Many have suffered from neglect before arriving at a sanctuary, and their hooves are proof of that. There are annual or semi-annual vaccinations available against EEE and WEE. Fistulous withers is a condition found in horses and donkeys where the supraspinous bursa (located near the withers) becomes inflamed. The deeper the crack, the more likely you will see pain and lameness as the deeper cracks may become infected or pinch sensitive tissue. Exposure is necessary to minimize the chance of infection. There are several species of mites that affect donkeys, Signs of mite infestations are severe itching, possibly causing the donkey to rub against objects, stamp their feet, or bite at themselves. Tetanus can be prevented by annual vaccinations. 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. Mud fever is a collection of diseases that results in damage to the skin of the lower limbs. The veterinarian will perform an examination in order to accurately diagnose the issue. See a more detailed explanation here. Some cataracts are congenital, while others are acquired. 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. White line disease is treated by debriding the area, exposing the fungus and bacteria to air when oxygen is its worst enemy. The reason why WLD occurs isn’t fully known, but anaerobic bacteria and fungi alongside poor foot hygiene play an important role in the development of the disease. 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). One or … (Back to the top). If that happens, it may cause pain or infections. Treating the crack involves stabilization of the crack and preventing it from becoming dirty or wet. When a UTI has spread to the kidneys it is called pyelonephritis. Hyperlipaemia is a potentially life-threatening condition that is not uncommon in donkeys. Pigeon fever is an infectious disease affecting donkeys and horses. There is also a possibility that obesity predisposes to PPID, but this has not been confirmed. Wet, muddy conditions can exacerbate these issues and is a risk factor. Abnormal foot shape or poor shoe placement. Abscesses of the hoof are commonly caused by the puncturing of the hoof by something sharp that stays lodged within the hoof. In some circumstances it may be necessary to take an x-ray before removing a large amount of hoof wall to check the stability of the pedal bone. If left untreated, the problem can heal and then show up again some time later. In the event that you do not have access to a veterinarian, lancing an abscess is a relatively simple process. Afterward, debridement of the separated hoof wall should occur. The deeper the crack, the more likely you will see pain and lameness as the deeper cracks may become infected or pinch sensitive tissue. We are 100% donor-funded and rely on the support of generous individuals to provide compassionate resources to animal caretakers worldwide. If caught early enough, white line disease is fairly easy to manage. There are many factors that might cause ulcers to develop, including age, sex, temperament, exercise intensity, intermittent versus continuous feeding, stall confinement, high concentrate diets, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, parasites (, Severe febrile diseases (diseases causing prolonged, high fevers), Administering corticosteroids to a laminitic patient (iatrogenic). The white line is the softer, off-white horn that joins the wall horn with the sole horn. transform the quality of life of donkeys in the UK and abroad. West Nile Virus is a zoonotic disease that affects the brain. Low sugar grass hay (NSC content of 12% or less) should be the basis of their diet. Dropped soles or flat feet. The treatment is to remove all dead and discolored material so new healthy horn can grow down. It’s important to be familiar with the behaviors of each resident donkey so you can quickly notice when something doesn’t seem right. Etiology WLD can affect a horse of any age, sex, or breed. White line disease usually starts as a splitting of the hoof wall at the white line or as an infection around the nail holes. Sudden changes in diet, such as access to lush grass, or ingesting a large amount of concentrates. Equine Metabolic Syndrome is most associated with insulin resistance, obesity, and an increased risk of developing laminitis. 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. (Back to the top). Then trim the hair around the abscess, disinfect the surface with an antiseptic, and make a low, small, vertical incision with a sharp and sterilized knife. After handling infected animals, wash your hands, clean and disinfect your boots, and change clothes. Prevention is best! Although it may be difficult to see them, lice are visible. When debridement is done properly, in many cases there is no need for antiseptic treatment. Sadly, there is currently no cure. White line disease may be diagnosed during a routine trimming when a farrier notices a small area of crumbly or powdery black or gray tissue at the white line. There are several commercial, topical ointments that have shown great success in addition to debridement. The most common include lice, mites, and ticks, though there are certainly more. Affected animals may display circling or head-pressing behaviors and show signs of impaired vision, muscle twitches, inability to swallow, paralysis, convulsions, and fever. Copper sulfate is being used here by Mequon, Wis., farrier Red Renchin Among the most common problems farriers deal with are thrush and white line disease. Strangles is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection caused by Streptococcus equi bacteria. (Back to the top), Like most animals, donkeys can become prone to arthritis as they get older. Grass cracks start at the bottom of the hoof and crack upwards, while sand cracks start at the coronary band and crack downwards. White Line Disease is a widening of the white line, or a separation of the hoof wall from the sole. Toe abscesses are common, so protect the donkey’s toe region from over wear. While is is common to see signs of Cushing’s disease in horses in the form of long, hairy coats, and excessive urinating and drinking, it is harder to see these signs in donkeys. The donkey will exhibit signs of lameness. Dirt will only push the crack further apart. Gastric ulcers are lesions on the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. Equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) and equine herpesvirus 4 (EHV-4) both cause respiratory disease when first contracted. Minimizing exposure to wet and muddy environments can help prevent and treat rain scald. Symptoms can include stumbling, falling, weakness, muscle stiffness and tightness, muscle atrophy, and localized sweating. There is an annual vaccination for donkeys. As such, they have different nutrient requirements with significantly lower energy and protein needs when compared with horses. This condition can be caused by traumatic injuries or infectious agents. During treatment, frog supports or heart bar shoes are not appropriate as they could exacerbate the issue. Adult lice are very small and grayish-yellow in color. Luckily, there is an annual vaccination that can prevent WNV. Infections that cause conjunctivitis can be also known as Pink Eye. An abnormally shaped upright foot can be caused by congenital or acquired deformities of the deep digital flexor tendon. The healing donkey should be kept on clean, dry ground until fully recovered. This is not an exhaustive list of everything that can happen to a donkey, but can help you get a sense of what challenges a resident under your care may face in their lifetime. It is important to treat the underlying conditions and associated symptoms. While rain scald can affect the flanks and face, it is particularly common on the caudal pastern if donkeys are in a muddy environment. Treatment involves rest and careful observation to prevent secondary infections. 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 (Back to the top), White Line Disease is when a fungus attacks the white line of tissue that attaches the sole to the hoof. Luckily, lesions are rarely painful, but care must be taken to ensure the hoof stays free of foreign objects and organisms. Removing all the abnormal horn, ensuring good oxygenation to the area and maintaining good foot hygiene may be enough to manage the problem. The treatment used is a drug called Pergolide. To reverse this destruction, simply treat the horse as if it were suffering from a classic founder episode, and restrict the diet to free choice grass hay, salt, top quality vitamin, mineral and amino acid concentrates and water. In these instances, the white line disease will grow out once the laminitis is brought back under control, although it may need additional disinfection if the white line disease is particularly bad. REGULAR VISITS FROM A GOOD FARRIER and chlorine bleach. It is possible to treat a small separation by flushing and bandaging the area, and administering antibiotics and NSAIDs. All of our UK sanctuaries are temporarily closed until further notice. See our FAQs. For some donkeys, the hives or bumps will resolve themselves over a day or two. (Back to the top). In these case, the infection can grow into the deep tissues. Because donkeys evolved in arid, inhospitable environments, their bodies are able to thrive on highly fibrous, poor quality food. You may have to consider a grazing muzzle if they have access to a grassy pasture, as too much high-sugar grass can cause a problem. Isolate any sick donkeys or horses and disinfect their environment. There is a 7-45 day incubation period before signs of the disease are observed. B Gone White Line Treatment is easy-to-use and effective because it’s applied directly to the infected hoof area using a convenient 60cc syringe. Circulatory: Equine Infectious Anemia (“Swamp Fever”), Gastrointestinal: Anthrax, Colic, Diarrhea, Gastric ulcers, Internal Parasites – Large Strongyles, Small Strongyles, Roundworms, Pinworms, and Tapeworms, Metabolic: Equine Cushing’s Disease, Equine Metabolic Syndrome, Musculoskeletal System: Arthritis, Club Foot, Hoof Abscesses, Hoof Avulsion, Hoof Cracks, Hoof Overgrowth, Laminitis, Pigeon Fever, Thrush, White Line Disease (‘Seedy Toe’), Neurological: Equine Encephalomyelitis, Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis, Tetanus (‘LockJaw’),  West Nile Virus, Rabies, Respiratory:  Anthrax, Equine Herpes Virus, Equine Influenza, Lungworms, Strangles, Skin And Hair:  Abscesses, Anthrax, Brucellosis, Dermatophilosis (‘Rain Scald’), External Parasites ( Lice, Mites, and Ticks), Insect Hypersensitivity (‘Sweet Itch’), Pastern And Heel Dermatitis (‘Mud Fever’), Pigeon Fever, Sarcoids, Urinary System: Cystitis and Pyelonephritis, Weight and Diet:  Hyperlipaemia, Laminitis, Obesity. Your feedback helps us make the best resources possible! You may notice a donkey frequently attempting to urinate or notice blood in their urine. 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. (Back to the top), Gastric ulcers are lesions on the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. In addition to a low carb and sugar diet, donkeys with EMS will need daily exercise. They are often associated with disorders that disrupt urinary flow. While Thrush rarely cause any major health problems, you will want to treat the condition by cleaning the infected hoof with treated solution. 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. White line disease is an opportunistic disease, meaning the pathogens take advantage of a weakened or compromised hoof wall, such as hoof wall separation caused by … 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. This condition can present subtly at first, including behavior changes such as dullness and decreased appetite. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Treatment includes the use of anti-coccidial agents, such as ponazuril, and NSAIDs. Here are some common causes of diarrhea: Ensure the donkey receives plenty of fluids and call a veterinarian in order to diagnose and administer proper treatment to the donkey resident. If it is treated very early on with antibiotics, it is possible for donkeys to survive. 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! 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