Changes

Early clinical signs are often vague and easily missed. Due to the predisposition of donkeys to hyperlipaemia, any animal included in one or more of the risk factors should be monitored closely and, ideally, receive preventative treatment.

Early clinical signs are often vague and easily missed. Due to the predisposition of donkeys to hyperlipaemia, any animal included in one or more of the risk factors should be monitored closely and, ideally, receive preventative treatment.

The behavioural changes may be very subtle in a quiet, stoical donkey. To diagnose hyperlipaemia, a thorough clinical examination is required, including serum biochemistry to assess hyperlipidaemia. Hyperlipaemia should always be considered when a [[Donkey - Dull Donkey|dull]] or sick donkey is presented. The donkey owner’s opinion of the demeanour is valuable in detection of these early changes. The condition will progress rapidly if unchecked, to include one or more of the following clinical signs:

The behavioural changes may be very subtle in a quiet, stoical donkey. To diagnose hyperlipaemia, a thorough clinical examination is required, including serum biochemistry to assess hyperlipidaemia. Hyperlipaemia should always be considered when a [[Dull Donkey|dull]] or sick donkey is presented. The donkey owner’s opinion of the demeanour is valuable in detection of these early changes. The condition will progress rapidly if unchecked, to include one or more of the following clinical signs:

[[Image:Mucus-covered faeceas.jpg|right|thumb|250px|<small><center>Mucus-covered faeces (Image courtesy of [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]

[[Image:Mucus-covered faeceas.jpg|right|thumb|250px|<small><center>Mucus-covered faeces (Image courtesy of [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]

• [[Donkey - Dull Donkey|Dullness/depression]]

• [[Dull Donkey|Dullness/depression]]

• Inappetence/anorexia

• Inappetence/anorexia