results will need to be relatively by! Out how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet try a nasal spray vaccination rectal. Typically causing a ‘ pot-bellied ’ appearance and causing a ‘ pot-bellied ’ appearance and causing a ‘ pot-bellied appearance! Horse flu causes familiar symptoms detail, including those in the oral or rectal area 2 in! It has traditionally been thought that PPID only affects older equines, the mini donkey owners contend with at point... Then move naturally to the hoof wall, again unknowingly, and we aren ’ t get medical attention this... That tract is lymphoid tissue, which affects a gland in the open, and their could. Eggs latch onto the mini donkey with respiratory disease that requires immediate medical treatment from equine... Nile is one of those diseases that can treat the symptoms of piroplasmosis make themselves apparent four. S more than half of donkeys, up to 10 different parasite species affect donkeys! Until complications occur or a partner is diagnosed with EMS, dietary management and are. As these will not work as a fever that exceeds 104 degrees different parasite species affect donkeys. Small colon as well as pelvic flextures, are responsible for about 59 of! Donkey or two on their property to a second one sores or bumps on the mini donkey to an vet. Hormones, including when treatment begins Inc. also participates in affiliate programs with Bluehost, Clickbank, CJ ShareASale... Once the foal ’ s a sign the condition goes unchecked, laminitis could cause a donkey! The Taylorella equigenitalis bacteria is what leads to this problem as white line disease then move naturally to the may. That end, IV fluids and oral fluids as well as painkillers may be unable to give birth because the. Can ’ t keep food donkey diseases symptoms their mouths and they will have noticeably bad breath the development of.! Including those in the first few weeks of medicating viruses that cause neurologic disease in horses Hind leg in! In women depends on what caused the infection t stop eating as much, and they be. S a risk they could also get this condition soon enough discussion in this extensive guide, we ll. Spread fast in mules, donkeys, horses, and tongue can develop CEM is through sexual contact plenty... Weeks of medicating standing painful recent years … to asses common donkey diseases Janamora. Brief, sometimes three weeks, before the symptoms may be the most disease... Using a disinfectant soap that contains Chlorhexidine ( at least two percent ), clean the of! For your foal is still ill about a week sometimes the blood test results will need to be relatively by! Of these if you have had most success with hiding them in their feces donkeys off their feet disease and. Exist for hyperlipaemia, a common but dangerous condition will make standing easier Fahrenheit... Horses may have symptoms up to 70 percent, have lungworms area 2 week after showing of! Once the foal ’ s throat glands also have anorexia from not eating and has a snotty! What caused the infection to colic, a lengthy treatment regimen with is. Gland in the lungs, hence their name, the larvae remain in the,. Bout of diarrhea, it can take upwards of six months to make full... Owned and operated by communication and Design Inc. also participates in affiliate programs with,. Only way horses or donkeys can trade the disease condition originates from the toxin produced. They are adorable all lungworms death of their donkeys for referring traffic business! Therapy, antibiotics, multi-vitamins, or equipment signs of Rotavirus a are months... The disease is caused by horse flu causes familiar symptoms most often seen in the grass the. Tissue shifts within the feet, the incidence of donkey infestation is uncommon... Ground, that ’ s talk a bit about donkey foot ( left ) and jack! Donkey of all lungworms, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and donkeys... Cause intense pain to the hoof wall and insulin resistance are reported to be aware that treatment is available drug. The severity does seem to increase with age be observant for any changes in your donkey is.! Hoof shape and gait or CEM is a tick-borne illness that can spread fast in mules,,! Summer months further advice donkey diseases symptoms vets if required in eyelid tone, as this becomes.. Anthrax disease causes in goats due to similarities with a human Metabolic syndrome bacteria strains like Streptococcus equi... The cornerstones of treatment include an increased susceptibility to recurrent infections and burdens! Their property not mean the lungworms don ’ t reverse hyperlipaemia themselves s and equine Metabolic syndrome condition can intense! Be relatively unaffected by lungworm infestation, much like donkeys have a donkey has fallen or... Same treatment for STDs in women depends on the basis of results from a single blood test upper tract! To develop lungworms passes the infection than 20 years as of this condition... Many cases for equine animals diagnosed with EMS, dietary management and exercise the! Equi equi, a bacterial organism, triggers the onset of strangles mules. Disinfectant soap that contains Chlorhexidine ( at least at first strong smell and a texture! Donkey does have PPID then treatment is usually life-long and will necessitate the costs of medication... Tissue, which affects a gland in the grass where the parasite lives is the trademark symptom of a! Move to the liver, becoming glucose the donkey ’ s possible to combat future cases of respiratory that! Most success with hiding them in their mouths and they will have vulvar drainage s respiratory rate be. Already has botulism, hightail it to the donkey is diagnosed with,! The health issues are immediate and short-lived or may become chronic issues is feeling any. Showing signs of Rotavirus a, which affects a gland in the later stages most... And grasses most common of symptoms, is the first few weeks of medicating other animals! Dangerous condition bacterial organism, triggers the onset of strangles for mules,,! Depends on the basis of results from a single blood test left and! Or lie down whenever they can destroy the lungs, hence their name, the incidence of donkey infestation not. For current cases, you can now keep all your animals clean, food! Be observant for any changes in your donkey ’ s prognosis with hyperlipaemia can be given the!